PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Practical Nursing Program is a comprehensive, one year educational program that prepares graduates for employment as Licensed Practical Nurses in a wide variety of health-care settings.  There is a new two-year part-time program beginning in September 2006.  See brief details.

The full-time program, which operates from August to August, encompasses classroom and clinical instruction in all phases of direct patient care, including dispensing medications and IV Therapy.  At  the program's completion, graduates are equipped to take the National Exam for Licensure.    The  Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center's Practical Nursing Program currently has a 94% to 100%  pass rate on this exam.

Applicants are accepted into the Fall full-time program from January through July of each year.    Applications can be obtained through the Practical Nursing Office, by calling (814) 946-8490.

Financial aid is available to help meet tuition and other course fees.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1.    Applicant must be a graduate of an approved high school or G.E.D. equivalent.  An official copy of high school transcript and/or GED test scores must be submitted.

2.    Applicant must satisfactorily complete the pre-admission aptitude test (PSB).  This test is given during the months of October through July each year in the Practical Nursing Department.

3.    Applicant must submit three references.  Forms will be supplied at the time of aptitude testing.

4.    Applicant must interview with a faculty member.

5.    Applicant must provide evidence of good physical and mental health.  Forms are supplied at the time of enrollment.

5.    Applicant must hold a current CPR Course Completion Card through enrollment.

6.    Applicant must provide a Criminal History Record Check and a  Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance current within three months of the first day of class.

The Faculty reserves the right to determine the standards to which requirements are met.

Each student assumes complete responsibility for HOUSING and TRANSPORTATION.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE/FEES

One class is admitted each August.  Contact the Practical Nursing Department for an application packet.  A  non-refundable application fee is due with the submission of your application.  (As of the 2006-07 year, the application fee is $40.  Call the Office for current fee.)  This fee covers the cost of the pre-admission aptitude test which is administered at the school once your application is received.  Applications may be initiated at any time.  Pre-admission aptitude testing is conducted from October through May on an as needed basis..  Once applicants are accepted into the Fall program, a $100 non-refundable registration fee is due to confirm enrollment.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

Applicants who have successfully completed courses in Anatomy & Physiology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and/or Medical-Surgical Nursing I may qualify for advanced placement through challenge exams.  Such courses must have been taken within the past two years and a grade C or better attained.   Further information can be obtained from the Practical Nursing Department.  

HEALTH PROGRAM

Pre-Admission:  Dental and complete physical examinations are required, including 2-Step P.P.D. testing, complete blood count, urinalysis, and documentation of immunity to Rubella.  Immunizations are recommended against tetanus and Hepatitis B.

School Year:  Students must maintain good health in order to meet the objectives of the program.  The Practical Nursing Program supports health promotion and a smoke-free environment, both in the school and clinical areas.

CALENDAR

The Practical Nursing program consists of 12 consecutive months of classroom and clinical preparation.  Classes begin in August and run through August the following year, with four weeks of vacation and ten holidays scheduled throughout the school calendar.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students must attend and be punctual for all planned classes and clinical experiences in order to attain program objectives.  An attendance policy is strongly adhered to.   Students must complete 1500 hours.

The Program is divided into four 12-week Levels.  Each Level combines classroom education with appropriate clinical experience, for a total of 1,564 program hours.

ACADEMIC POLICY

Course grades are calculated on a percentage basis.  All courses must be completed with a grade of 75% or higher in order to advance to the next Level.  Clinical performance is evaluated on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory scale.  Students must receive a satisfactory clinical evaluation by the end of each Level in order to advance to the next Level.  The curriculum must be completed within a two-year frame, or the entire curriculum must be repeated.  Further information related to promotion may be found in the student handbook.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The campus of the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center includes the five-story building and surrounding parking lots.   The school strives to provide a safe environment for all students, employees and visitors.  All suspicious or criminal activities and emergencies should be reported immediately to any member of the school faculty, staff, or administration.  Emergencies can also be reported by dialing 911.

An elaborate fire alarm system is maintained, and fire drills are routinely conducted.  School premises are monitored continuously by a full-time maintenance/custodial staff, seven days/week, 24 hours/day.  In addition, a security guard patrols the exterior of the school periodically throughout the day and from 6 to 10 p.m. each evening during night school sessions.

All school doors are locked from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.  Parking lots remain well lighted at all times.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

It is the policy of the GACTC that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited on the property of the school and on non-school property used in the performance of school services.  Random drug searches are routinely conducted within the school building and on vehicles parked on school property.  The Practical Nursing Program of the GACTC subscribes to the Random Selection Procedure for drug testing in accordance with the parent institution.  If a situation exists whereby a student is suspected of being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, reliable methods of testing will be conducted.

Any employee or student found in violation of this prohibition shall be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal, and may be required to participate in a drug abuse assistance or drug rehabilitation program.

As a condition of school employment/enrollment, every employee/student shall abide by the terms of this policy and notify their supervisor of any criminal drug statute conviction.

This Policy Statement is adopted in accordance with the requirements of federal law, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

Additional information on health hazards associated with drug and alcohol use or on drug and alcohol treatment services is available at the school.

Students are required to sign a consent to test form.  Failure to do so will result in program dismissal.

 TUITION

Tuition is determined annually based on the operational cost of the Practical Nursing program and on State reimbursement and guidelines.  The Commonwealth presently contributes a pre-determined portion of each student's tuition.   The tuition for the 2007-08 full-time program is $8,200.   There is an additional cost for books, uniforms, shoes, liability and accident insurance, graduation costs, and other miscellaneous expenses associated with the program.

The program of study consists of a full program year divided into two (2) payment periods.  Each payment period is equal to 50% of the scheduled program year.  Full tuition payment for each payment period is due by or before two weeks prior to the first day of class for that payment period.  If desired, students may prepay for the entire school year prior to beginning the Fall term.  Tuition is adjusted accordingly for half-time and advanced placement students.

Students with delinquent accounts over 10 days are subject to suspension from school until the account is paid.  The school reserves the right to withhold transcripts and services to any current or former students with an unpaid financial obligation.

Financial assistance is accepted for tuition payment upon receipt of appropriate written notification of such approval.  This must be submitted to the school according to the payment schedule.

REFUND POLICY

Refunds are based on payment period costs and are calculated on a pro-rata basis.  One hundred percent (100%) of tuition will be refunded if a student withdraws prior to the first day of class.   After classes begin, refunds will be pro-rata.  Tuition amount retained is rounded up to the  nearest 10% of completed hours.  After 60% of the payment period is completed, no refund is given.

The student should officially terminate or withdraw from the program in writing.  Upon withdrawal/termination, any refund due will be calculated according to the last day of attendance.

Refund Distribution:  All refunds will be made within thirty days of withdrawal or termination.  If a refund is due a student under the institution's refund policy, and the student has received Title IV aid as part of the student's financial aid package, the refund will be distributed in a specified order of priority.

Refunds will first be made to the lender of a Title IV loan to reduce the loan principal.  Second (if applicable), the refund will be applied to reduce Title IV grant amounts received.  Third (if applicable), the refund will be made to the sponsoring agency, student, or parent.

GRADUATION

A diploma is presented at graduation.   In order to graduate from the Practical Nursing Program, the student must:

1. achieve a minimum of 75% exam average in all theory courses

2. satisfactorily meet all clinical objectives

3. pay all graduation fees and outstanding debts

4. complete 1,500 program hours

Graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.

The Blair County Career Link collaborates with the Practical Nursing program in assisting with placement of individuals upon graduation.

Certain instances prohibit the State Board of Nursing from issuing a license to individuals convicted of a felony.  The Board shall not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L. 233, No. 64), known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act," or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory, or country, unless:

1. at least ten (10) years have elapsed from the date of conviction;
   

2. the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the Board that he/she has made significant progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of patients or the public or a substantial risk of further criminal violations; and
   

3. the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in or authorized by this act

As used in this section, the term "convicted" shall include a judgment, an admission of guilt, or a plea of nolo contendere.  An applicant's statement on the application declaring the absence of a conviction shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the absence of a conviction, unless the Board ha some evidence to the contrary.

For further information or to obtain a copy of this law, contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

PLACEMENT

The Office of Employment Security cooperates with the Practical Nursing program in assisting with placement of individuals upon graduation.  GACTC graduating classes experience a 100% employment rate within three months following graduation.

FINANCIAL AID

To assist students in meeting the financial requirements of the Practical Nursing program, a variety of resources are available.    It is imperative that processing for all funding sources be initiated at least two months prior to the start of class in order to secure funding prior to due dates.

Satisfactory Progress:  In order to maintain Title IV assistance (grants and loans), a student must maintain regular attendance and make satisfactory progress, as previously described under "academic policies."  Failure to do so will result in termination of financial assistance.

Verification:  Students who apply for PELL grants and/or Stafford loans may need to complete a verification process as stipulated by the U. S. Department of Education.  Verification requires documentation (submitted to the school) to check the accuracy of the information provided on financial aid applications.  Please see the Financial Aid Information Sheet for additional information on verification.

More detailed information on Financial Aid.

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The GACTC reserves the right to alter the courses, regulations and schedule of charges defined within as necessary.  It also reserves the right to terminate or renew the registration of a student for reasons in the best interest of the institution.