Relevant Links
Department of Health Professions
Practical Nursing
– Associate of Applied Science
Mission Statement
The mission of the UM COT Nursing Program is to pursue academic excellence to promote the preparation of students to become competent and caring individual for entry-level positions to help meet the health care needs of Montana.
The Nursing Program strives to create an environment of collaboration and mentorship among faculty, students and staff. This environment promotes the development of the student-faculty partnership supporting student accountability for their own learning. The learning environment provides opportunity for developing critical judgment and thinking, professional accountability and appreciation for life-long learning. Student learning is enhanced through professional and community relationships, intellectual strength and exposure to diverse populations.
Practical Nursing
The College of Technology offers a practical Nursing (PN) certificate program. Upon completion of the PN program, the students are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (PN-NCLEX) examination to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Applicants for the PN program must have a high school diploma or equivalency, have completed an acceptable placement test such as COMPASS, or ACT, have complete the requisite core semesters with a C or better, except in SCN 201N and SCN202N which requires a B or higher grade, and have an cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 in these required core courses. All students must prove computer literacy either by successfully passing a challenge examination, transferring in an equivalent course or passing CRT 100. Assessment of writing for course placement follows The University of Montana guidelines and is done during orientations and at various times in the semester.
Admission to the PN program requires
- documented completion of the core courses
- a cover letter
- three professional references, an essay
- documented work experience and
- a cumulative GPA in the core courses
All application materials will be submitted to the Health Professions Admissions Committee. The application specifications for the PN program are posted prior to the application deadline on the College of Technology web site. Application deadlines are April 1 and November 1. Applications may be submitted during the semester where the applicant is completing the last semester of core courses.
The 20 students who meet the selection criteria will be accepted into the PN nursing program. The Practical Nursing program extends over two semesters. Students learn practical nursing skills through lectures, demonstrations, independent study, simulation and practice in nursing skills lab on campus. Under instructor supervision, students also provide patient care in a variety of clinical health care settings. The program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.
Students must provide proof of the following health requirements prior to entry into the clinical portion of the program:
- tuberculosis testing using the PPD (Purified Protein Derivative) or chest x-ray (positive results will require a physician’s letter before a student can work in the clinical settings)
- hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) prior to beginning clinical experience with potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens (a three injection series is required and may be obtained at Curry Health Center at The University of Montana and other health care providers)
- two measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination are required for any one born after 1957 and a booster for anyone born before 1957
- up-to-date Diphtheria-Tetanus vaccination
All students must also show proof of a completing an up-to-date CPR training approved by the American Heart Association.
Many licensing bodies/employing institutions in health care have increasingly stringent requirements and background checks as conditions for licensing or employment. If students have a concern about this, they should contact the Montana State Board of Nursing Licensing department at
http://mt.gov/dli/bsd/llicense/bsd.boards/nur_board/board_page.asp
Successfully completing the Practical Nursing Program makes a student eligible to sit for the NCLEX National Practical Nursing Examination. This does not guarantee Montana State Practical Nursing licensure.
After licensure, as an LPN, graduates typically find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices and other health care agencies. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician, dentist, osteopath or other health care provider as specified in the Montana Nurse Practice/Act.
See additional program information. (Adobe Acrobat required)
Curriculum Autumn Entry
Curriculum Spring Entry
+ MAT 117 and WTS 101 Require a placement test
Student who have started under an earlier catalog will have a slightly different course of study. Please see a program advisor for the correct schedule of courses.
Nursing Student Handbook
Student Policies and Procedures
Faculty Policies and Procedures
Regulatory
Policies and Procedures
For further faculty policies and procedures refer to The University or Montana Human Resource Services Policies