LPN to RN Diploma Nursing Program

Program Mission Statement

The LPN to RN Diploma Nursing program supports the mission of the Collins Career Technical Center. The mission is to prepare youth and adults to enter, compete, and advance in an ever-changing world of work. The vision for Collins Career Technical Center is a dedication to providing all learners with lifelong learning skills, work ethic, and the highest quality academic and career technical preparation to compete and advance in a global market while encouraging them to give back to the community. The nursing faculty is committed to providing accessible, high-quality nursing education to meet the diverse and changing healthcare needs of the service area and to promoting the development of qualified students prepared for the role of a registered nurse at the entry-level. Graduates of this program will meet the education requirements to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Program Objective

The graduate of the LPN to RN Diploma Nursing program at Collins Career Technical Center will be prepared to meet the educational competencies defined by the National Council State Boards of Nursing and the Nursing Practice Act of Ohio. The practice of nursing is directed toward meeting the healthcare needs of individuals throughout their lifespans. The Diploma prepared nurse role is characterized by evidence-based clinical practice providing care for individuals and families in structured settings.

Nursing education at the Collins Career Technical Center is a process that facilitates changes in behavior and the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function in the role of the entry-level registered nurse. The curriculum is guided by concepts and founded on adult and collaborative learning principles. Basic assumptions include self-direction, utilizing adult experience, and problem- and activity-centered learning. (Rachel, 2002) It incorporates evidence-based nursing theory and practice, general education, and the sciences in an environment conducive to learning. The conceptual design defines the essential elements as the environment, quality of life, achievement of potential, and health. The organizing framework contains content related to the individual, the health care system, and nursing.

The LPN to RN Diploma nursing program at Collins Career Technical Center provides an education that is flexible, progressive, and sensitive to the changing needs of the individual, significant support person(s), and community. Through these educational experiences, students will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Curriculum is based on learning theory rooted in neurobiology. Neuroscientists discovered that the brain develops circuitry and grows due to experience and learning. Learning is about making connections. Neurologists and cognitive scientists agree that humans build their minds by “constructing” mental structures and "hands-on" concrete application that connects and organizes information. Barkley, Cross & Major (2005)

Learning is a continuous process that results in behavior change and occurs when the individual is challenged and motivated to enhance personal knowledge. Teaching and learning is an interactive process between teacher and learner. The responsibility of the faculty of Collins Career Technical Center LPN to RN Diploma Nursing Program is to facilitate the student's understanding and ability to meet the competencies for nursing practice through the design and evaluation of learning experiences. The nursing student is responsible for actively participating in learning experiences and developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide quality individual-centered nursing care.

Program Goals

Graduates from the LPN to RN Diploma Nursing Program meet the Ohio Board of Nursing requirements for eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN Exam. The curriculum includes classroom, laboratory simulation, and clinical experiences. After passing the NCLEX-RN, the graduate will be prepared to work in hospitals, nursing homes, Physician's offices, home health agencies, and many other health-related fields.

Length of Course

There are two classes each year; one starts at the beginning of January and graduates at the end of the following January, spanning one calendar year. The second starts in August each year and graduates at the end of the following August, spanning one calendar year. The programs meet every Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. In addition, one clinical day per week per quarter is expected. This program does require internet access, with almost half of the program meeting online objectives. Computer and internet access is necessary to complete the requirements of this program. Collins Career Technical Center LPN to RN Diploma Nursing Program applicants are selected based on entrance exam scores, work experience, clinical experience, and an unencumbered LPN license. You must comply with all health screening guidelines and the application process. Applications must be hand-delivered with proof of identification to one of our locations. The program accepts 40 students per class each calendar year.

Job Opportunities.

Graduates are employed in area hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, private physician offices, long-term care facilities, and other health-related fields.

Typically students are required to participate in one clinical day per week per quarter, but more flexible arrangements can be made with your instructor.

Please read Admission Procedures

• Check here for Admissions Procedures

The pre-entrance Exam is required for the program - see WorkKeys link for more information

• Check here for WorkKeys Scores

If you are concerned about being able to make required scores and you would like to "brush up" on some of your skills prior to the pre-entrance exam, the Collins Career Technical Center's ABLE program is available for tutoring services Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

Individuals with a passing score on all parts of the pre-entrance examination will be mailed an application packet for admission.

Clinical Sites

Students complete clinical hours in various locations, including the major medical centers of the tri-state area, long-term care facilities, local schools, and community events.

Clinical Obligations

Students have varied clinical hour requirements for each Quarter:

• Quarter 1: 32 Clinical Hours
• Quarter 2: 72 Clinical Hours
• Quarter 3: 72 Clinical Hours
• Quarter 4: 52 Preceptorship Hours