Licensed Practical Nursing
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*The Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Delaware Skills Center is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 Atlanta, GA 30326 404-975-5000 www.acenursing.org |
Mission of DSC Practical Nursing Program:
The mission of the Delaware Skills Center is to prepare students to become professional practical nurses, and to practice ethically, competently, safely and in a manner consistent with all local, state, and federal laws. We believe our nursing graduates will positively impact the health and wellness of the citizens of Delaware by improving the human condition, alleviating illness, and promoting healthier communities.
End of Program Objectives of DSC Practical Nursing Program:
The Practical Nursing program at Delaware Skills Center is sanctioned by the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District and the Delaware Board of Nursing. DSC provides the highest quality nursing education by utilizing current evidence-based knowledge, recognized best practices and up-to-date technology in an environment that is conducive to adult learning.
Upon completion of the practical nursing program, the students will be able to:
1. Embrace the role of the practical nurse as a vital member of the healthcare team, while practicing under RN supervision, within the scope of the Delaware Nurse Practice Act.
2. Demonstrate critical thinking and the attainment of sufficient knowledge and the technical skills required to gain licensure to practice as an LPN under the Delaware Nurse Practice Act.
3. Demonstrate competency in providing safe, appropriate and individualized patient care across the lifespan to patients in a variety of clinical settings, within the scope of the LPN's practice.
4. Administer medications safely to patients across the lifespan, within the scope of an LPN in Delaware.
5. Demonstrate the effective and appropriate use of current information technology in the classroom and in the clinical setting, related to communication, privacy, and documentation of patient care.
Overview:
This rigorous 10-month (44 weeks/1,635 instructional hours) training course provides individuals with necessary theory, skills lab, and clinical experience to take the NCLEX-PN or Licensed Practical Nurses exam. State and Nationally accredited, our Practical Nursing program provides an opportunity for the students to successfully study and learn the course requirements in preparation for the Delaware State Board of Nursing Licensure Examination.
The curriculum provides an opportunity for students to successfully learn required nursing science and clinical skills. After passing the licensure examination, students will work full-time in the healthcare field as a Licensed Practical Nurse, providing bedside care to assigned patients. The program includes both classroom and clinical learning experiences in various nursing facilities in New Castle County.
Curriculum:
- Nursing Science and Theory
- Critical Thinking and Decision Making
- Medical Technology
- Pharmacology and Nursing Math
- Clinical Practice Experience
- Employability Skills
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Course |
Class |
Lab |
Clinical |
Total Hrs. |
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LEVEL I- Trimester 1 |
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PN 100-Vocational and Professional Relationships |
14 |
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14 |
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PN 101-Anatomy and Physiology |
60 |
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60 |
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PN 102-Human Growth and Development |
40 |
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16 |
56 |
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PN 103-Pharmacology I |
40 |
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40 |
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PN 104- Microbiology |
30 |
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30 |
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PN 105- Nursing Fundamentals and Procedures |
100 |
96 |
32 |
228 |
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Fall Skills Fair |
16 |
16 |
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32 |
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300 |
112 |
48 |
460 |
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LEVEL II- Trimester 2 |
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PN 203- Pharmacology II |
32 |
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32 |
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PN 201- Medical-Surgical Nursing I |
120 |
20 |
80 |
220 |
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PN 202- Mental Health Nursing |
50 |
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40 |
90 |
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PN 204- Med Surg Nursing II |
120 |
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80 |
200 |
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322 |
20 |
200 |
542 |
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LEVEL III- Trimester 3 |
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PN 206- Maternal-Child Nursing |
112 |
32 |
44 |
188 |
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PN 205- Medical-Surgical Nursing III |
96 |
24 |
100 |
220 |
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PN 207- Nursing Care of Children |
104 |
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50 |
154 |
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PN 200- Vocational and Professional Relationships II |
15 |
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15 |
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Pre-Graduation Skills Lab Evaluation |
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18 |
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18 |
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PN- 300 NCLEX Preparation |
38 |
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38 |
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365 |
74 |
194 |
633 |
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Total Hours
Revised 3/10/23 SA |
987 |
206 |
442 |
1635 |
Enrollment Policy
Only enrolled students may attend classes. No one is permitted to accompany students to class, including children, spouses, or other family members. Animals other than service animals are not permitted on school property.
To maintain enrollment in the program: Practical nursing students are required to:
*Maintain a 77% average in classroom units of study, and a passing score in clinical settings.
*Provide adequate and reliable transportation to the DSC campus and any clinical sites utilized during the program
*Have access to high-speed internet and a personal laptop to complete homework assignments and in school assignments
*Maintain current American Heart Association CPRT certification throughout the program
*Meet Pre-Graduation Benchmark scores as required in ATI Technology Policy
*Maintain all grading policy requirements
The following medical equipment is required and will be supplied to the student by the Delaware Skills Center:
I.D. Badge, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff*, pen light, bandage scissors
*The school provides blood pressure cuffs and a medication book for students to use during the school year which must be returned.
The following equipment must be supplied by the student from the beginning of course until the completion of course:
Working Functional Laptop
Transportation to arrive to class and clinical.
CPR Requirement
All nursing students are required to have current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) for Healthcare Provider certification prior to enrollment in the Nursing Program. Current CPR certification is validated each semester. The following CPR cards only will be accepted:
* American Heart Association – BLS Provider. If an online version of the above provider CPR course is available, it must include demonstration of skills at a facility offering basic cardiac life support. It is the responsibility of students admitted to the Nursing Program to maintain current CPR certification throughout the length of the Program. Nursing students will not be allowed in the clinical setting if their CPR certification has expired. Clinical absences place nursing students at risk for not meeting the clinical objectives of the course.
Graduation Requirements
*Student must maintain a 77% average or above on overall course classroom exams content
*Student must maintain acceptable attendance requirements
*Student must meet benchmark scores of a Level II for proctored content exams and a 90% likely to pass NCLEX on Comprehensive Predictor Exam administered via ATI
*Student must maintain academic integrity throughout the program
*Student must maintain professional conduct as dictated by LPN student handbook
*Student must complete safely and effectively all skills on required LPN Skills Inventory Log & Competency Evaluation Tool
*Student must maintain a rating of 3 or higher on clinical evaluation tools indicating expectations for practice are safe and acceptable
LPN Program Highlights
- Our LPN program is 10 1/2 months and we start one class per year always in the month of August. The program concludes in the month of June.
- Approved by the Delaware Board of Nursing
- 8:1 Student / Faculty
- Dedicated Skills Simulation Lab
- 85% Overall post-graduation job placement since 1963
- Free parking
- Daytime Classes 7:30 am - 3:00 pm, no evening classes.
- Approved by Delaware Department of Labor
- Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
- Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities; and
- Funded by Delaware Workforce Development Board and Department of Labor
- ACEN Certified*
| School Year | Number of Graduates who took NCLEX-PN Exam | Number of Graduates Who Passed the NCLEX PN Exam on the First Attempt | Percentage who Passed the NCLEX-PN Exam on the First Attempt | Number and Percentage of Students that Completed the Program | Job Placement Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 33 | 26 | 78.79% | 36/37, 97% | 100% |
| 2021 | 46 | 42 | 91.3% | 46,48 95.8% | 100% |
| 2022 | 36 | 35 | 97.2% | 35/36, 97% | 100% |
Application Process:
Due to the large applicant pool and popularity of this program, it is imperative that you follow the process below and meet ALL time sensitive deadlines in order to be considered for admission. Failure to do so, may result in forfeiture from the applicant pool. Please review the following information and follow these steps for consideration by the Admission Committee.
- Please complete the online application by clicking “Apply Now” button below.
- Upon receipt of your application, you will receive an auto generated email from Sylvia Nawrot, LPN Training Specialist, with information on what to do next. PLEASE READ THIS EMAIL THOROUGHLY AND FOLLOW THE STEPS OUTLINED FOR YOU.
- A non-refundable TEAS test fee, in the amount of $180.00, must be submitted prior to scheduling your TEAS Test. The Delaware Skills Center accepts Cashier's Checks and Money Orders for TEAS payments. You may also pay online. Please see the "Payments" tab on the home page. You will not be scheduled for the TEAS test until your test fee has been paid.
- After remitting your TEAS payment, please email Sylvia Nawrot, Training Specialist, to schedule your test at [email protected].
- TEAS testing appointments are scheduled October - February. As stated above, you must email Sylvia Nawrot to secure your testing spot.
- To prepare for your TEAS test, you will need to create an account with ATI at www.atitesting.com. You will be prompted to create a username and password which will be needed on the day you test. Please save and bring this information on the day you test or you will not be able to take the test. You will receive your test score immediately upon completion of the test.
- The Admission Committee will offer interviews to applicants based on the evaluation of individual TEAS test scores.
Tuition and Fees:
- $180.00 non-refundable TEAS test fee payable with a cashier’s check, money order, or online payment. Please see the "Payments" tab on the home page.
- Upon full acceptance, $320.00 will be due before new student orientation at the end of June. This fee includes background checks, drug screening, and supplies.
- Tuition for the LPN program is $13,599.00 for students who are not funded. Tuition options will be discussed during the interview process.
Requirements for Enrollment:
- 18 Years of Age or Older
- Achieving satisfactory scores on the ATI-TEAS exam.
- Provide complete documentation of favorable drug screening & criminal background investigation.
- Undergo State of Delaware Adult & Child Abuse Registry checks
- Submit a report of a physical examination, providing documentation of his/her ability to meet the physical requirements of a student nurse.
- Submit documentation of required immunizations.
- Submit a completed application form.
- Official high school transcript or proof of GED and college transcripts (if applicable).
- Two letters of professional reference
- Interview with the Practical Nursing Team
- Applicants are responsible for admission fees and fees associated with admission testing.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Students are admitted, trained, and referred for employment without regard to race, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Delaware Skills Center values diversity encourages men and women to participate in courses considered non-traditional.
