2011 - 2012 Student Calendar - Helena College of Technology

Nursing ProgramsThe nursing curricula prepare graduates to function as members of the health care team in various health care environments.The curricula focus on preparation for employment and articulation. The nursing programs consist of an Associate of AppliedScience in Practical Nursing and an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing. The nursing program is approved by theMontana State Board of Nursing.In the Fall of 2010, the statewide curriculum for the PN program was implemented, which means all PN students will berequired to have all eight prerequisite classes completed before being admitted into the clinical portion of the program. PNstudents will be admitted in both the fall and spring semesters.The Associate of Science degree leading to the registered nursing program is currently following the statewide curriculum,continuing as a Fall-Spring sequence program.Admission to the program also requires completion of the application, which can be obtained on the UM-Helena webpageunder nursing application, or through the nursing department. Deadlines can be obtained from the nursing departmentand will be posted on the webpage. A student may apply while enrolled in the prerequisite courses with acceptance to theprogram to be determined after the current completed semester grades are finalized. A general physical examination is part ofthe application process.A student must maintain a “C” or better in each of the courses required and complete each semester prior to progressingto the next semester. After the student is accepted into the nursing program, he or she must provide proof of the followinghealth requirements: tuberculosis testing using the PPD or chest x-ray; Hepatitis B vaccine (a series of three injections); MMRseries (those born before 1956 who did not receive the MMR will have to complete a titer); illness or vaccination for Varicella(chicken pox); Tetanus; current CPR for the Health Care Provider; and a criminal background check.Practical NursingThe practical nurse uses specialized knowledge and skills that meet the health care needs of people in a variety of settingsunder the direction of qualified health professions. The curriculum focuses on preparation for employment. Students learnpractical nursing skills through independent study, lectures, simulation demonstrations, and practice in the skills lab. Underinstructor supervision, students also provide patient care in a variety of health care settings. The program is approved by theMontana State Board of NursingGraduates of the program are eligible to apply for the National Council of Licensing Examination (NCLEX) PN licensureexamination from the Montana State Board of Nursing. Upon passing the examination, the graduate becomes a LicensedPractical Nurse, LPN. After licensure, graduates typically find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, andother health care agencies.Admission is by application only. The application process includes a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) pre-entranceexam. Applications are good for current start only; current applications are available through the nursing department. Theapplication process requires that a student successfully complete the following coursework with a “C” or better:Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing(New Statewide Curriculum)Prerequisite CoursesTo be completed prior to application to the program. A prerequisite course may be attempted a maximum of two (2) times.• BIOH201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I.............................................................................3• BIOH202 Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab.....................................................................1• M121 College Algebra ................................................................................................................3• PSYX100 Introduction to Psychology ......................................................................................3• WRIT101 College Writing ..........................................................................................................3• BIOH211 Human Anatomy & Physiology II...........................................................................3• BIOH212 Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab....................................................................1• NUTR221 Basic Human Nutrition ...........................................................................................3• CHMY121 Introduction to General Chemistry........................................................................3• CHMY122 Introduction to General Chemistry Lab................................................................1• NRSG100 Introduction to Health Care & Nursing ................................................................1UM-Helena College of Technology 2011 - 2012 Academic Catalog 65