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Program Details
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Program Details

Certificate in Practical Nursing Leading to LPN

Certificate
Mountain Empire Community College

The mission of the MECC Practical Nursing program is to facilitate the health of the community. This mission is accomplished through nursing education, leadership, scholarship, and innovative nursing practice. The foundation of these goals is lifelong learning, responsiveness to changing healthcare needs, generation and dissemination of new knowledge, and service to the public and the profession.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Obtain an entry-level nursing position within a variety of healthcare settings.
2. Provide nursing care encompassing the attainment and maintenance of the physical and mental health of clients and groups with multiple chronic conditions throughout the life span in a variety of healthcare settings.
3. Provide focused assessments of client status that includes the use of quantitative reasoning to determine client needs, care, data collection, evaluation, reporting, and documentation of care rendered.
4. Development of working concepts of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and behavioral sciences.
5. Development of communication skills to enhance the nurse-client and interdisciplinary team relations.
6. Develop and provide care based on understanding of the concepts of the ethical and legal aspects of nursing, including Virginia Code of Nursing, client rights, privacy, confidentiality, prevention, recognition, intervention, and reporting evidence of child or elder abuse; roles of the practical nurse; professional boundaries; history and trends in nursing care.
7. Provide care to clients throughout the life span in concepts of medication administration, dosage calculations, and nutrition and diet therapy.
8. Provide client-centered care that incorporates respect of cultural differences, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and client and healthcare setting safety; prevention and appropriate response to bioterrorism, natural and man-made disasters, and intimate partner and family violence; use of critical thinking skills in the implementation of safe client care and care of clients with multiple, chronic conditions.
9. Develoment management and supervisor skills that include technology use, quality improvement and supervision of aides and assistive personnel.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The mission of the MECC Practical Nursing program is to facilitate the health of the community. This mission is accomplished through nursing education, leadership, scholarship, and innovative nursing practice. The foundation of these goals is lifelong learning, responsiveness to changing healthcare needs, generation and dissemination of new knowledge, and service to the public and the profession.
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

An academic advisor will review with students their preparation in Mathematics and English. Students will be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give them the greatest chance of success in this program All identified developmental course needs must be completed prior to admission to the Practical Nursing program.


  • State accredited high school diploma, home school diploma, or GED.
  • For high school graduates/GED recipients with less than twelve (12) transferable college credits completed, the cumulative high school GPA will be used. The GPA for GED recipients will be computed based on the total GED score.
  • Applicants are solely responsible for completing and/or submitting the following items:
    • MECC application for admission to the college
    • MECC Practical Nursing Program Application (Spring Semester deadline is October 15; Fall Semester
    • deadline is June 15. Applicants will be notified of status for admission during the month following
    • application deadline.o A copy of high school transcript or GED scores and any college transcripts must be submitted as an
    • attachment to the Application for Practical Nursing online program application.
    • It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure the application file is complete and all supporting
    • documents have been uploaded as part of the online program application.
    • A copy of TEAS testing scoring sheet must be uploaded with the online application.
    • Completion of an online Practical Nursing Program Application is required for each academic year for
    • which the applicant is interested in being considered.

    Considerations When Selecting Courses

    An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program. All identified developmental course needs must be completed prior to admission to the Practical Nursing program.

    • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
    • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
    Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses Applicants, submitting applications on time, will be admitted by highest to lowest scores. Applications received after the deadline may be considered: 1) if the cohort is not filled or 2) when current enrollment grades are posted. Applicants must have minimum 54 points on the scoring rubric to be considered for admission.
    Doing More With Your Degree Employment opportunities for the Licensed Practical Nurse include, but are not limited to, staff positions in hospitals, nursing homes, health departments, physicians’ offices, clinics, home health agencies, day care centers, public schools, and civil service.
    Program Successes & Highlights
    Program Credit Requirements
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    The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

    Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

    The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

    A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
    Requirements
    Required Credits
    Certificate in Practical Nursing Leading to LPN
    51
    Certificate in Practical Nursing Leading to LPN
    51
    Course Requirements for 157
    51
    Core Requirements for 157
    51
    ENG 111*
    3
    Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PNE 162
    10
    Earn 10 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PNE 164
    10
    Earn 10 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PNE 155
    3
    Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    SDV 101
    1
    Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
    HLT 130*
    2
    Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PNE 132
    2
    Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PNE 158
    1
    Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PNE 173
    2
    Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PSY 230*
    3
    Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PNE 161
    6
    Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PNE 145
    1
    Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PNE 143
    1
    Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    NUR 135
    2
    Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
    PSY 231 & 232
    6
    Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
    BIO 141/142
    8
    Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
    BIO 231/232
    8
    Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
    BIO 145
    4
    Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PNE 159
    2
    Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    SAF 130
    1
    Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    PNE 174
    1
    Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
    Residency
    51
    Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 38 credits may be applied to this program.
    Plan GPA for 157
    51
    This requires a minimum GPA of 2
    What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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    Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
    Associate Transfer Degree Completion The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.

    Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
    Credit for Prior Learning VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
    Did You Know That...
    • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
    • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College
    College Level Information
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    Transfer Admission Application
    External Link
    College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
    Is This College Right For Me? Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
    Transfer Student Catalog Year
    First Year Student Catalog Year The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
    Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
    Where Can This Degree Transfer
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    This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

    If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

    Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
    Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
    J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
    J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Registered Nursing (RN) - Advanced Placement Option (APO)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
    Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
    Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing - Hybrid Distance EducationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
    Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing: Advanced Placement Option for Licensed Practical NursesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    New River Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
    Northern Virginia Community CollegeNursing, A.A.S.AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Nursing AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
    Rappahannock Community CollegeAAS Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-BSN SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
    Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
    Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate in Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
    Careers Where This Degree Applies
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    O*Net Code Name Description Parent
    29-2061.00Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational NursesCare for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
    Cost To Complete
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    This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 51 credits remaining to be completed

    Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
    Estimated Cost for the Certificate in Practical Nursing Leading to LPN at Mountain Empire Community College
    These costs are based on an estimated 3 semesters or 1.5 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
    Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
    Tuition $167 Per Credit $8,517 $0 $8,517
    *Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
    Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
    • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.
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