Course Catalog

Practical Nursing, Certificate (PN21)  Technical Certificate of Credit


Campus Locations: Valdosta, Ben Hill Irwin, Coffee

This program will begin accepting students for Spring 2025 – through a competitive admission process. This program is pending DOE approval.

The Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. The nursing program covers all theoretical content areas outlined in Georgia Board Rule 410-9-06( 5a & 5b). A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. Program graduates receive a practical nursing certificate and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse. The PN21 program is a certificate program to be implemented with new cohorts of students beginning Fall 2024 and beyond. Students most commonly will have to submit a satisfactory criminal background check as well as a drug screen to be placed in a clinical health care facility to complete the clinical rotations of their educational training.

Curriculum: The practical nursing programs include both classroom study and supervised clinical experience (patient care). Classroom content covers basic nursing concepts and subjects related to patient care, including anatomy & physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics nursing, pharmacology, nutrition, and first aid. Clinical experience is usually in a hospital but sometimes includes other settings.

Careers: Licensed Practical Nurse

Length of Program: 3 Terms

Admission Requirements:

  • General College Admissions and Placement
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Applicants must make application to the college and to the program through the competitive admissions process.
  • Applicants must be in "good academic standing" with Wiregrass to be accepted to the program through the competitive admissions process. Applicants on academic warning, probation or suspension cannot be accepted into the program.
  • Practical Nursing is a highly competitive program and admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing program. The online competitive admissions application, official transcripts, HESI A2 scores, and any other required or optional information must be on file with the College by the deadline listed on the program application.
  • Applicants should meet with their One-Stop Enrollment and Success Advisor before making application to the competitive program.
  • The competitive admissions application deadline for Spring 2025 entry is November 1, 2024.
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Competitive Admission Rank Order [Beginning Spring 2025 Entry]:

  • Applicants must complete the HESI A2 Exam with a 60.0 or better *and* be in Academic Good Standing.
  • Applicants will be ranked based on a score that is equal to the sum of their HESI score and bonus points, if applicable.
  • Bonus Points: Applicants may be awarded additional points on their ranking score based on the following items:
    • 6 points. Completed certificate, college diploma, or degree from a college, university, or other postsecondary institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the course was taken. In the event of multiple college certificate, college diploma, or degree, points will only be applied once (maximum of 6) to the ranking score once.
    • 6 points. Current and verified CNA, National Registry for EMT, CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT) or CCMA (NHA) license. In the event of multiple licensures, points will only be applied once (maximum of 6) to the ranking score once.
  • If class capacity remains unfilled for a program, the deadlines and/or other requirements for that program can be extended/modified with the Dean of Health Sciences approval.
  • All of the competitive admissions criteria are current as we know them. They may be modified with curriculum revisions. Please see the One-Stop Enrollment and Success Center for the most current criteria.

HESI A2 Information

  • The HESI A2 exam must be taken at Wiregrass. Scores from other institutions will not be accepted. Both the cumulative and critical thinking portion of the exam must be completed. HESI scores are valid for 2 years and must be valid at the application deadline date. Applicants have 3 attempts per 2 years to complete the HESI A2 exam.

Clinical Information

  • Clinical experience is required to complete the Practical Nursing program, and students must meet all clinical requirements defined by the clinical facility. No student will be denied admissions to a program due to these requirements; however, the clinical partner requirement may prevent a student from completing the program. Clinical requirements may include, but not limited to, some or all of the following: American Heart Association Provider CPR certification, physical examination or proof of ability to perform required duties, Tuberculin skin test, up-to-date immunizations, mandatory vaccinations, and/or titers. A criminal background check and drug screen are required prior to performing the clinical rotation. Students unable to meet clinical requirements may not be able to graduate from the program. Alternate clinical locations may not be offered or available if a student is unable to meet clinical requirements. See the Program Advising Packet for more information.

Start Terms:

  • Ben Hill-Irwin – Fall
    • The application deadline for Fall 2025 entry is May 1, 2025.
    • The program accepts up to 30 students each fall.
  • Coffee – Spring
    • The application deadline for Spring 2025 entry is November 1, 2024.
    • The program accepts up to 30 students each spring.
  • Valdosta – Fall and Spring
    • The application deadline for Spring 2025 entry is November 1, 2024.
    • The application deadline for Fall 2025 entry is May 1, 2025.
    • The program accepts up to 30 students each spring and fall.

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College proudly secured the # 6 spot of best LPN Programs in Georgia according to practicalnursing.com!

The practical nursing program at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College at the Ben Hill/Irwin, Coffee, and Valdosta campuses located in Fitzgerald, Douglas, and Valdosta, Georgia is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the practical nursing program is initial accreditation.

Program Outcomes and Instructor ListACEN Logo

Curriculum Outline (49 hours)
Occupational Courses 49
PNSG 1600

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0.33 Lab – 5.33 Pre-requisite(s):Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Applies fundamental mathematical concepts and includes basic drug administration. Emphasizes critical thinking skills and introduces pharmacological classes. Topics include systems of measurement, calculating drug problems, resource materials usage, fundamental pharmacology, administering medications in a simulated clinical environment, principles of IV therapy techniques, and client education. After this pharmacology course, students will have completed a minimum of 85 lecture/lab (4250/50min) hours

3
PNSG 1605

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1.6 Lab - 8.8 [Clinical] Pre-requisite(s):Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None An introduction to the nursing process and clinical practice, normal body system function, and terminology related to healthcare. Topics include: nursing as a profession; scope of practice; ethics and law; client care which is defined as using the nursing process, using critical thinking, and providing client education and includes principles and skills of nursing practice, documentation, history taking, and an introduction to structure, function, terminology associated with healthcare, and physical assessment of body systems; customer/client relationships; standard precautions; activities of daily living; infection control/ blood-borne/ airborne pathogens; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; and perioperative care. At the end of the course, students will have completed a minimum of 66 lecture/lab (3300/50min) hours and 75 clinical (4500/60min) hours.

6
PNSG 1610

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1.5 Lab – 9 [Clinical] Pre-requisite(s):Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education, and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attention to special populations. Lecture/lab topics include terminology associated with healthcare, structure and function of body systems, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders, and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions concerning the cardiovascular, respiratory, and hematological and immunological systems. Clinical topics include but are not limited to hygiene and personal care;mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions about cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. This course contains lectures and regular lab 4125/50 =82.5 hours and clinical has 3750/60 =62.5 hours.

6
PNSG 1615

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1.5 Lab – 9 [Clinical] Pre-requisite(s):Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attentionto special populations. Lecture/lab topics include functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the endocrine, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems. Clinical topics include, but are not limited to: hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions concerning cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. This course contains lectures and regular lab 4125/50 =82.5 hours and clinical has 3750/60 =62.5 hours.

6
PNSG 1620

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1.5 Lab – 9 [Clinical] Pre-requisite(s):Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education, and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attention to special populations. Lecture/lab topics include functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the neurological and sensory systems, disaster preparedness, emergency response, triage, and bioterrorism. Clinical topics include, but are not limited to: hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions concerning cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. This course contains lectures and regular lab 4125/50 =82.5 hours and clinical has 3750/60 =62.5 hours.

6
PNSG 1625

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1.5 Lab – 9 [Clinical] Pre-requisite(s):Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education, and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attention to special populations. Lecture/lab topics include functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the integumentary and musculoskeletal systems and oncology. Clinical topics include, but are not limited to: hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions with regard to cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. After, this adult health course students will have completed a minimum of 4125/50= 82.5 lecture/lab contact hours and 3750/60=62.5 clinical hour.

6
PNSG 1630

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1.5 Lab – 6 [Clinical] Pre-requisite(s):Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Presents concepts within the field of mental health nursing and their application to everyday human behavior, thinking, emotion, and communication. Focuses on health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the mental health patient as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. Emphasis is placed on students understanding mental health principles and their application within the context of family, work and social interactions. Topics include an overview of psychological disorders and their treatments; terminology associated with health care, stress and health; health management and maintenance and prevention of illness; care of the mental health patient as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health in the mental health client; client care, pharmacology, and diet therapy of the mental health client; and standard precautions. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, and providing client education, displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. At completion of this mental health course, students will have completed a minimum of 75 (3750/50) lecture contact hours and 25 (1500/60) clock hours of mental health-related clinical experience.

4
PNSG 1635

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab – 4 [Clinical] Pre-requisite(s):Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Focuses on maternal and newborn patient care aspects of health management and maintenance and prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, providing client education, displaying cultural competence across the life span, and with attention to special populations. Topics include the function of the human body systems, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance and prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; and deviations from the normal state of health in the reproductive system, pathological and nonpathological concerns in obstetric clients, and the newborn; client care, treatment, pharmacology, medication administration, and diet therapy related to the reproductive system, obstetric clients, and the newborn, and standard precautions. After this maternity course, students will have completed a minimum of 1500/50 (30) lecture and lab contact hours and 3000/60 (50) clock hours of reproductive, maternity, and newborn-related clinical experience.

4
PNSG 1640

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab – 4 [Clinical] Pre-requisite(s):Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Focuses on health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the child as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, and providing client education. Topics include health management and maintenance and prevention of illness, care of the child as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health in the pediatric client; client, care, treatments, pharmacology, and diet therapy of the pediatric client; growth and development; functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, and standard precautions. After this pediatric course, students will have completed a minimum of 45 (2250/50) lecture/lab contact hours and 25 (1500/60) clock hours of pediatric-related clinical experience.

3
PNSG 1645

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1.6 Lab – 6.8 [Clinical] Pre-requisite(s):Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Builds on the concepts presented in prior nursing courses and develops the skills necessary for successful performance in the job market. Topics include application of the nursing process, critical thinking, supervisory skills, client education methods, group dynamics, professional oral and written communication, and conflict resolution. At completion of this nursing leadership course, students will have completed a minimum of 54 lecture/lab (2700/50 min) hours and 60 clock (3600/60 min) hours of leadership-related clinical experience.

5
Faculty
Program Chair

Director of Practical Nursing
Ben Hill-Irwin Campus

Irwin Hall, Room 8202H
Advisor

Practical Nursing Instructor
Coffee Campus

Coffee Hall, Room 130
Advisor

Practical Nursing Instructor
Valdosta Campus

Advisor

Practical Nursing Instructor
Valdosta Campus

Advisor

Practical Nursing Instructor
Room #349

Advisor

Practical Nursing Instructor
Ben Hill-Irwin Campus

Advisor

Practical Nursing Instructor
Valdosta Campus

Advisor

Practical Nursing Instructor
Valdosta Campus

Advisor

Practical Nursing Instructor (FT, Varies)
Coffee Campus

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