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The licensed practical nurse provides patient care in a variety of settings, working under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed health care provider. Clinical rotations are conducted at area acute and extended care medical facilities, child and adult day care centers, doctors' offices and various home health settings. Upon successful completion of the PN program, the graduate will be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Board of Nursing for S.C. 

The Practical Nursing program is available on the Lex Walters campus in Greenwood and the Laurens County Center.

Health Requirements:  Students enrolled in clinical nursing courses are required to provide evidence of annual tuberculosis screening, documentation of positive varicella, rubella, Rubeola titers and evidence of vaccination against tetanus within the last 10 years.  Students shall have on file prior to entry into clinical courses one or more of the following:  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization record or antibody titer showing a positive antigen response to HBV.  A current health form and prescription document must be on file at all times while in the clinical nursing courses.  Students are not eligible to participate in practice activities at clinical sites until this information is completed and on file.

Transportation to clinical practice sites: Each student should have a valid driver’s license and is responsible for transportation to and from hospitals and other clinical practice sites.

Readmission: A student who has been suspended or has withdrawn from the nursing program and subsequently readmitted will be subject to the current nursing programs academic standards and policies and available space in courses.

Attendance requirements:  The nursing program adheres to the college’s attendance policy.  In addition, students are expected to attend all clinical nursing activities.  Make-up time for missed clinical nursing experiences will be determined at the discretion of the faculty and availability of clinical facilities.  Faculty may require withdrawal of any student who has missed sufficient practice to prevent completion of clinical objectives.

Application for licensure in practical nursing:  Prior to completion of the nursing program, students are expected to apply for the practical nursing licensing examination. Students in the Nursing program are also bound to conduct themselves according to the professional standards set forth by the American Nurses Association Code for Nurses.  Conviction of a crime other than a minor traffic violation could result in ineligibility for professional licensure.  Under these circumstances, early notification to the Board of Nursing is recommended to clarify mechanisms related to eligibility determination.

Advisement Information

• Students may begin the program during fall or spring terms at the Lex Walters Campus or the Laurens Higher Education Center.  The program accepts 32 new students each fall and spring, up to 16 of which are Merit students.

• Requirements for program entry include ENG 101, BIO 210, MAT 120 or MAT 102 and PSY 201 or BIO 106 with BA/BS degree (2.5 GPA) or appropriate SAT/ACT test scores. See the Health Science Resource page for specific details.  Once students meet entry criteria, they submit a program-ready or merit application during the designated period.

• HOBET (Health Occupation Basic Entrance Test) must be completed with a grade of 65% to apply for acceptance to nursing.  Two attempts will be permitted.

• Completion of the Diploma in Applied Science with a Major in Practical Nursing requires three semesters upon acceptance to the Major Studies coursework.

• Students should explore their reactions to all kinds of bodily fluids and be prepared for exposure to unpleasant smells and to dangerous and contagious diseases.

• Students should not work more than 20 hours/week when clinicals start and should have backup system in place for daycare and transportation before the semester begins.  Clinicals may include days, evening, nights and weekends in any of the seven counties or in Anderson.

• Students must attain a minimum 2.5 GPA before entering the clinical phase of  PN classes.

• Students should take General Education courses before starting program.  If a student plans a four-year degree, recommend MAT 120 over MAT 102. Nursing students take a math test during NUR 106 and must pass with  95% within 3 attempts. Students failing to meet these requirements are dropped from nursing classes - another reason among others for making sure students understand the importance of math competencies.

• In addition to college tuition and fees, student should be prepared to buy uniforms, lab supplies and cost of NCLEX preparation fees.

• Prior to enrolling in the first Nursing course, students must have a criminal records check and 10-panel drug screening conducted.

• All students will be required to take standardized nursing tests during each semester according to the ATI Testing and Remediation Guidelines in the ADN program.