Program Synopsis: Practical Nursing is offered at the Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs. The Nursing Program’s mission is to teach students to give nursing care with compassion, commitment, and competence. Students are prepared to provide nursing care for clients in a variety of health care settings.
Practical Nursing: Through a combination of classroom training and supervised clinical experience, a student is prepared to give nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The entire Practical Nursing course is 18 months long. The first phase of 36 weeks is a three-credit class offered to high school seniors and adults. During the first phase, the student can expect to learn Introduction to Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology, Nursing Fundamentals, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Geriatrics, and Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing. The student who successfully completes the first phase progresses to the second phase at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Instructor: Mrs. Mesco
Desired Aptitudes: Solid performance in Math and Science with good interpersonal skills.
Employment Outlook (According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition):
|
Occupation |
Job Summary |
Median Salary |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (known as LPNs or LVNs, depending on the state in which they work) provide basic nursing care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. | $40,380 |
| Physical Therapists | Physical therapists help people who have injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain. They are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries. | $76,310 |
| Physician Assistants | Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine under the direction of physicians and surgeons. They are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment. | $86,410 |
| Radiation Therapists | Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by giving radiation treatments. | $74,980 |
| Registered Nurses | Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. | $64,690 |