The Practical Nurse program prepares individuals to function as entry-level practical nurses with the ability to give safe, effective nursing care. The Practical Nurse program at Montana State University - Great Falls College of Technology is currently approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.
Upon completion of the AAS in Practical Nursing, students will be prepared to begin a successful career as a practical nurse. Students are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination for practical nursing.
Outcomes: Graduates are prepared to:
- Administer effective and ethical individual patient care.
- Communicate professionally with all medical and supportive staff.
- Integrate bio-psychosocial and scientific principles while providing technically competent care in a variety of healthcare settings.
- Work in a variety of health care settings such as hospitals, ambulatory care, physician’s offices, home healthcare, dialysis, assisted living facilities and other geriatric environments.
- Promote life long learning fostering the development of professional growth, critical thinking, and leadership.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major health problems affecting our society
The Practical Nurse program is a limited enrollment program. Interested students must apply for entry into the program. An application packet is available on the program website and from the Health Science Program Assistant. The length of the program is three consecutive semesters. Accepted students will be required to provide proof of Health Care Provider CPR certification, negative Tuberculosis test, and provide a physician’s authorization before the beginning of the fall semester. Computer skills are highly recommended.
The Hepatitis B immunization series is strongly recommended before entrance into the program. A student may be denied access to clinical rotations without an adequate Hepatitis B titer. Students having religious or personal conflicts against receiving Hepatitis B vaccine must sign a release form.
The following courses must be completed or be in progress prior to admission into the Practical Nurse Program. All prerequisite course work must be completed with a minimum grade of “C-” in each course and a minimum cumulative GPA in prerequisite course work of 2.0. Grades in prerequisite courses are a major factor in ranking applications for program acceptance.
| NURS |
290* |
Nursing Leadership |
2 |
| |
|
SUBTOTAL |
2 |
Suggested Electives
| AH |
120^ |
IV Therapy |
1 |
| |
|
SUBTOTAL |
1 |
^ This class is a highly recommended addition to the standard nursing curriculum. It will provide you with IV certification which many employers value or require for employment.
Once enrolled in nursing courses, a minimum of a grade of “C-” in all courses is required to continue in the program. In the clinical setting, students must achieve a grade of 75% in all rotations of each clinical experience.
| Total Program Credits 51~ |
Top |
~ Many students need preliminary math and English courses before enrolling in the program requirements. These courses may increase the total number of program credits. Students should review their math and English placement before planning out their full program schedule.
† A grade of “C-” or above required for graduation
* Indicates prerequisites needed
** Placement in course(s) is determined by admissions assessment
