Section IV

Practical Nursing Program

3.15.1 System Guidelines

Enrollment in the Practical Nursing Program may be limited because of available laboratory facilities, as well as faculty and financial resources.

Technical Standards

Nursing at the technical level involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions. All students should possess sufficient:

1. visual acuity, such as is needed in preparation and administration of medications, and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and nursing care;
2. auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, IV infusion pumps, Doptones, fire alarms, etc.;
3. gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment required in meeting health needs;
4. communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the individual’s interest; according to KAR 314.051 (1) (c) An applicant for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall file with the board a written application for a license verified by oath, that the applicant: (c) Is able to understandably speak and write the English language and to read the English language with comprehension; and
5. intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.

In addition to the other qualifications, the college will, in compliance with KCTCS regulations and in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, endeavor to provide opportunities to all students in order to promote diversity among the student population in the Practical Nursing Program.

Admission

Selection of students for the Practical Nursing Program will be made by a Practical Nursing Admissions Committee, which is to be appointed for this purpose. Membership on this committee shall be from the college as follows:

• Practical Nursing Program Coordinator;
• One to Two Practical Nursing Faculty Members; and
• One to Two Members-At-Large, e.g. Development Studies Counselors, General Studies Faculty, Student Services, Admission Officer.

Terms for members-at-large are for two years and are to be staggered. Terms for the Practical Nursing faculty members are for two years but may be reappointed.

In order to be considered for admission to the Practical Nursing Program, each applicant must submit the following credentials:

1. Complete admissions application to a KCTCS college.
2. Official high school transcript indicating that the applicant has or will complete a high school course of study or a passing GED official score report;
3. Official transcripts of postsecondary work completed at other institutions;
4. Submit official documentation of obtaining minimum college readiness benchmarks; and
5. Successful completion of a Nurse Aide equivalent course within the past three (3) years or proof of active status on the Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry.

A pre-admission conference with the coordinator or the coordinator’s designee is required prior to an applicant’s consideration by the Practical Nursing Admissions Committee.

Preference

Preference may be given to:

1. Candidates who demonstrate above average standing in high school or on the General Education Development Examination (GED);
2. Applicants who score above the assessment and placement entry level scores for admission to the practical nursing program; and
3. Applicants who have completed 12 or more credit hours in the approved curriculum with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from any regionally accredited college, or Council on Occupational Education accreditation.

Readmission

1. To be considered for readmission by the Practical Nursing Admissions Committee, the applicant must submit a written request to the Practical Nursing Coordinator including evidence of remedial study, additional preparation or resolution of factors contribution to unsuccessful course completion, and must meet current admission guidelines.
2. A student may be readmitted to the Practical Nursing Program one time if a student has furnished sufficient evidence of remedial study, additional preparation, or resolution of factors contributing to unsuccessful course completion. The Practical Nursing Admissions Committee may recommend readmission a second time.
3. If more than three years have elapsed since initial enrollment in the first nursing course of any practical nursing program, an applicant must repeat all nursing courses unless the student has demonstrated current competency by passing exams equivalent to comprehensive course final examinations (both written exams and clinical skills) if available at the college to which the student is applying for admission.

Transfer

1. Applicants who have attended another nursing program, or wish to transfer from one KCTCS Practical Nursing Program must:
   1. meet all admission requirements of the receiving institution;
   2. notify the Coordinator of the Practical Nursing Program in writing, requesting entry into a nursing course (s) and stating the reason for transfer; and
   3. have a faculty member from the program previously attended submit a letter of recommendation to the receiving institution.
2. If more than three years have elapsed since initial enrollment in the first nursing course in any practical nursing program, an applicant must repeat all nursing courses.

3.15.2 College Guidelines

3.15.2.1 Jefferson Community and Technical College

The Kentucky Community and Technical College system (KCTCS) Guidelines for Admissions will be observed with the following qualifications:

1. applicants must hold current certification in CPR the American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider course or the American Red Cross Professional Rescuer level

Preference

Preference may be given to:

1. applicants who are veterans, active duty personnel, their spouses, and also displaced workers who qualify under the Trade Adjustment Act.

3.15.2.2 Bluegrass Community and Technical College

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Guidelines for Admissions will be observed with the following exceptions:

Admission

1. Official high school or post-secondary transcripts will not be required with the submission of the application.
2. Proof of successful completion of a Nurse Aide equivalent course within the past three (3) years or proof of active status on the Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry will be required prior to starting the nursing program.

Readmission

1. If more than three years have elapsed since initial enrollment in the first nursing course of any practical nursing program, an applicant must repeat all nursing courses.
2. If a student is not eligible for readmission or progression in the program, the candidate may apply as an initial admission to the program. If accepted to the program, credit will not be given for any previous successfully completed practical nursing courses.

Preference

1. Applicants who score above the assessment and placement entry level scores for admission to the practical nursing program.