Practical Nursing - PN Step-out Certificate

The certificate program in practical nursing provides an option for AAS Nursing students wishing to “step-out” of the RN program and gain employment as a Practical Nurse.  Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the graduate receives a certificate of proficiency and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN).  Upon successful passage of the NCLEX-PN, the graduate is eligible to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Arizona.

Prerequisite Requirements:

1. Graduate of an accredited high school or hold a GED certificate, be 18 years of age or older and demonstrate evidence of potential success in the community college, and/or be a transfer student in good standing from another college or university.
2. Successful completion (with a “C” or better) of Fundamentals of Chemistry and a 100-level biology course. Acceptable college courses are:
   
   1. BIO 100 - Biology Concepts  or BIO 181 - General Biology (Majors) I  or one semester of anatomy and physiology with lab. Students are given the opportunity to, by examination, demonstrate competency in BIO 100 . An examination will be available by appointment on each campus site. If competency is not demonstrated, the course must be taken.
   2. CHM 130 - Fundamental Chemistry  or CHM 151 - General Chemistry I 
3. Completion of prerequisites for Nursing 121:NUR 121 - Nursing I 
   • BIO 201 - Human Anatomy And Physiology I  Credits: 4
   • BIO 202 - Human Anatomy And Physiology II  Credits: 4
   • BIO 205 - Microbiology  Credits: 4
   • ENG 101 - English Composition I  Credits: 3
   • MAT 100 level or higher Credits: 3 - 4
   • PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology  Credits: 3
4. College courses over ten (10) years old will not be accepted as credit for biology, chemistry or general education science requirements.
5. GPA of 2.85 or above in all nursing prerequisites.
6. Acceptable score (57.3) on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
7. Copy of Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Card
8. Extra consideration is given to applicants with additional degree earned, Arizona residency, health care experience and positive references.

A completed application must be submitted for admission to the RN nursing program once the prerequisite courses have been completed. An application for admission may be obtained from any MCC campus academic advisor, at the Nursing Department (1795 Civic Center Blvd., Suite 104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403) or online at www.mohave.edu. Application to the Nursing Program is not a guarantee of admission. Call 928.505.3368 for further details.

Application Requirements

• Completed Nursing Application
• Three Professional References
• Official College Transcripts (See Admission Information Packet)
• Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) results
• Verification of health care experience
• Verification of residency
• Copy of Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Completion of Program and NUR 121  prerequisites

Requirements for Graduation

Passing all core nursing courses and corequisite courses with a “C” grade or better and an 85% predictability of passing the NCLEX.

Health Policy for Nursing

Upon admission to the program, students will be required to:

1. Sign a waiver releasing the Department of Nursing and Mohave Community College from responsibility for injury or illness resulting from exposure to disease, medicines or treatments, and sign a release of medical information.
2. Present evidence of two-step tuberculosis testing within the past year.
3. Provide documentation of measles, mumps, rubella immunizations, and a varicella titer.
4. Provide evidence of HBV vaccination series or declination.
5. Provide documentation of physical examination within the six-month period immediately prior to admission to nursing program demonstrating the student’s ability to perform the essential functions of the profession with or without reasonable accommodations.
6. Provide evidence of a negative drug screen.
7. Undergo a general background check required by clinical facilities.