About Practical Nursing
The Practical Nursing program of ATU-Ozark Campus integrates theory with clinical practice. Theoretical content is based on the concept of holism in which the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being is considered. Clinical experiences will be obtained in the following health care service areas: adult health, maternal-child, mental health, geriatrics, pediatrics.
The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) requires a criminal background check for all graduates applying for licensure. Graduating from a nursing program does not assure ASBN’s approval to take the licensure examination. Eligibility to take the licensure examination is dependent on meeting standards in the ASBN Nurse Practice Act and Rules.
You will be required to sign a statement, before beginning the nursing program, that states you have read and understand the law regarding Criminal Background Checks - ACA §17-87-312 and Licensing Restrictions Based on Criminal Records - ACA §17-3-102, the specific offenses which, if pleaded guilty, nolo contender, or found guilty of, will make an individual ineligible to receive or hold a license in Arkansas.
See the details of these areas of the law at:
Background Checks - ACA §17-87-312
Licensing Restrictions Based on Criminal Records - ACA §17-3-102
Students are required to complete all courses with a minimum score of 80% or above. Students are also required to take a PN comprehensive predictor exam and achieve a score indicative of a mastery level proficiency prior to being certified to make application for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Students wishing to enroll in the practical nursing program should submit an application to the University with an official high school transcript, or GED transcript, and all college transcripts by March 1 for the August class and October 1 for the January class.
Prior to admission to the technical phase of the Practical Nursing program, students must provide the Office of Student Services a COMPASS, ACT, or SAT score report verifying that remediation in English, mathematics, and reading is not required; or complete the appropriate remedial coursework with a grade of "C" or better to satisfy remediation requirements; and complete HSCI 1113 , HSCI 1123 , and HSCI 1243 .
Students who speak English as a second language shall meet the same admission requirements.
In order to be considered for admission to the Practical Nursing program, each student must meet the following criteria:
- Eligibility for admission to Arkansas Tech University - Ozark Campus. Meeting the minimum requirements for admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the practical nursing program.
- Completion of Practical Nursing Program Application for Admission for a specific semester. Applications not submitted by the deadline or incomplete applications will not be considered for that semester's class.
- Completion of specified coursework. (Conditional acceptance may be granted to those students who are in the process of completing remaining platform coursework.)
- Hold a current CPR for Health Care Providers certification prior to the first day of class.
- Schedule the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam with the Practical Nursing Office.
In addition to meeting admission criteria, students selected for the Practical Nursing program must attend the scheduled Nursing Department Pre-Orientation meeting. Applications to the Practical Nursing program may be withdrawn if all of the above criteria are not met. Students not meeting required criteria may be required to reapply to the Practical Nursing program.
Students who are pursuing a program of study where admission is limited (Cardiac Sonography, Cosmetology, Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies until admitted into their selected program.
Students are advised that the Practical Nursing Program (LPN) is strenuous in nature. Students are therefore not allowed to take additional course work that is not directly related to their degree plan while in the LPN Program. If a student has completed all general education course requirements prior to entering the program, the student may not have a full load of twelve credit hours or more (which could affect financial aid eligibility). The LPN Program is very intense and requires approximately 30-36 hours per week of theory /lab/fieldwork. This does not include prep or study time. The hours ascribed to each semester while in the LPN Program are considered by the program to be full time.
The A.A.S. in Allied Health with a Practical Nursing option is intended to be a "feeder program" to the RN program on the Ozark Campus and/or the BSN program on the Russellville Campus. This degree prepares the graduate to sit for licensure in Practical Nursing and does not result in an RN credential.