Contact Information
Practical Nursing at NMU
The School of Nursing is committed to providing a quality education for students seeking a one-year certificate in practical nursing.
The practical nursing program prepares graduates to provide nursing care to patients and their families in hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, home health care agencies and health clinics. The program of study combines nursing theory lectures with planned patient care learning experiences in hospitals, nursing homes and community health care agencies. Graduates are qualified to take the National Council of Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
Accreditation
Northern’s practical nursing program is fully accredited by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulation, State Board of Nursing.
Student Organization
- Student Practical Nurses Association
Department/Program Policies
Prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED and a 2.00 high school grade point average. Practical nursing students who place lower than MA 100 Intermediate Algebra on the Northern Michigan University math placement test and lower than EN 111 College Composition I as a result of the NMU composition placement process may be required to take remedial courses in these areas before being considered for admission.
If required for their program, students are responsible for their own transportation to the clinical facilities, and must buy uniforms, white shoes, name pin, bandage scissors and a stethoscope. Students must have proof of a tuberculosis test or chest X-ray, hepatitis B vaccination and rubella screening before beginning the clinical experience; completion of a CPR course or current certification is also required.
Admission to the Practical Nursing Clinical Program
Admission to the practical nursing clinical sequence of courses is limited. The admissions committee in the School of Nursing’s Practical Nursing Department reserves the right to select students to be admitted. Admission into the clinical nursing sequence is based on the student’s cumulative grade point average in the prerequisite courses. Students who have the highest grade point average in the prerequisite courses will be admitted first until the class is filled. Not all students who have met the minimum standards will be admitted if the space is not available.
To be considered for admission into the practical nursing clinical program, students must meet the following qualifications:
- Meet all NMU admission requirements and be in good standing.
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (C) in all the prerequisite college courses required in the program with no grade below “C.” In addition, students must have a cumulative NMU GPA of 2.00.
- Have successfully passed all required prerequisite nursing courses after a maximum of two tries. This includes PN 100, AH 102, PN 103, BI 104 (or BI 201/BI 202), HP 200 and HN 210.
Application Deadlines
All prospective Practical Nursing students must complete and submit an application with a current transcript of grades to the Practical Nursing department by April 1 for the succeeding fall semester.
The Practical Nursing department admits a limited number of students to the practical nursing sequence each fall semester. Records and applications of all students are reviewed by the admissions committee at the end of winter semester. Students who have the highest prerequisite GPA will be admitted first until the class is filled. Students with outstanding prerequisite courses may be admitted on probationary status. Successful completion of outstanding prerequisite courses is required prior to the start of clinical courses. Students are notified of acceptance or rejection during the summer semester.
Retention in the Practical Nursing Sequence
For students to remain in the nursing sequence, they need to meet the following conditions:
- Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.00 in all nursing courses with no course below a “C”and maintain an overall Northern Michigan University grade point average of 2.00.
- Adhere to the university’s Student Code and Practical Nursing Student Policies.
- Demonstrate a pattern of safe clinical practice commensurate with his or her educational experience to date.
- Successfully pass all required nursing courses after a maximum of two tries.
Practical Nursing Readmission Criteria
Practical nursing courses are sequential, and there is limited space in some courses. When a student wishes to be readmitted into the nursing sequence of courses after having a withdrawal or failure in a previously enrolled course, the student must apply for readmission to the department coordinator. Based on review of your record, you may need to retake nursing courses to update knowledge. Readmission for PN 122/126 Medical-Surgical Nursing I must be received before the start of the fall semester. Readmission requests for PN 132/136 Maternal/Child Nursing must be received by November 20 of the year before requested readmission.
The practical nursing student who is seeking readmission will be required to demonstrate proficiency in a series of nursing procedures that are part of the last successfully completed clinical nursing course.
Students who have failed any nursing courses more than once are ineligible for readmission. These courses include NE 212, PN 114, PN 116, PN122, PN126, PN 132, PN 136, PN 142 and PN 146.
Programs
Bulletin Year: 2010 - 2011 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.