Rappahannock Community College
Certificate in Practical Nursing (PN) Program
Application Information and Instructions
Pre-Admission Information
Thank you for your interest in the Certificate in Practical Nursing Program at RCC. This packet
will help you to be successful in your application process if you are eligible. If you need help
with this process at any time, please contact your nursing program advisor.
The PN program at RCC is a restricted program meaning that we have additional requirements
for enrollment over and above those required of the college. Further, we have limited resources
of space and faculty available to support student learning needs. Thus, the application process is
rigorous and only the most qualified applicants are accepted for the limited seats available.
Submission of the application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Your application
must be evaluated in the pool of applicants to determine eligibility.
Application Dates
Applications are accepted for the fall 2013 semester based on the following dates:
1. Admission 1 applications (those with all requirements met) are due by April 1, 2013 and
are given first consideration for available spaces;
2. Admission 2 applications (for students who are in process of completing requirements for
admission and will be complete at the end of spring semester 2013) are due by June 1,
2013 and will be given second consideration for available spaces; and,
3. Admission 3 applications (for students who are in process of completing requirements for
admission and will complete by the end of the first 5-week summer session) are due by
June 25, 2013 and will be given the last priority for available spaces.
For Admission 2 or 3 application periods, you must see your nursing program advisor and get
approval to submit your application at these later times. Approval is dependent upon your
academic history and likelihood that you will be eligible by the end of the stated semester.
No other late applications will be accepted beyond these cutoff dates. Please plan accordingly.
Application Process
1) Admission to the College
a) New RCC students or students that have been separated from the college for more than
three years must complete a separate RCC application for admission to the College
before applying to the Nursing Program. Applications may be obtained online at the RCC
website: www.rappahannock.edu or from the admissions office at the college. Please be
sure to indicate the Practical Nursing Program (PN) as your program of interest so that
you will receive current information about the appropriate nursing program.
b) Continuing students do not need to complete another application to the college. However,
those students need to update their academic records with a Change of Curriculum form
to change the curriculum to PN, which can be done at the Counseling Office.
c) Financial Aid: Applicants needing financial aid should complete a FAFSA form and
return it to the financial aid office as soon as possible.
RCC PN Application Information Package, Revised Jan. 2013
Page 1
2) Completion of Academic Requirements
Students must have:
a) Graduated High School or completed a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) at the time
of application;
b) Successfully completed one unit of HS BIO or the college equivalent (BIO 101);
c) Been placement tested at RCC in MTH and ENG;
d) Completed all applicable developmental courses (MTT modules 1-3 completed and
eligible to take MTH 126) and ENF 3 (eligible to take ENG 111.);
e) Completed the ATI TEAS Nursing Entrance Test within the past 3 years. Students
should aspire to complete the TEAS test at the 45th National Percentile Rank or higher. If
you do not obtain the 45th National Percentile Rank, you may still be eligible to enter the
PN program, but you are required to meet with you academic advisor to determine if you
are academically prepared for the rigors of the program.
f) A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Supplemental requirements for students who have taken college courses and expect
credit by transfer or will use courses to satisfy program requirements:
a) BIO 141 and BIO 142 may be used to substitute for PNE 155 if taken within 7 years of
application.
b) Transfer courses must be evaluated by the Registrar, Dean of Health Programs and/or
Program Head of the nursing program prior to substituting these courses for required
courses. Courses with a NUR or PNE prefix or courses in a nursing sequence from
another college or school will not be evaluated, nor will they be accepted for transfer
credit. Dual Enrollment courses with a NUR or PNE prefix will be accepted if RCC has
given the credit for the courses.
c) Official transcripts from all colleges must be presented to Admissions and Records in
official forms prior to review.
d) Students must be willing to submit to criminal background checks and drug screens prior
to entrance to the nursing program. In the event you have questions about your
background, you are urged to contact www.certifiedbackground.com for a consultation.
3) Application to the PN Program
a) Electronically complete the application form found on the website
b) Print your application and hand initial in the spaces requiring initials, hand sign your
application at the bottom.
c) If you have access to a scanner and are able to scan, scan your application and all
applicable other document copies:
i) Diploma or GED
ii) TEAS test scores
iii) Unofficial transcripts if you have them
d) Email all documents in one email using your official VCCS email to:
jcarr@rappahannock.edu by the appropriate date OR
e) Bring your documents to Ms. Carr on the Glenns Campus for review and receipt. You
may also send your documents to her via inter-campus mail.
f) Keep a hard copy of your application materials. Incomplete applications will be kept for
you to pick up and revise.
g) You will receive notification of your application receipt. Keep it handy.
RCC PN Application Information Package, Revised Jan. 2013
Page 2
h) You will be notified of the Admission Committee decision no later than July 10, 2013,
but you may be notified earlier.
4) While you wait for the Admission Committee decision…consider the following:
a) Take one or more general education or support courses to reduce your course load while
you take courses in the nursing sequence;
b) Complete an American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Providers course;
c) Take courses that will support entrance into the ADN and/or BSN programs by transfer;
d) Consider completing the medical and dental screenings, as well as the immunization
profiles that are required; and,
e) Engage in financial and personal planning to ensure your success in the nursing program.
Students who work full time are less likely to be successful in this program. Plan your
finances early and have a backup plan in place for contingencies as they arise.
5) Health Screenings and Background Checks
Prior to the beginning of the first semester in the nursing sequence and after you have
received your admission offer, the student at her/his own expense must provide the
following:
1. Medical Release Form declaring that the student meets the health standards contained in
the document and signed by the health care provider
2. Current American Heart Association (AHA) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for
Healthcare Providers certification and must be from a provider that has in person
documentation of skills (internet options are prohibited) (Annual requirement)
3. Current Hepatitis B immunizations, proof of immunity or a signed disclaimer
4. Current two-stage Tuberculosis skin test that is negative OR completed signs and
symptoms verification with health care provider signature (Annual requirement)
5. Criminal background check (see criminal background check policy) (May be required
annually by some clinical agencies)
6. Drug screen (see drug and alcohol policy) (May be required annually by some clinical
agencies)
7. Proof of student professional liability insurance (Annual requirement)
8. Verification of seasonal influenza vaccination as needed. (Annual requirement)
The student is responsible for purchasing the complete 2-year package from
Certifiedbackground.com and is further responsible for uploading these documents to your
profile, as well as maintaining all documents current throughout the nursing program.
Additional Information for Prospective Nursing Students
All applicants should be advised that the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Nursing
Statutes and Regulations (54.1-3007) state the following:
1. Regarding refusal, revocation, or suspension, censure or probation.
The Board may refuse to admit a candidate to any examination, refuse to issue a license
or certificate to any applicant and may suspend any license or certificate for a stated
period or indefinitely, or revoke any license or censure or reprimand any licensee or
certificate holder or place him on probation for such time as it may designate for any of
the following causes:
a) Fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license;
b) Unprofessional conduct;
RCC PN Application Information Package, Revised Jan. 2013
Page 3
c) Willful or repeated violation of any of the provisions of this chapter;
d) Conviction or any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
e) Practicing in a manner contrary to the standards of ethics or in such a manner as
to make his practice a danger to the health and welfare of patients or to the
public;
f) Use of alcohol or drugs to the extent that such use renders him unsafe to practice,
or any mental or physical illness rendering him unsafe to practice;
g) The denial, revocation, suspension or restriction of a license, certificate,
registration, or multistate licensure privilege to practice in another state, the
District of Columbia or a United States possession or territory; or
h) Abuse, negligent practice, or misappropriation of a patient’s or resident’s
property.
2. Requirements for Clinical Participation Policy
Nursing, as a practice discipline, deals with cognitive, affective, and psychomotor
functioning and performance. Students entering the nursing program need to advise the
nursing faculty, nursing advisor, and the program head of any potential difficulties in
meeting one or more of the essential performance standards so as to receive possible
accommodation assistance and appropriate guidance.
All individuals who apply for admission to the Nursing Program, including
persons with disabilities must be able to perform essential functions included in
this document either with or without accommodations. These essential functions
are congruent with the Virginia State Board of Nurse Examiners expectations of
any individual seeking initial licensure as a registered nurse and are reflective of
The Standards of Clinical Practice established by the American Nurses
Association.
These guidelines serve as essential elements basic to eligibility requirements for clinical
participation in the RCC Associate Degree Nursing Program:
3. Core Performance Standards for Admission to and Progression through
the Nursing Program
Speech: Communicates in English orally and in writing with clients, physicians, peers,
family members and the health care team from a variety of social, emotional,
cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
Hearing: Auditory acuity to note slight changes in the client’s condition and to perceive
and interpret various equipment signals and to use the telephone.
Vision: Posses the visual acuity to read and distinguish colors, to read handwritten
orders, and any other handwritten and printer data, i.e., medication records, and
scales; chart content and provide for safety of clients’ condition by clearly
viewing monitors in order to correctly interpret data.
Smell: Olfactory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.
Mobility: Walk or stand for prolonged periods over six to eight hours period. Must be
RCC PN Application Information Package, Revised Jan. 2013
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able to bend, squat or kneel, and assist in lifting or moving clients of all age
groups and weights. Perform CPR i.e., move above patient to compress chest
and manually ventilate patient. Work with arms fully extended overhead.
Manual Dexterity: Determine eye/hand coordination and manipulation of equipment
such as syringes and IV infusion pumps. Able to use a computer/keyboard.
Fine Motor: Use hands for grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation and possess
tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and ability to differentiate change
in sensation.
Arithmetic Competence Comprehend and apply basic mathematical skills, e.g., factor
labeling, use of conversion tables, calculation of drug dosages and solutions.
Measure time, use calculator, read and record graphs.
Writing: Communicate and organize thoughts to prepare written documents that are
correct in style, grammar and mechanics.
Emotional Stability: Establish therapeutic boundaries, adapt to changing
environment/stress, perform multiple responsibilities concurrently, handle strong
emotions, provide client with emotional support, focus attention on task.
Analytical Thinking: Transfer knowledge from one situation to another, process
information, evaluate outcomes, prioritize tasks, problem solve.
Critical Thinking: Identify cause-effect relationships, plan/control activities for others,
synthesize knowledge and skills, sequence information.
Interpersonal Skills: Negotiate interpersonal conflict, respect differences in clients, establish
rapport with clients and coworkers, explain procedures and educate client/family.
RCC PN Application Information Package, Revised Jan. 2013
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RCC PN Curriculum Plan
Total Minimum Credits = 48
Course
Number
Title
Lecture
Hours
PN First Semester Curriculum
Lab/Clinical
Hours
Credits
0
0
9
0
0
0
9
2
3
7
2
3
1
18
15
0
0
0
15
11
3
3
1
18
0
3
0
12
12
1
8
12
36
48
NUR 120
Nursing Terminology and Charting
2
PNE 155
Body Structure and Function
3
PNE 161
Nursing in Health Changes I
4
NUR 135
Drug Dosage and Calculation
2
SOC 200
Principles of Sociology I
3
SDV 100
College Success Skills
1
16
Semester Total
PN Second Semester Curriculum
PNE 162
Nursing in Health Changes II
6
PSY 230
Developmental Psychology
3
ENG 111
College Composition I
3
PNE 173
Pharmacology
1
13
Semester Total
PN Third Semester Curriculum
HLT 230
Principles of Nutrition and Human
3
Development
PNE 145
Trends in Practical Nursing
1
PNE 163
Nursing in Health Changes III
4
8
Semester Total
Total Minimum Credits for AAS Degree in Nursing
37
Each semester’s courses are pre-requisites for the following semester.
Estimated Costs for the PN Program
Tuition & Fees
67 credits X $144.19 a credit hour
Uniforms and Shoes
Books
$6921.12
400.00
1000.00
Achievement Tests (Kaplan)
450.00
Clinical Supplies (stethoscope, watch, lab kit, etc.)
400.00
Malpractice Insurance
Criminal Background Checks/Drug Screens/
Document Tracker
RCC PN Application Information Package, Revised Jan. 2013
58.00
120.00
Page 6
Medical & Dental Examinations
500.00
Graduation and Licensure
500.00
Travel to Clinical Agencies
Total Estimated Costs
RCC PN Application Information Package, Revised Jan. 2013
Variable
$10,349.12+
Page 7
Rappahannock Community College
Application: Certificate in Practical Nursing (PN) Program
For Entry in Fall of _______ (Year)
READ CAREFULLY: Per VCCS Policy 6.0.5, admission consideration is given to qualified applicants who are
residents of the political subdivisions supporting the College and residents of those localities. Since enrollments are
restricted for the Nursing Program, admission consideration will be given to residents of the RCC service area first.
Contact your nursing advisor for questions. __________Initials
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Last Name
First Name
MI
Physical Street Address
Date
Apt #
City
County
State
Mailing Address
Zip
Apt #
City
County
Home Phone
State
Work Phone
Zip
Cellular Phone
VCCS Email address
Alternate Email Address
Have you ever applied to this program before?
Yes______
VCCS Student ID
No______
If yes, when?
Campus Choice: _______________Warsaw
_______________Glenns
Note: Students may choose one home campus, but must be flexible in the event that course and clinical scheduling dictates a change in
campus location. Similarly, space may be available in courses or clinical sites at or near the opposite campus necessitating faculty
placement there. Campus locations are honored as your first choice, but not guaranteed. ____________Initial that you have read and
understood this statement.
Please list all of your academic history in the spaces below and include any and all degrees or certificates earned.
ACADEMIC HISTORY
FROM
TO
Last year
attended
GRAD
(Y/N)
Degree if
applicable
Currently in High School
Name of HS:
High School graduate
Name of HS:
GED Completion
Vocational School Name
College Name
College Name
College Name
Have you ever enrolled in a nursing fundamentals course at either the ADN or LPN level? _______Yes ______No.
If yes, what school and what year?
Training/Certificates
Y/N
Currently Practicing
RCC PN Application Information Package, Revised Jan. 2013
Last Date of Practice
License or Certificate #
Page 8
Are you a/an:
Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Medication Aide
EMT Basic
EMT Intermediate
Paramedic
AHA CPR for HealthCare
Provider
Cardiac Technician
____Yes
____No
____Yes
____Yes
____Yes
____Yes
____No
____No
____No
____No
____Yes
____No
____Yes
____No
Phlebotomist
____Yes
____No
Other:
____Yes
____No
CHECKLIST FOR COMPLETE APPLICATION
INITIALS
I am enrolled as a student at Rappahannock Community College. If separated from
RCC for more than 3 years, a new college application is required.
I have completed all required college testing (VPT MTH & ENG) and
developmental course work, if applicable.
I have attended a general information session and have met with my nursing
program advisor. (Strongly encouraged). If yes, initial in space. If no, state NO.
All official transcripts from each college I have attended have been hand delivered
by me in sealed envelopes to College Counseling or mailed directly by my college to
Admission and Records. RCC transcripts do not need to be official.
I have been curriculum placed by College Counseling.
I have completed the ATI TEAS Pre-Nursing Entrance Test within the last 3 years
and it is included with this application.
I have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all coursework.
I have completed all pre-application requirements listed in the application package
I certify I have had one unit of HS BIO and CHM with a grade of “C” or higher or
the college equivalent (1 semester of each)
READ ONLY: Criminal Background Check Statement—A criminal background check and drug screen are
required for admission to the Nursing Program as required by our clinical affiliates. If you have a criminal
conviction you should contact www.certifiedbackgound.com to determine if your conviction will prevent you from
enrolling in this program. Initial__________
READ ONLY: Student Accommodations Statement---The Nursing Program is committed to the policies set
forth by RCC regarding disabilities and reasonable accommodations. If you require special services or
accommodations, you should contact the RCC Disability Services Counselor on either campus for an appointment at
least 2 weeks prior to the beginning of classes if you are accepted into the Nursing Program. Your success is
contingent upon your ability to fulfill the core competencies of the program.
Initial___________
I certify under penalty of disciplinary action up to and including automatic withdrawal from the nursing
program, that all of the information is complete and accurate. I agree to supply the nursing program with
supporting documentation related to my application, if I am requested to do so. I further understand that
submission of this application does not guarantee admission to the PN program.
Signature
RCC PN Application Information Package, Revised Jan. 2013
Date
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