Nursing

Program Overview

NPC Nursing Options include:

LNA to RN Pathway Multiple Exit Program
LPN to RN Pathway
Paramedic to RN Pathway
RN Refresher Class

The nursing pathways prepare students to make application to take the National Council Licensing Examination for practical nurse (NCLEX-PN) and/or registered nursing (NCLEX-RN). Successful completion of the certifying exam qualifies students for entry-level positions in providing direct patient care. Admission to or graduation from the NPC Nursing program at any level does not guarantee licensure by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

When the graduate becomes a registered nurse, he or she can apply to Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University or other universities or colleges to complete the upper division courses in nursing that apply to a BSN. Check with your NPC or university academic adviser or visit www.npc.edu/registered-nursing-rn.

Requirements:

Note: Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Nursing Program.

Graduates must satisfy the licensing requirements of the Arizona State Board of Nursing independently of any college requirements per the Arizona Nurse Practice Act. Under Arizona Law, an applicant could be denied licensure as a registered or practical nurse if convicted of a felony or addicted to habit-forming drugs, or if the applicant in any other way fails to meet qualifications required by law.

Applicants to the LNA to RN nursing pathway must hold a current Arizona Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) license in good standing.
Applicants to the LPN to RN pathway must hold a valid Arizona Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license that is active and in good standing.
Applicants to the Paramedic (EMT) to RN pathway must be an active certified paramedic with a minimum of one year experience as a paramedic.
Applicants to the RN Refresher program must acquire a temporary license from the Arizona State Board of Nursing upon acceptance into the NPC program.

Emphasis:

NPC’s Multiple Exit Program, approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, is offered on the Show Low - White Mountain and Winslow - Little Colorado campuses. Many of the required courses for admission and general education courses are available at other NPC locations.

LNA to RN

The LNA to RN pathway of 72 credit hours includes a minimum of three semesters of prerequisites followed by two academic years dedicated to the study of nursing. After completion of the first year and the addition of the Practical Nurse Completion course, the student nurse can receive a Certificate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing and apply to write the NCLEX-PN. The student nurse may then exit the program or continue on to earn the Associate of Applied Science Degree, and be qualified to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

LPN to RN

For the student who is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), who wishes to enter the pathway to acquire the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree and become a Registered Nurse (RN), the prerequisite requirements and admission standards are identical to the Multiple Exit LNA to RN pathway, with the exception of the LNA licensure. The student should meet with an NPC academic adviser and provide evidence of current Arizona Licensed Practical Nurse licensure that is active and in good standing. Decisions regarding acceptance are determined by the Nursing Admission Committee. Additional fees may apply for assessed credit by evaluation. Evaluation and approval of assessed credit does not guarantee admission to the Nursing program.

Students apply in the fall and complete the LPN to RN transition course in the spring semester. Prerequisites must be completed by July 1 prior to enrolling in the third semester NUR 221 nursing course. The student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN) when program requirements are successfully completed.

Paramedic (EMT) to RN

For the student who is currently a certified paramedic and wishes to enter the pathway to acquire the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree and become a Registered Nurse (RN), the prerequisite course requirements and admission standards are identical to the Multiple Exit LNA to RN pathway, with the exception of the LNA licensure. Prerequisites must be completed by July 1 prior to enrolling in the third semester NUR 221 nursing course.

The student should meet with an NPC academic adviser and provide evidence of certification. Decisions regarding acceptance are determined by the Nursing Admission Committee. Additional fees may apply for assessed credit by evaluation. Evaluation and approval of assessed credit does not guarantee admission to the Nursing program. The student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN) when program requirements are successfully completed.

Student Nurse Guidelines

Patient safety dictates that specific Nursing Program student guidelines apply to this program that are more stringent than the general college student policies. A copy of the Nursing Program Student Handbook is issued to students admitted to the program. In case of state-mandated changes, curriculum and/or guidelines could change.

Clinical experiences take place in various health care agencies in and outside of Northland’s district. Hours may vary from the class schedule depending on the clinical placement. Travel and overnight stays may be required.

Admission to the NPC Nursing Program

Students must be admitted to the Nursing Program in order to enroll in nursing courses. (Admission information is available in the academic advising and the nursing program areas.)
Completed nursing application should be submitted on or before the designated deadline that is noted in the application packet. Late applicants may be accepted on a space-available basis if they meet the admission criteria but not before applicants who submit applications on time.
All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to July 1 for admission to the program.

Admission Selection:

Admission criteria will include: Admission Assessment test composite and cumulative scores, prerequisite GPA and applicant statement. The factors will be weighted by the committee. Significant weight will be given to the Admission Assessment composite percentage and prerequisite GPA. Admission is contingent upon completion of program prerequisites by July 1.

General Education and core requirements must be completed as listed on the curriculum outline in the program admission information packet.
College credits over eight years old may be accepted with appropriate documentation and approval.
Transfer students for second, third or fourth semesters are considered on an individual basis. Criteria include course comparables, GPA, specified examination results and recommendation from previous program director.

Why choose NPC’s Nursing Program?

The NPC program provides you with a quality nursing education at a cost far below comparable nursing programs in the state of Arizona. Our holistically oriented faculty members are careful to provide you with planned experiences and individualized up-to-date evidence-based instruction and are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals in this demanding field.

Career Opportunities

Employment of Registered Nurses is projected to grow 16 percent through 2024. Job opportunities for Registered Nurses are expected to be good. However, the supply of new nurses entering the labor market has increased in recent years. This increase has resulted in competition for jobs in some areas of the country. Generally, Registered Nurses with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) will have better job prospects than those without it. Employers also may prefer candidates who have some related work experience.

Job opportunities should be good because of the need to replace workers who retire over the coming decade and because of the growing number of people with access to healthcare services.

Cost & Time for Completion

The U.S. Department of Education requires NPC to annually publish cost and time for completion data on Career & Technical Education certificate programs.

You can access the current data for the Licensed Practical Nursing (CAS) Program online at www.npc.edu/practical-nursing-lpn.