Practical Nursing Diploma (D45660)

The Practical Nursing curriculum provides knowledge and skills to integrate safety and quality into nursing care to meet the needs of the holistic individual, which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.

Coursework includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes safe, individualized nursing care and participation in the interdisciplinary team while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation/long term care/home health facilities, clinics, and physicians’ offices.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

The practical nursing program at Cleveland Community College located in Shelby, North Carolina 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.

Practical Nursing Program Outcomes

Licensure Pass Rate

Program Completion 

Job Placement Rates (Employment after Graduation)

Admission and Selection Criteria

CCC has established admissions and selection procedures to ensure students are admitted and selected in a consistent and equitable manner. Completion of these requirements will not guarantee admission to the program. All applicants are encouraged to attend a Health Sciences Symposium, which are held in June and November, to learn more information about the program.

All admissions criteria must be completed and submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the program deadline of January 25.

Admission Requirements

• Application to the College and NC Residency
• Reading/English: Meet one of the following to demonstrate proficiency:
  • Completion of prerequisites to be eligible to register for ENG 111 without corequisite (or currently enrolled)
  • Completion of ENG 111 or equivalent with a minimum of “C”
  • Have a 2.8 or higher unweighted high school GPA
  • Provide satisfactory placement test scores
  • Provide proof of completion of an associate or bachelor’s degree (if applicable)
• TEAS Score of 60 or higher

Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Testing Information

The TEAS is designed specifically to assess the preparedness of students applying to a health sciences program. TEAS scores are good for 5 years, and must have a minimum of 30 days between each test. Students must register for the test through ATI at www.atitesting.com.

TEAS testing information:

• Paper and pencil will be provided
• No smartwatches or any other programmable devices are allowed
• Cell phones must be turned off
• No food or drink allowed, unless medically necessary
• Photo ID required
• ATI login information

Post-Provisional Acceptance Requirements

An email notification of provisional acceptance will be sent by February 20. The following must be completed to satisfy acceptance requirements:

• Attend nursing orientation
• Complete CCC Health Sciences Medical Form
• Criminal background check and 12-panel drug screen obtained through a secure compliance tracking database
• The following immunizations are required (more information will be provided during orientation):
  
  • Complete 2-Step TB Test or IGRA
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza (required between 9/1 – 10/31) or of current Influenza Season
  • Varicella
  • Td or TDaP
  • MMR
• CPR Certification will be offered the first week of class (first fall semester only) and must remain current throughout the program.
• Comply with the Technical Standards outlined for the program
• Highly recommended for all students to have health insurance

Clinical facilities may require criminal background checks, drug screenings, and/or proof of US citizenship prior to or during participation in the clinical portion of the program. A student who is unable to complete the clinical portion of the program will not be able to graduate. Criminal background checks, drug screenings, credit checks, and/or proof of US citizenship may also be required after graduation by examination boards, state licensing boards, and employing agencies.

Essential Functions and Technical Standards

Purpose Statement

The provided text outlines the essential standards and expectations for students in a clinical program. It emphasizes the need for students to demonstrate cognitive, critical thinking, interpersonal, behavioral, physical, and communication skills required for high-quality patient care. Reasonable accommodations for documented disabilities are considered, but students must independently meet performance standards set by clinical sites and the college. Failure to meet these standards may prevent program completion. The standards reflect job requirements for entry-level professionals and ensure patient safety. Examples are illustrative but not exhaustive.

Estimated Total Cost for Program

Understanding the Ranking Process

When all admissions requirements have been met, qualified applicants are ranked using a point system. Enrollment in related courses is not required for acceptance; however, extra points will be awarded for each related course, completed by the deadline, based on the grade earned in the course. If the course is repeated, the highest grade earned will be used in the ranking.

• A = 4 points
• B = 3 points
• C = 2 points (no points are awarded for grades lower than C)

AP credit is based on individual scores:

• 5 = 4 points
• 4 = 3 points
• 3 = 2 points (no points are awarded for scores lower than 3)

Related course points will be added to the total TEAS score for the ranking. Applicants with the highest-ranked scores will be accepted. In the event of a tie, the highest science score on the TEAS will be ranked higher. An alternate list will be maintained in ranking order. Alternates will only be accepted if a space becomes available. Applicants not admitted to the program must reapply. The chart below can be used to track related course points.

Related courses for Traditional Pathway:

Students enrolled in the Health Science Academy, Rise to Success, or a health sciences apprenticeship through CCC will be awarded an additional 2 points maximum. Verification from a liaison for Rise to Success or the health sciences apprenticeship is needed by email to hsadvising@clevelandcc.edu.  

Students attending the CCC Health Science Symposium, during the application period, will be awarded an additional 1 point. 

Reentry Process

1. All requests for reentry must be approved by the Admissions Office and the Nursing Director prior to implementation.
2. Only one reentry will be considered.
3. No NUR transfer courses will be accepted from member institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, and from other ACEN-accredited institutions of higher education. 

Applied and Not Accepted

Students not selected to the program may reapply for the next year by completing a new health sciences application. All applications for admission must be updated annually.

Grading Policy

All NUR courses must receive a grade of B or higher and all other courses in the program must receive a grade of C or higher.