Practical Nursing - PN Step-out Certificate (PNSOC)

The Practical Nursing - PN Step-out Certificate program in practical nursing provides an option for the AAS Nursing student who wishes 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. The PN Step-out Certificate program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. For additional information regarding this certificate, see the Nursing webpage.

Note: For a course to be eligible for transfer, the student must receive a “C” or better. Acceptance of a transfer course is determined by the receiving institution. The Practical Nursing (PN) Step-out Certificate is not financial aid eligible.

Prerequisite Requirements

1. Student must be a graduate of an accredited high school (or hold a GED certificate), be 18 years of age or older, demonstrate evidence of potential success in the community college, and/or be a transfer student in good standing from another college or university.
2. Student must successfully complete (with a 2.0 or higher) one 100-level chemistry course and one 100-level biology course. Acceptable college courses are:
   1. Choose one BIO option from the following (0-4) credits:
      1. Successful completion of Biology Competency Exam Credits: (0)
      2. BIO 100 - Biology Concepts with Lab  Credits (4)
      3. BIO 181 - General Biology (Majors) I  Credits: (4)
   2. CHM 130 - Fundamental Chemistry  Credits: (4) or CHM 151 - General Chemistry I  Credits: (4)
3. Student must successfully complete (with a GPA of 2.85 or higher) all prerequisites for NUR 121 - Nursing I  Credits: (8) including the following courses (one of the 200 level BIO courses may be used to meet the requirements in 2.A above):
   • 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 121  or higher-level math course; however, the recommended math is either MAT 142  or MAT 151  for those students who plan on earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Beginning fall 2016, the required math will be MAT 142  or MAT 151  in order to be considered for admittance into the RN Nursing program. Credits: (3-4)
   • PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology  Credits: (3)
4. Student must have an acceptable score (70) on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
5. Student must present a copy of his/her Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Card.
6. Undergo a general background check (Pre-Check) required by clinical facilities.

Note: College courses over ten (10) years old cannot be accepted as credit for biology, chemistry, or general education science requirements. Extra consideration will be given to applicants with an additional degree earned, Arizona residency, health care experience, and positive references.

Application Requirements

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 student services specialist, at the Nursing Department (1977 Acoma Blvd. West, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403), or online at the Nursing website. Application to the Nursing Program is not a guarantee of admission. The following documents must be submitted for the application to be considered:

• 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
• Completion of Pre-Check background check

Requirements for Graduation

To graduate, students must pass 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. Tdap immunization must be up to date.