Here we go (again)...I hope third time is the charm. I have applied for this Online VN program three times (including today). For those of you who are not familiar with this program, there is more information below:
1. How long is the Vocational Nursing Program?
12 months - Online students begin in January and graduate in December.
2. Are there any pre-requisite courses?
No, there are no pre-reqs. There is only one course that may be taken before admission to the program, Anatomy and Physiology. If you have already had BIOL 2401 and 2402 (college biology Anatomy and Physiology I and II) you will not need to take the A&P course again. If you want to take A&P online this fall, you may register for VNSG 1420 during regular registration period. You will not be able to register for this class online, however; you will need to register for this course in person.
3. How will I know if I'm accepted to the program?
When students take and complete the entrance test (the PAX), they will receive their scores immediately. To be considered for the class, students must register and take the entrance exam and will be accepted according to score order on the PAX. Once all testing has been completed, letters will be mailed to notify students of their status. According to NCTC policy, students who reside in the service areas of Cooke, Denton, Montague and Young counties will be given preference when scores are tied ONLY.
4. What are the clinical expectations?
Clinicals will meet in Gainesville on Saturday and Sunday from--time TBA-- during the early part of the first semester for online students. Once the skills competencies have been completed and students are ready to go to the clinical sites, times may change, and may begin as early as 5:30 AM or end as late at 9:00 PM. A clinical instructor will assist students with practicing skills, conducting check-offs, and supervising students at the clinical site.
5. What is the curriculum like?
In the first semester, students take the following courses:
-Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health is a course to teach you how the body is structured and functions. If you have already had this course or BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402, you will not have to take this course again. It is recommended to take this course before beginning the program in the spring. You may register for this course in the fall prior to beginning the program in spring.-Essentials of Medication Administration is a math course teaching nursing drug calculations and other basic information regarding drug administration. This course requires passing a drug calculation test with 100% accuracy (3 attempts will be given to achieve 100%).
-Basic Nursing Skills is a course designed to teach you the skills expected of a nurse to perform. This course is taught in conjunction with Clinical I and has laboratory competencies that will be demonstrated during your Saturday and Sunday clinical days prior to attendance at the clinical facilities of the nursing home.
-Nursing in Health and Illness I is the course that builds on your understanding of A&P by discussing the pathophysiology of the body systems and how the nurse implements the medical therapies to assist the patient to return to his/her highest level of functioning as possible.
In the second semester, students will take:
-Nursing in Health and Illness II continues the content from the first semester.-Pharmacology is a course to enhance the nurse's understanding of drug therapy.
-Clinical II will allow the VN student to practice in more acute care settings.
In the final semester, the student will take:
-Maternal-Neonatal Nursing which prepares the VN student to care for patients and families during the childbearing processes.
-Pediatrics is a course to teach the student about diseases and disorders specific to children
-Professional Development is the first class developed for online presentation and all students must take this course online. The course is designed to assist the VN student to make the transition from student nurse to licensed nurse entering the workforce.-Nursing in Health and Illness III continues the content from the first two semesters
-Clinical III will allow the student to participate in a variety of health care settings
We would love to hear from the existing online VN students in the program if at all possible. I know you all are super busy but you all know how excited and learn carved us potential VN students are at this point in our lives.
