An FDTC practical nursing student practices technique in a hospital classroom

Practical Nursing

Program Type: Diploma in Applied Science

Program Level: UG

Division: Nursing & Allied Health

Program Duration: 16 months

Program Contact: Dr. Michelle Baxley

Credit Requirement: 48

Time: Day

Program overview

The Practical Nursing program prepares students for a vocation requiring intellectual, interpersonal, and psychomotor skills that are based upon biological, behavioral, and humanistic principles. Graduates of the Practical Nursing program are prepared to work in a variety of settings and upon completion of the program, the student is eligible to apply to take the licensure boards for Licensed Practical Nursing Practice (NCLEX-PN) There are three semesters and 48 credits in the PN program.

Courses Required

Prerequisite

Basic Anatomy And Physiology

Course Code: BIO-112

This course is a basic integrated study of the structure and function of the human body.

Semester 1

Medical Terminology

Course Code: AHS-102

This course covers medical terms, including roots, prefixes, and suffixes, with emphasis on spelling, definition, and pronunciation.

Contemporary Mathematics

Course Code: MAT-155

This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics.

Fundamentals Of Nursing

Course Code: PNR-110

This course provides an introduction to basic principles and beginning skills necessary to the nursing process. Concepts are integrated relating to physiological and psychosocial needs of the individual. Legal and ethical roles of the practical nurse are emphasized.

Pharmacology

Course Code: PNR-122

This is an introductory course to the concepts of pharmacology and medication administration. Emphasis is on calculation of dosages, administration of medications, and correct use of abbreviations. Effects of specific drugs are presented.

Semester 2

English Composition I

Course Code: ENG-101

This is a (College Transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: A study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.

Medical/surgical Nursing I

Course Code: PNR-128

This course is a beginning study utilizing the nursing process. Concepts include physiological, psychosocial, and health/safety needs of the adult patient. Pharmacology & nutrition are integrated.

Maternal/infant/child Nursing

Course Code: PNR-155

This course is a study utilizing the nursing process and integrating pediatrics to meet the needs of the childbearing family. Clinical experiences address the care of the mother, newborn, and the care of the child with commonly occurring illnesses.

Semester 3

Medical/Surgical Nursing II

Course Code: PNR-138

This course is a continuation of the study of the nursing process. Concepts include physiological, phychosocial, and health and safety needs of the adult patient. Pharmacology and nutrition are integrated. Clinical experiences address selected commonly occurring health problems having predictable outcomes.

Special Topics In Pratical Nursing

Course Code: PNR-183

This course covers special topics in practical nursing.

General Psychology

Course Code: PSY-201

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.

Entry Requirements

To see a list of entrance requirements for this program, please check the FDTC Course Catalog.

Download Catalog

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Patient-Centered Care / Safety - Provide safe and effective care, respecting patients preferences, values, age,
    culture, and needs to promote optimum patient outcomes.
  • Ethical/ Integrity - Demonstrate professional, ethical, and legal behaviors consistent with the standards of practice
    and regulatory frameworks of the licensed practical nurse.
  • Health Informatics - Utilize clinical technology to support clinical decision making in the provision of patient
    centered care.
  • Evidence Based Practice - Utilize scientific research and evidence protocols to incorporate into the care of
    patients.
  • Clinical Judgement - Apply the nursing process and current research in the provision of safe patient care.
    Collaboration &Teamwork Provide essential patient information to the interprofessional team to achieve improved
    health outcomes.

PN Program Application Period

Applications for the FDTC PN Program will be accepted from April 1, 2025 through 5:30 p.m. on May 16, 2025 for Fall 2025 semesters.

PN Application

Program Accreditations & Resources

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensure, & Registration State Board of Nursing

This program has full approval by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensure, & Registration State Board of Nursing.

Labor licensing regulations logo
Business Park; Kingstree Building
110 Centerview Drive; Suite 202
Columbia, SC 29210
803.896.4300
https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/ 

Documents
FAQ

What do I need to apply to the PN program?

  1. BIO 112 or BIO 210 & BIO 211 (both in exchange for BIO 112)
  2. TEAS Test with proficient level scores overall 58.7
  3. GPA of 2.0 or higher

How many times can I take the TEAS test and how long are the scores valid?

The TEAS test can be taken up to four times within a year with a 30-day waiting period between each attempt.  The results are valid for 4 years.

Learn More About TEAS

How old can BIO's be at the time of applying?

BIO classes cannot be older than 5 years old at the time of submitting an application.


How do I complete the Career Talk that is required for the Nursing application?

You are required to attend a Career Talk in person prior to applying to program. Dates will be listed in the FDTC website calendar, our Visix screens on all of our campuses, and on social media.

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