PN21 Practical Nursing Certificate, Technical Certificate of Credit
Offered at the Griffin and Flint River Campuses
| Program Entrance Term: |
Fall, Spring |
| Minimum Length of Program: |
3 terms |
| Minimum Credit Hours for Graduation: |
49 |
Program Description
The Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. The nursing program covers all theoretical content areas outlined in Georgia Board Rule 410-9-06( 5a & 5b). A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. Program graduates receive a practical nursing certificate and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse. The PN21 program is a certificate program to be implemented with new cohorts of students beginning Fall 2024 and beyond. Students most commonly will have to submit a satisfactory criminal background check as well as a drug screen to be placed in a clinical health care facility to complete the clinical rotations of their educational training.
Accreditation
The Practical Nursing program at Southern Crescent Technical College at the Griffin and Flint River Campus located in Griffin, GA and Thomaston, GA is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing program is initial accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm
Program Outcomes Data
https://www.sctech.edu/programs/program-outcomes-data-sctc-pn-program/
Admission Requirements
- Submit completed application and application fee
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript with test scores and ALL post-secondary transcripts in an official sealed envelope
- Meet assessment requirements
Candidate Selection
Selection of candidates for each practical nursing class will be based on a competitive admissions process. The following criteria will be used:
- Submit current HESI A2 scores (minimum score of 60 is required for this program). Scores cannot be older than one year at the time of application.
Note: If a student changes his/her declared major from practical nursing to a different diploma or degree program, and then back to practical nursing, the latest program application date will be used to determine placement.
Once accepted into the Practical Nursing program, the student must complete all heath requirements as described by participating clinical sites, including, but not limited to, a criminal background check, drug screening, and health screening.
There is no waiting list for the program. Applicants who are not selected must notify the Practical Nursing program staff by submitting another notification card if they wish to compete for admission into the next cohort class. Grading standards for practical nursing courses are very stringent. Students must maintain a minimum grade of C for progression to the next course of study.
The College accepts credit from the College Board's College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). A grade of EXP is assigned for awarded CLEP credit. Quality points are not awarded for CLEP, therefore, courses with CLEP credit are not calculated into the GPA during the competitive admissions process.
Readmission Policy
Readmission into the Practical Nursing program following withdrawal or first-time failure will be based on the following:
- Proof of previous program course completion of less than six months.
- Submission of a letter for consideration. The letter must state why you were not successful on your first attempt, what has changed, and how you plan to be successful if accepted back into the program.
- Successfully complete written comprehensive examinations for each previously completed practical nursing course with a minimum of 80 percent.
- Successfully complete a drug calculations examination with a minimum competency of 90 percent.
- Successfully complete a lab skill check off. Deficiencies will result in the student repeating the appropriate course/courses. Readmission will be based on available space within the classrooms and clinical sites. Students who do not successfully complete the Practical Nursing program after two attempts, whether at this college or at another college, will not be readmitted into the program.
- A student must complete another criminal background check, drug screen, and health screen as designated by participating clinical sites.
- The required nationalized test score cannot be greater than one-year old at the time of application for readmission.
- A student must complete the program sequentially to be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
Transfer Policy
Transferring practical nursing students from other technical colleges must file an application at the Griffin campus and submit all official transcripts. Each practical nursing course listed on the transferring student’s official transcript is considered for transfer credit after the prospective student has demonstrated proficiency by examination with a score of 80 percent.
Approximate additional costs other than tuition, fees, and textbooks
| HESI A2 (Program entrance exam) |
$95.00 |
| Equipment/supplies |
$700.00 |
| Uniforms |
$175.00 |
| Licensing exam |
$300.00 |
| Liability insurance |
$60.00 |
| Medical fees/background check |
$350.00 |
| CPR |
$5.50 |
| Nursing pin |
$40.00 |
| Nursing cap |
$15.75 |
| Nursing lamp |
$7.25 |
| Nursing tote |
$100.00 |
| ACEMAPP |
$50.00 per year |
| ATI |
$636.67 per semester (total - 3 semesters) |
The following is a required path to complete this program in a timely manner. An individual’s path to completion may be different based on institutional and personal factors affecting his/her academic progress.
Note: While all courses are offered, they may vary by term and campus. See the program advisor for any questions.
Contact Us
Shelly Leidig, RN, Program Coordinator
Email: Shelly.Leidig@sctech.edu
Phone: 770.412.4042
FALL Program Entrance
First Term: START FALL MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
Second Term: SPRING MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
Third Term: SUMMER MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
*Note: A new PN cohort begins every fall on the Griffin and Flint River campuses.
SPRING Program Entrance
First Term: START SPRING MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
Second Term: SUMMER MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
Third Term: FALL MANDATORY PN COHORT SEQUENCE
*Note: A new PN cohort begins every fall on the Griffin and Flint River campuses.