This program will end at the conclusion of the current session and is not accepting applications for admission.

A career in practical nursing offers many challenges and rewards. The Practical Nursing Program at Jefferson College of Health Sciences offers you a practical nursing education in the most advanced healthcare facility in Southwest Virginia.

The 12-month practical nursing program includes classroom lectures, laboratory practice and clinical experience.  You will learn to care for patients under supervision of a licensed medical practitioner or professional nurse.

After graduating from Jefferson College of Health Sciences as a practical nurse and receiving state licensure, you may be employed by hospitals, private homes, physicians' offices, clinics and many other organizations offering health care services.

To learn more about the program, please click on any of the links at the left or call us at the number below.

For more information call:
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Practical Nursing Program
(540) 981-7362
Or, email: Nursing_Edu@carilion.com 

You can click on the links below to skip down the page to specific topics.

• Program Description
• Philosophy
• Objectives
• Admission Policies
• Admissions Procedures
• Re-Admission
• Prior Education Credit
• Expenses
• Time Off
• Forms and Documents
• Description of Courses
• Faculty and Staff Roster

The Practical Nursing Program was originally established in 1957, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.  The 12-month program focuses on preparing graduates to care for patients throughout the age span in a variety of health care settings.  Classes start each year during the latter part of August.  The program is divided into Phase I and Phase II.  The first four months (Phase I) is devoted primarily to classroom lectures, laboratory practice and supervised gerontological clinical nursing experience.  The last eight months (Phase II) consists of classroom lectures and supervised clinical experiences in a variety of settings.  During this phase, students have 35-40 hours of class and supervised practice each week. 

Upon satisfactorily completing the one-year program, the student receives a certificate. The graduate is then eligible to apply to the Virginia State Board of Nursing (or any other state board) for the NCLEX exam.  After satisfactorily completing this exam, the applicant obtains a practical nurse license.  Additional information regarding program description and policies are found in the student handbook made available to each student upon enrollment.

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The faculty of the Jefferson College of Health Sciences Practical Nursing Program believes that:

Nursing is an art and a science which endeavors to meet the physiological, psychological, social and spiritual needs of individuals and families throughout the life span.

As an essential member of the health team, the practical nurse utilizes the nursing process to promote and maintain an optimal state of health in the individual, family and community through the administration of preventive, restorative and palliative nursing care.

Practical nursing education is a continuous process through which the learner acquires the knowledge, skill and attitudes necessary to function as a member of the health team to assist with assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care.

Learning is the acquisition of knowledge, understanding and skill through study and experience.  Accountability for the teaching-learning process lies with both the teacher and the learner.  It is the responsibility of the faculty to identify educational goals, provide theoretical instruction and experiences which foster the correlation of theory and practice and evaluate the achievement of the identified goals.  The faculty also assumes responsibility for continued evaluation and revision of the program to adapt to changes in practical nursing and the needs of the community.

Upon completion of a practical nursing program, individuals who are qualified and motivated can implement safe and effective entry level nursing care under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner, registered nurse and/or other approved licensed health professional.

Continuing education for the graduate of a practical nursing program is essential for the ongoing provision of competent patient care.  It is the responsibility of the faculty to emphasize the need for continuing education and the responsibility of the graduate to seek learning opportunities.

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Upon completion of the Practical Nursing curriculum, the graduate is prepared to: 

1. function as a beginning practitioner under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner, registered nurse and/or other approved licensed health professional.
2. utilize the nursing process, with guidance, in delivering safe, therapeutic, individualized nursing care to the patient and/or family throughout the life span.
3. maintain effective professional relationships with the patient, family and other members of the health team.
4. participate in patient/family teaching to promote, maintain and restore individual, family and community health.
5. assist the patient and/or family in utilizing community resources to promote and maintain an optimal state of health.
6. assume responsibility for his/her own continued personal, professional and educational growth as a practical nurse and citizen.
7. successfully complete the NCLEX examination for practical nurses.

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Jefferson College of Health Sciences Practical Nursing Program admits students whose ability, preparation and character indicates potential for success in the program.  The selection of students is based on review of credentials, references, pre-entrance test scores and health status without regard to race, sex, age, national origin, religion, marital status or political affiliation. Applicants are required to present evidence of aptitude for achievement in the study of practical nursing and mental and physical health sufficient to accomplish the objectives of the program.  In addition, applicants must possess eyesight and hearing abilities at a level adequate to perform clinical assessments, and adequate manual dexterity for utilization of medical equipment. Applicants must also be able to bend, lift and squat to transfer patients and assist in other activities of daily living. Those individuals interested in applying to the program may request an application from the Secretary of the Practical Nursing Program or complete the online application after obtaining a high school diploma (may be currently enrolled as a high school senior) or G.E.D. certificate.  The following data are required: Application for Admission - completed by applicant. Verification of high school diploma and/or G.E.D. verification - applicants are responsible for having their high school transcript or GED verification sent directly to this program from their high school or the Department of Education. Those who completed high school or attended high school within the last five years are also required to have a letter of reference from one of their high school teachers.  The JCHS Practical Nursing Program recognizes that students from other than accredited schools may not have studied in the traditional classroom environment (ex. home schooled, correspondence school) and are unable to provide the traditional documentation needed to assist in evaluating their academic performance.  This population must submit annual independently administered nationally recognized standardized test scores at the proper grade level representative of 12 years of education from his/her local school division.  These results must be sent directly to the JCHS Practical Nursing Program from the applicant's local school division. Pre-Entrance Test - This test is administered by the Program to determine scholastic aptitude and achievement, reading comprehension, and aptitude for practical nursing. Applicants will be notified of the time and date of testing. There is a charge to cover processing of the test. Applicants may repeat the pre-entrance test once. Applicants who have acquired a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with a final GPA of 2.5 (verified from submitted college/university transcript) or greater will be exempt from the pre-entrance test. Post High School Transcript(s) - requested by applicant from registrar of college(s) attended.  If an applicant has taken a nursing course that included skills or a clinical component within the last 5 years, a reference will be required from the instructor of that course.  Work References - will be processed from the last five years in the applicants' work history. Personal Interview - may be scheduled. Submission of the above data does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing Program.  The Admissions Committee selects those applicants who best meet the qualifications for the program. Report of Medical History - completed by applicant after acceptance for admission.  The report of medical history must have occurred within the past 12 months prior to enrollment for the form to be considered current. Drug Test - occurs after acceptance into the program.  Background Checks - completed by applicant after acceptance for admission. The first background check must have occurred within 30 days prior to the applicant's actual matriculation for the Practical Nursing Program. This background check report must be completed by Verified Credentials, Inc. and is accessed from the jchs.edu homepage. Satisfactory completion of this background check is also required by the hospitals, clinics and other non-JCHS training sites. The second background check is required and conducted by Roanoke County Schools prior to the well-child experiences in the spring. Satisfactory completion of the Roanoke County schools background check is also required for the student to remain in the program. An applicant's file may not be considered for a final decision more than twice. Applicants granted admissions are required to submit written proof of healthcare insurance.

Admission Policies for Foreign Students

These policies and procedure are in addition to the general admission policies and procedure.  The program may only admit (a) American citizens; (b) non-American citizens who have permanent resident status (permanent resident visa); (c) or non-American citizens who are married to an American citizen and have a 551 stamp (have applied for American citizenship). Foreign applicants who meet the above requirements are required to present evidence of being sufficiently proficient in English to pursue the course of study. Additional Required Documentation At the time of application, each foreign applicant must submit: A permanent resident visa or valid passport for United States with a 551 stamp. Written evidence of a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper based, 213 on the computer based test or 79 on the internet based TOEFL test. The results must be mailed directly from Educational Testing Service to the Practical Nursing Program. A certified English translation of his/her high school transcript. Back to Top

The selection of students is based on review of credentials, references, pre-entrance test scores and a health status without regard to race, sex, age, national origin, religion, marital status or political affiliation.

This program will end at the conclusion of the current session and is not accepting applications for admission.

STAGE I:

A. Applicants are required to submit the following forms before being scheduled for the pre-entrance test:

• Application for Admission - to be completed by applicant. A non-refundable application fee of $10.00 is required with the returned application.
• Secondary School Record - transcripts or annual test scores representative of 12 years of education to be requested by applicant from his/her high school or local school division. Those applicants who completed or attended high school within the last five years must also obtain a reference letter from one of his/her high school teachers.
• G.E.D. verification (if applicable) - to be requested by the applicant from the testing facility or Department of Education.

Foreign applicants also refer to "Admission Policies and Procedure For Foreign Applicants."

B. Pre-Entrance Test - This test is administered by the Program to determine scholastic aptitude and achievement, reading comprehension, and aptitude for practical nursing.  Applicants will be notified of the time and date of testing.  There is a charge to cover processing of the test.  Applicants may repeat the pre-entrance test only one time. Applicants who have acquired a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with a final GPA of 2.5 (verified from submitted college/university transcript) or greater will be exempt from the pre-entrance test.

C. Post-high school transcripts - to be requested by applicant from the school(s).  A reference from a former nursing instructor is required if he/she has taken a nursing course that included skills or a clinical component within the last five years.  The applicant will supply the name and address of the instructor and the school will send a reference form to the instructor. 

D. Applicants' files are reviewed. Options for disposition include:

1. continue the file to Stage II
2. deny admission

STAGE II:

A. Work references - processed by the Program.  The last five years of the applicants' work history are utilized.

B. Applicants' files are reviewed.  Options for disposition include:

1. deny admission
2. schedule a personal interview

STAGE III:

Applicant's files are reviewed after the personal interview.

Options for disposition include:

1. grant admission
2. defer their application for later consideration
3. deny admission

An applicant's file may not be considered for a final decision more than twice.

Submission of the above data does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing Program. The Admissions Committee selects those applicants who best meet the qualifications of this program.

Applicants granted admission are required to submit a completed report of medical history, written proof of healthcare insurance and submit to two background checks and drug-screening test. For the Practical Nursing Program, the first background check must have occurred within 30 days prior to the applicant's actual matriculation for the Practical Nursing Program. The first background check report must be completed by Verified Credentials, Inc. and can be accessed from the jchs.edu homepage. Satisfactory completion of this background check is also required by the hospitals, clinics and other non-JCHS training sites. The second background check is required and conducted by Roanoke County Schools prior to the well-child experiences in the spring. Satisfactory completion of the Roanoke County schools background check is also required for the student to remain in the program. The drug-screening test will occur after acceptance into the program and must be conducted no more than 30 days prior to beginning clinical experiences.

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Applicants for re-admission are required to submit:

Application for Admission - completed by the applicant.  The application completion is waived if the applicant has attended the program within the last six months.

Post High School Transcripts - requested by applicant from registrar of colleges attended.  A transcript from the Jefferson College of Health Sciences Practical Nursing Program will be included.

Work References - four most recent since leaving the program (if applicable)

Personal Interview - may be scheduled

Submission of re-admission information does not guarantee readmission to the Jefferson College of Health Sciences Practical Nursing Program.  The Admissions Committee also considers the former student's records while attending the program.

No student dismissed for the following reasons will be considered for re-admission:

• evidence of being under the influence of or excessive use of alcohol, drugs, chemicals or any other type of mind-altering substances
• conviction of a felony
• diversion of supplies, equipment or drugs for personal or other unauthorized use
• abuse, neglect or abandonment of a patient
• violation of the policies of clinical agencies
• violation of a safety rule or safety practice
• violation of the school Honor Code

Applicants for re-admission may request consideration for credit of those courses satisfactorily completed during the first enrollment if re-admitted to the program.  The course work must have occurred within two years prior to re-enrollment.  The applicant's previous school records will be considered in determining the amount of credit allowed.  The Admissions Committee will notify the student of placement in the program after consideration of previous course work.

Following Re-Admission Notification:

Report of Medical History - completed by applicant after acceptance for re-admission.  If the initial Report of Medical History occurred within the 12 months prior to re-admission, then the report will be waived.

Drug Test - occurs after acceptance into the program.

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Applicants having earned 6-8 college semester credits in Anatomy and Physiology with a grade of "C" or above will not be required to take Anatomy and Physiology in this program.  The course(s) must have been completed within two (2) years prior to enrollment in the Practical Nursing Program.  The qualified applicant must request the exemption in writing before the first day of school or exemption will not be permitted.

Applicants desiring a transfer from another practical nursing program may receive credit for successfully completed courses.  The courses must be equal to the length of courses in this program and a grade of "C" or above on this program's grading scale must have been achieved.  The course work must have occurred within two (2) years prior to enrollment in this program.

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Fees Paid Before Admission Pre-Entrance Test (payable at time of testing). . . to be announced  Matriculation Fee (payable when applicant is notified of acceptance and returns the confirmation slip stating they will be attending the school)   . . . .  . . . . . . . .  $25 Fees Paid on Enrollment Day Tuition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3,000   Student Activity Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .  $295 Pre-NCLEX Assessment Test Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40 Textbooks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .approximately  $650  *Total Cost of Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .approximately  $3,985 The school reserves the right to alter any of these fees without notice.  Each student must pay their tuition ($3,000), the student activity fee ($295) and the Pre-NCLEX Assessment Test Fee ($40) in cash, by cashier's check, money order or credit card to the Jefferson College of Health Sciences Practical Nursing Program. Fees will be due by a designated day in July. The student will go to the JCHS bookstore located at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital to purchase his/her textbooks prior to the first day of school.  *The fees do not include the cost of student uniforms. Upon enrollment, students are required to purchase three (3) standard blue uniform shirts (approximately $20 each) and 3 pairs of blue uniform pants ($15-$20 each). The student will be given the name of the vendor to purchase the uniform tops and pants from during the first week of school. In addition, all students are required to purchase a white lab coat, a stethoscope, white nursing shoes, bandage scissors, a watch with a second hand and a pin light. These may be purchased at a retail store of the student's choice. Uniforms must meet specific criteria and guidelines are available upon enrollment in the program.

Expenses

Two fees are due to the Program before admission: Pre-entrance test fee (payable before or at the time of testing) Matriculation fee (payable when applicant is notified of acceptance and returns confirmation stating he/she will attend the Program. After receipt of acceptance confirmation, each potential student must pay the tuition and student activity fee in cash, by cashier's check, money order or credit card to the Jefferson College of Health Sciences Practical Nursing Program.  Fees are due by a designated date unless prior arrangements have been made with the Director of the Program.  Students are also responsible for buying their textbooks before the first day of school from the Jefferson College of Health Sciences (JCHS) Bookstore located at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. The Program reserves the right to alter fees without notice. Limited financial assistance is available.  For additional information, contact the Practical Nursing Program main office at (540) 981-7362. Students who do not attend or leave the program during the first five days may be refunded one-half of their tuition. There will be no refund after five days. There is no refund for the books purchased. The Program maintains a refund policy applicable to Veterans and other persons eligible for G.I. Bill benefits in accordance with the laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.  Fees for the application submission, pre-entrance test, matriculation, student activities and books are non-refundable.

Policy and Procedure Regarding Tuition and Fees

If accepted into the Program, there is a matriculation fee of $25, payable when the applicant returns the confirmation slip stating that he/she will be attending the Program. The total tuition fee for the one year course is $3,000.  In addition to this, there is a book fee of approximately $650, a student activity fee of $295 and a fee for the Pre-NCLEX Assessment Test of $40. Due to limited space, students who do not pay their tuition and fees by the designated deadline will forfeit their space in the class. Students must pay for their textbooks before the first day of school. Books are purchased from the Jefferson College of Health Sciences Bookstore located at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. The Program reserves the right to alter any of the fees without notice. The fees do not include the cost of student uniforms.  Refund Policy The following fees are nonrefundable:  application, pre-entrance test, matriculation, book and student activity fees. Students who do not attend the program or leave during the first five (5) days may be refunded one-half (1/2) of their tuition.  There will be no refund after five (5) days. Jefferson College of Health Sciences Practical Nursing Program maintains a refund policy applicable to Veterans and other persons eligible for G.I. Bill benefits in accordance with the laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. Procedure Each student must pay his/her tuition ($3,000), the student activity fee ($295) and the Pre-NCLEX Assessment Test fee ($40) in cash, by cashier's check, money order or credit card by the designated date to the JCHS Practical Nursing Program. Those students using a cashier's check or money order should make it payable to Jefferson College of Health Sciences. Financial Assistance Limited financial assistance is available.  For additional information, contact the Practical Nursing Program main office at (540) 981-7362 after acceptance into the program. Back to Top

Holidays
Five holidays are observed each year. They are: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving and December 25.

Absences
The Practical Nursing Program at The Jefferson College of Health Sciences is an intensive course of instruction. Students are allowed a limited number of absences. Attendance requirements are listed in the student handbook and the information is available upon request prior to enrollment.

Health Program
The Report of Medical History must be completed by the applicant prior to enrollment. A random drug screening test is performed on all students after acceptance into the program. General health supervision is not provided. The student is required to carry health and accident insurance.

Dismissal
The Program reserves the right to dismiss students from the program if their work or conduct does not meet the requirements outlined in the Student Handbook.

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Information you need to apply to the PN program at Jefferson. This program will end at the conclusion of the current session and is not accepting applications for admission. In order to apply to the program, you need to be: A high school graduate or have your GED A U.S. citizen, have a permanent Visa or be married to a U.S. citizen and have a 551 stamp. Then, you must provide your TOFEL Test Score before your application can be processed. A minimum score of 550 on the written test, 213 on the computer test or 79 on the new Internet-based test is required to be considered for admission. The application, high school transcript and/or GED verification, and TOFEL Test Score (if applicable) must be returned before you will be scheduled for the pre-entrance test. Transcripts from all colleges attended are also required in Stage 1 of the application process, regardless of the amount of course work completed. If you have your GED and partially attended high school, we still need your high school transcripts. You are responsible for having your high school and college(s) send confirmation of your education to the Practical Nursing Program. Send the transcript form to your high school and request your official high school transcript be returned to the Practical Nursing Program, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, 101 Elm Street SE, Roanoke, Virginia 24013. Official GED verification is also required, if applicable.

• PN Student Drug Prevention Policy (.doc)

• PN Education Facilities and Student Services (.doc)

• PN High School Transcript Request Form (.doc)

• PN College Transcript Request Form (.doc)

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ORIENTATION

Orientation consists of orientation to the program and orientation to the Jefferson College of Health Sciences. In the program orientation, students are informed of policies and procedures applicable to them. A tour of the school and hospital facilities is provided. Jefferson College of Health Sciences (JCHS) and Carilion Clinic provide required education on: general safety, falls precautions, hazardous materials safety, electrical safety, corporate compliance, confidentiality, infection control, harassment and application of restraints.

Orientation is also provided at the beginning of the Phase II clinical portion of the program to introduce clinical evaluation tools, written requirements and the grading system.  Guidelines and policies regarding professional conduct are reviewed.

PERSONAL AND VOCATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Personal and Vocational Relationships is designed to introduce the beginning student to practical nursing as a career. Emphasis is placed on nursing as a profession, expectations, relationships, communication, teamwork and cultural diversity. Current trends in nursing practice are discussed along with emphasis on legal and ethical aspects and licensure.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Anatomy and Physiology is designed to present the structure and function of the human body. It begins with the cell and continues through the systems of the body. The course includes the normal changes the body undergoes throughout life.  It is also designed to give the student a basis on which to plan his/her nursing care. 

NURSING FUNDAMENTALS

Nursing Fundamentals is designed to introduce the student to the principles and procedures essential to basic nursing care. The nursing process is introduced and concepts are incorporated throughout the course.

GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING

Gerontological Nursing is designed to provide the student with information about the normal process of aging, and selected associated pathologic complications.  This course supplies the student with the background for recognition of the special problems and related nursing care of the older adult.

NORMAL NUTRITION

Normal Nutrition and Diet Therapy is designed to introduce basic nutrition concepts to the student.  It includes the importance of a balanced diet, the study of the nutrients, their sources, functions and implications for health.  Special emphasis is placed on nutritional needs throughout the life cycle.

MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING I AND II

Medical-Surgical Nursing is designed to introduce concepts of health and illness, including the body's protective and adaptive mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis and dealing with pathological conditions.  The student will also be provided with information about etiology, symptoms, diagnostic methods, prescribed treatment and nursing intervention in patients with selected disorders.  

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS

The Administration of Medications course is designed to introduce pharmacology. It begins with drug standards, controls, forms and methods of administration.  Emphasis is placed on the need to know and understand the classifications, actions, side-effects, proper dosages and nursing implications of medications.

MATERNAL/NEWBORN NURSING

Maternal/Newborn Nursing is designed to provide the student with information and nursing skills related to the needs of women during all phases of childbearing.  It includes the care of the neonate and significant others.  The student is introduced to available community resources that may assist the mother in meeting the needs of the childbearing family.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Growth and Development is designed to assist the student in gaining knowledge and understanding of the age related needs of the individual from infancy through middle adulthood.  The principles of normal physical, cognitive, emotional and social growth and development serve as the basis for the course.  The student is introduced to community resources for assisting the individual and family in meeting growth and developmental needs.

PEDIATRIC NURSING

Pediatric Nursing is designed to assist the student in gaining knowledge and understanding of children with health problems, including family responses.  Abnormal conditions of children from birth through adolescence are discussed. The student is introduced to available community resources that may assist the family in meeting the needs of the sick child as well as those of the family unit.  Pediatric Nursing is built upon theory taught in previous courses.

PSYCHIATRIC NURSING

The Psychiatric Nursing course is designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to identify and assist patients to meet their psychological needs.  The course includes techniques in therapeutic communication and utilizes the nursing process in providing care for the psychiatric patient.  It provides background information on the role that emotions play and signs and symptoms of abnormal behavior.  The course is built upon theory taught in all other areas of the practical nursing curriculum.

INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Introduction to Leadership and Management is designed to introduce the student to basic principles of Leadership and Management.  Emphasis is placed on interpersonal skills and techniques relevant to organizing patient care including assigning tasks to other personnel. 

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All the faculty holds a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of Virginia.

Administration 

• Carolyn W. Lyon
  Director, Practical Nursing Program
  Assistant Professor
  B.S.N., Radford University
  M.S.N., University of Virginia

Faculty

• Diane Campbell
  Instructor
  L.P.N., Stonewall Jackson Hospital
  A.D.N., Jefferson College of Health Sciences
  B.S.N., Jefferson College of Health Sciences
  
  

• To Be Announced

• Danielle Ogle
  Instructor
  L.P.N., Wytheville Community College
  A.D.N., Wytheville Community College
  B.S.N., Jefferson College of Health Sciences

 Support Services

• Sheila Giles
  Secretary/Registrar

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