Practical Nursing Certificate

Practical Nurse Program (PNC)

College of Saint Mary has a program for the preparation of practical nurses. The practical nurse program is a full-time, 12-month, calendar year program leading to a certificate. Students will take general education support courses that will enhance the understanding of the practical nursing courses in the classroom and the clinical setting. Graduates of the practical nurse program will be able to provide direct nursing care to individuals with common health needs within a structured health care setting under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to take the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCLEX-PN) examination for practical nursing.

Practical Nurse Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the PN Program, the student will:

1. Apply clinical judgment to provide evidence-based, safe, holistic, and culturally congruent client-centered care across the lifespan.
2. Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration, mutual respect, and shared decision-making when interacting across the healthcare team
3. Ensure safety by utilizing appropriate standardized practices in various healthcare settings.
4. Information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making.
5. Incorporate leadership, legal standards, and ethical principles within the scope of the licensed practical nurse.

Criteria for Admission

PNC application reviews are done on a rolling basis, beginning June 1 for a May start date annually. To be accepted into the PNC program, all applicants must:

• High School graduate or GED with appropriate signatures.
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
• Cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Completion of ENG 101 with a final grade of C or higher.
• Completion of BIO 120/121 or BIO 200/201 with a final grade of C or higher. If transferring in A&P courses, they must have been successfully completed within the last 5 years.
• Demonstration of English Language Proficiency through one of these options: 
  1. Graduate from an English-based high school 
  2. Associate’s (or higher) degree from an accredited, English-based, college or university
  3. Complete an English Placement Test through CSM, placing into ENG 101 or higher
  4. English Language Proficiency testing
     • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper version minimum score of 560
     • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) computer version minimum score of 220
     • Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) minim score of 84 and a minimum speaking score of 26
     • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic version with overall score of 6.5 and minimum score of 6.0 on all modules
     • Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) with a minimum score of 780
     • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a passing standard of 81 and speaking section score of 3
     • Michigan English Test (MET) with a minimum overall score of 55 and a minimum speaking score of 55
     • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) 55 overall with no sub scores lower than 50 in each scored part
     • Duolingo English Test Score minimum score of 105
• An active and unencumbered CNA license.
• A letter of recommendation may be requested by the Program Director.
• Prior to program start:
  • Meet Core Performance Standards (Policy 1.2) and Nursing Program Requirements (Policy 1.3)
  • Completed health record, including BLS documentation, immunizations and laboratory results, background check and drug screen.
• The nursing program reserves the right to admit only those students who, in the judgment of the program, satisfy the requirements of scholarship, health, and personal suitability for nursing.