Practical Nursing, CAS

The Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) program in Practical Nursing is an intensive eleven-month Certificate program designed to prepare students to practice as Practical Nurses in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum provides students with classroom and clinical experiences in the areas of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternal-Child Nursing, Geriatrics and Mental Health Nursing in a variety of acute care, extended care, and outpatient facilities and includes courses in pharmacology and nutrition. The program also is designed for career laddering, awarding appropriate transfer credits allowing for seamless transfer into more advanced nursing programs of study. Upon completion of the Practical Nursing program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council License Examination - Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). Successful completion of this examination is required for practical nursing licensure.

Program Application and Admission

Admission to the Practical Nursing Program is dependent upon successful completion of the following requirements:

• Meet general admission requirements for New River Community and Technical College.
• Have a High School Diploma or equivalent (USA GED). *Nicholas County High School students participating in the High School PN pilot program are required to be a Nicholas County High School student in good standing and enrolled as High School Senior in the 12th grade in the Fall of 2023. Students must be 18 years of age by July 1, 2024
• Have a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• Completion of pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of “C”
• Practical Nursing Program Application submitted to the Director of Practical Nursing by April 1 for fall class start
• Completion of the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) with a score of 60 or above.
• Participation in an interview with faculty.
• Submission of a completed New River Practical Nursing Program Medical History and Physical Examination, including documentation of all required immunizations and laboratory tests.
• Negative Drug Screen
• Acceptable Criminal Background Check.

Students enrolling in this program are subject to background and/or drug screening. See New River Community and Technical College Procedure 41 and 44 at www.newriver.edu under Faculty and Staff - Human