Technical Diploma
The practical nursing program is a five-semester, 59 credit-hour program which prepares students for employment in private and large group physician offices, clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare areas. Graduates receive a Technical Diploma (TD) in Practical Nursing and will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) as required by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE). The Practical Nursing Program is offered at the Acadian site.
The Practical Nursing Program is a limited enrollment program. Students must be accepted into the program to enroll in any of the Practical Nursing courses.
The Practical Nursing Program trains students in all aspects of nursing with a focus on geriatric and long-term care. The program includes instruction in fundamental and advanced nursing skills, pharmacology, drug calculations, medication administration, nutrition, intravenous therapy, care of pediatric, obstetric, and mental health patients, leadership training, and legal issues regarding nursing practice.
Admission Criteria
- Meet the Admission Test Scores Required for the Practical Nursing Program
- Complete the pre-nursing courses with an 80% or better
- Submit a completed Practical Nursing Program application, including a criminal background check and drug screen, within the Application Period and be selected into the Practical Nursing Program
- Be able to physically perform the duties of the practical nurse
- Maintain the academic, clinical requirements, and behavioral standards of the Practical Nursing program through completion achieving an 80% or greater in each course
A new class is admitted every fall semester. Program applicants must achieve pre-determined
Accuplacer, TEAS, or ACT scores. Current test score requirements are posted below.
ACT scores are valid for 5 years; Accuplacer and TEAS scores are valid for 3 years.
PRACTICAL NURSING ENTRANCE SCORE REQUIREMENTS
| Test Type | Mathematics | Reading | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT (sub Score) | 18 | 20 | 18 |
| Accuplacer (Classic) | 48 Elementary Algebra |
65 | 74 |
| Accuplacer (Next Generation) | 243 QAS | 250 | 241 |
| TEAS | Composite Score 55 |
Applicants are also required to complete two pre-nursing courses: HNUR 1214 (Practical Nursing Fundamentals) and HNUR 1225 (Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare). HNUR 1214 and HNUR 1225 have a pre-requisite that requires the following test scores: ACT Reading score of 16 or higher, Accuplacer (Classic) Reading score of 53 or higher, Accuplacer (Next Generation) Reading score of 235 or higher, or TEAS score of 55 or higher. Pre-nursing courses must be completed with a grade of 80% or higher to qualify for admission to the Practical Nursing program.
Application Process
The application for admission to the practical nursing program can be obtained from the program coordinator (225.359.9233) or from the website during the application period. Deadlines and detailed instructions for completing the admission application are included in the application packet.
Students admitted to the practical nursing program will receive additional instructions regarding program requirements that may include, and are not limited to, submission of: a completed LSBPNE evaluation form, personal health history and physical, a tuberculosis screening, various immunizations/vaccinations, urine drug screen, and proof of cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification. A positive urine drug screen or any attempt to tamper with a specimen may disqualify an applicant and/or result in dismissal from the nursing program. Costs for all requirements are borne by the student.
Criminal Background Check
The LSBPNE requires practical nursing applicants to submit the following: birth certificate, fingerprints, and a criminal background check. Applicants who have been charged with, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, been convicted of, or committed a criminal offense that involves a crime of violence or distribution of drugs may be denied admission into the BRCC practical nursing program.
Advising
For additional information, contact Jean Dorsey, Administrative Coordinator (225-359-9233).
Practical Nursing Technical Diploma Checklist
Right to Review Authorization
Right to Review Disclosure
Practical Nursing My Map 2020-2021
Program of Study
- HNUR 1214 Practical Nursing Fundamentals - 4 credit hours (125 contact hours)
- HNUR 1225 Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare - 5 credit hours (75 contact hours)
- HNUR 1312 Nutrition for Practical Nurses - 2 credit hours (30 contact hours)
- HNUR 1324 Pharmacology - 4 credit hours (60 contact hours)
- HNUR 1335 Practical Nursing Skills - 5 credit hours (105 contact hours)
- HNUR 1413 Practical Nursing Perspectives - 3 credit hours (45 contact hours)
- HNUR 1428 Medical Surgical I for Practical Nursing - 8 credit hours (250 contact hours)
- HNUR 1431 Intravenous (IV) Therapy - 1 credit hour (30 contact hours)
- HNUR 2115 Obstetric and Pediatric Nursing - 5 credit hours (140 contact hours)
- HNUR 2128 Medical Surgical II for Practical Nursing - 8 credit hours (250 contact hours)
- HNUR 2216 Mental Health and PN Leadership - 6 credit hours (155 contact hours)
- HNUR 2228 Medical Surgical III for Practical Nursing - 8 credit hours (250 contact hours)