Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program

Mountain Empire Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College
Virginia Highlands Community College

Dear Student:

On behalf of the faculty and staff, I welcome you to the Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program ( VATNP).

The VATNP is a three college nursing program consisting of 69 credits of study. The successful graduate will earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Nursing and will be eligible to take the NCLEX RN licensure exam.

Since you may be enrolled through any one of the three colleges which support this nursing program, your basic student handbook will be provided by your college. This program handbook introduces you to information and policies which apply to the nursing program only.

Please feel free to seek additional information or clarification of the information contained in this handbook whenever you have a need to do so.

Best wishes to you for a stimulating and successful experience with the VATNP.

Sincerely,

Kathy J. Mitchell
Dean, Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program
Virginia Highlands Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College
Mountain Empire Community College

Table of Contents

General Program Information History of the Program Nursing Program Prerequisites VATNP Curriculum Tracks Course Descriptions Requirements for continued enrollment in the program Transferring between nursing program curriculum tracks Admission of transfers and returning students Philosophy, Curricular Framework and Program Outcomes Organizational Chart VATNP Faculty Faculty Office Hours Academic Advising Classroom/Clinical Policies and procedures Attendance Policy Nursing Skills Lab Computer Lab Clinical Lab Criminal Background Checks/Drug Screen HIPPA Training Clinical Dress Code Illegal Substance Abuse Clinical Evaluation Liability Insurance Smoking Policy Advanced Placement Grading Test Taking Achievement Tests Written Assignments Portfolio Requirement Readmission Policy/Procedure Licensure Requirements Miscellaneous Estimated Program Costs Financial Aid Graduation VATNP Pinning Ceremony History of the VATNP Pin Florence Nightingale Pledge Grievance Procedure Frequently Asked Questions Student Acknowledgement

Printable VTNAP Handbook [pdf] - You need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view the handbook. The Reader can be downloaded at no charge from Adobe's web site.

Nursing Program Prerequisites
All applicants to the VATNP must have completed high school Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra.  If any or all of these classes were not taken and successfully passed with a “C” or above, they may be taken at any of the three colleges involved with the VATNP.  [page top]

Admission
All prerequisite requirements must be completed for application consideration.  The application process includes:

1.      Application to VHCC, SwVCC or MECC by the date indicated in the college’s catalog.
2.      High school or equivalent credit in Biology, Chemistry and Algebra with a minimum grade of “C” in each.
3.      Compass or Asset Test Scores indicating no need for development work in English, Reading or Math or successful completion of required development work.
4.      High school transcript.  Current high school students must submit a transcript.  A final transcript will be required in June for high school candidates.  High school students must submit a partial transcript with a listing of last semester classes by the application deadline. tentative
5.      A minimum grade point average of 2.0 in all work previously attempted in high school or college.
6.       Nursing entrance test at VHCC, SwVCC or MECC (fee required).
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Nursing Entrance Test
A nursing entrance test is required for admission to the nursing program. This is a general, comprehensive assessment tool which can predict an individual’s readiness and capability for successful completion of an educational program designed to prepare registered nurses.  The test is used to determine placement in the program and to plan curriculum to meet the academic and social skills of the nursing applicants.  Your college will notify the applicant with details about test administration after the application deadline. Only those applicants who have completed the first 5 steps of the application process will be invited to take the nursing entrance test.  The required fee must be paid in the college’s Business office prior to taking the test. 
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LPN to RN Program Applicants:
Students who are Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s) must present proof of licensure as an LPN and have met all prerequisites according to the current college catalog. 
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Transfer Students:
Transfer students into the program will be individually evaluated as to appropriate placement into the nursing program.

VATNP Curriculum Tracks

The VATNP offers a variety of curriculum plans to meet the varied needs of students interested in the nursing program.  The curriculum plans or tracks vary in terms of class scheduling and time required for completion of the program.  The course requirements are the same for each of the curriculum tracks.

Track 1: 2 year curriculum plan

The VATNP offers an opportunity for recent high school graduates and other eligible adults to complete the nursing degree program after two years of full time attendance (4 semesters and 1 summer session).  This is a rigorous and academically challenging program.

First Semester (Fall)
Course		Lec.	Lab.
Number	Course Title	Hrs.	Hrs.	Crs.
SDV 108	Orientation to College Success	1	0	1
ENG 111	College Composition I	3	0	3
MTH 126	Mathematics for Allied Health	2	0	.2
BIO 141	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	3	3	4
NUR 111	Nursing I	4	9	7
NUR 136	Principles of  Pharmacology I	1	0	.1
	Total	15	12	18
Second Semester (Spring)
ENG 112	College Composition II	3	0	3
BIO 142	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	3	3	4
NUR 112	Nursing II	4	12	8
NUR 137	Principles of Pharmacology II	1	0	1
	Total	11	15	16
Summer Session
NUR 226	Health Assessment	2	3	3
	Total	2	3	3
Third Semester (Fall)
IST	Fundamental IST Skills
	ITE 100 or 115	3	0	3
NUR 211	Second Level Nursing I	4	12	8
NUR 236	Principles of
	Pharmacology III	1	0	1
PSY 231	Life Span Human Dev. I	3	0	3
	Total	11	12	15
Fourth Semester (Spring)
NUR 212	Second Level Nursing II	4	12	8
NUR 237	Principles of
	Pharmacology IV	1	0	1
NUR 254	Nursing Dimensions	2	0	2
PSY 232	Life Span Human Dev. II	3	0	3
EEE	1Humanities/Fine Arts	3	0	3
	Total	13	12	17
Total Minimum Credits for the AAS Degree .............................................69

1.  Humanities electives include:  ART 201,202; foreign languages; MUS 121,122; PHI 101; REL 200, 210, 230; SPD 130, 151, 152.

Track 2:  Health Sciences Certificate plus 2 year curriculum plan

Students in this track will complete all general education courses required by the nursing curriculum and receive a health care sciences certificate before beginning nursing classes.  This option takes three years or longer depending on the amount of time taken to complete the general education classes.  Many students, who have families, work or other responsibilities often choose this track. 

Health sciences Certificate Program
First Semester (Fall)
Course		Lec.	Lab.
Number	Course Title	Hrs.	Hrs.	Crs.
SDV 108	Orientation to College Success	1	0	1
ENG 111	College Composition I	3	0	3
MTH 126	Mathematics for Allied Health	2	0	2
BIO 141	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	3	3	4
PSY 231	Human Life Span Development I	3	0	3
HLT 143	Medical terminology I	3	0	3
	Total	15	3	16
Second Semester (Spring)
ENG 112	College Composition II	3	0	3
BIO 142	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	3	3	4
IST	Fundamental IST Skills, ITE 100 or 115	3	0	3
PSY 232	Human Life Span Development II	3	0	3
EEE	1Humanities/Fine Arts	3	0	3
	Total	11	3	16
Nursing Curriculum First Semester (Fall)
NUR 111	Nursing I	4	9	7
NUR 136	Principles of  Pharmacology I	1	0	1
	Total	5	9	8
Second Semester (Spring)
NUR 112	Nursing II	4	12	8
NUR 137	Principles of
	Pharmacology II	1	0	1
	Total	5	12	9
Summer Session
NUR 226	Health Assessment	2	3	3
	Total	2	3	3
Third Semester (Fall)
NUR 211	Second Level Nursing I	4	12	8
NUR 236	Principles of Pharmacology III	1	0	1
	Total	5	12	9
Fourth Semester (Spring)
NUR 212	Second Level Nursing II	4	12	8
NUR 237	Principles of  Pharmacology IV	1	0	1
NUR 254	Nursing Dimensions	2	0	2
	Total	7	12	11
Total Minimum Credits for  Health Science Certificate & AAS Degree …72

1.  Humanities electives include:  ART 201,202; foreign languages; MUS 121,122; PHI 101; REL 200, 210, 230; SPD 130, 151, 152.

Track 3:  Part-time evening/weekend program

A part-time evening/weekend option is available for students who must work and/or wish to attend part-time.  General education courses can be completed as night classes or by distance education options such as web based learning.  Nursing classes and clinicals are taught on evenings and weekends on an extended plan.  This tract is often selected by the working adult or the individual who wants to attend part-time.  General education courses listed in Year 1 must be completed before the student can begin Year 2.

Year 1  Summer Session
Course		Lec.	Lab.
Number	Course Title	Hrs.	Hrs.	Crs.
ENG 111	College Composition I	3	0	3
IST	Fundamental IST Skills
	ITE 100 or 115	3	0	3
	Total	6	0	6
First Semester (Fall)
BIO 141	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	3	3	4
ENG 112	College Composition II	3	0	3
EEE	1Humanities/Fine Arts	3	0	3
SDV 108	College Survival Skills	1	0	1
	Total	10	3	11
Second Semester (Spring)
BIO 142	Human Anatomy and PhysiologyII	3	3	4
MTH 126	Mathematics for Allied Health	2	0	2
	Total	5	3	6
Year 2  Summer Session
NUR 136	Principles of Pharmacology I	1	0	1
NUR 137	Principles of Pharmacology II	1	0	1
PSY 231	Life Span Human Dev. I	3	0	3
	Total	5	0	5
Third Semester (Fall)
NUR 111	Nursing I	4	9	7
	Total	4	9	7
Fourth Semester (Spring)
NUR 112	Nursing II	4	12	8
	Total	4	12	8
Year 3  Summer Session
NUR 226	Health Assessment	2	3	3
PSY 232	Life Span Human Dev. II	3	0	3
	Total	5	3	6
Fifth  & Sixth Semester (Fall & Spring)
NUR 211	Second Level Nursing	2	6	8
	Total	2	6	8
Year 4  Summer Session
NUR 236	Principles of Pharmacology III	1	0	1
NUR 237	Principles of Pharmacology IV	1	0	1
	Total	2	0	2
Seventh & Eighth Semester (Fall & Spring)
NUR 212	Second Level Nursing II	2	6	8
NUR 254	Nursing Dimensions	2	0	2
	Total	4	6	10
Total Minimum Credits for the AAS Degree .........................................69

1.  Humanities electives include:  ART 201,202; foreign languages; MUS 121,122; PHI 101; REL 200, 210, 230; SPD 130, 151, 152.

Track 4:  LPN to RN program.

Students who are LPNs are required to complete at least 17 hours of the general education courses before beginning the LPN to RN nursing classes.  The length of this tract depends on the amount of time needed to complete the general education classes.  The nursing classes can be completed in one year.  Some LPNS may opt for the part-time evening weekend program which requires 2 years of nursing classes after completion of general education requirements.

Course		Lec.	Lab.
Number	Course Title	Hrs.	Hrs.	Crs.
SDV 108	Orientation to College Success	1	0	1
BIO 141	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	3	3	4
BIO 142	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	3	3	4
ENG 111	College Composition I	3	0	3
ENG 112	College Composition II	3	0	3
MTH 126	Mathematics for Allied Health	2	0	2
	Total	15	6	17
Summer Semester
NUR 115	LPN Transition	4	3	5
NUR 136	Principles of  Pharmacology I	1	0	1
NUR 137	Principles of Pharmacology  II	1	0	1
NUR 226	Health Assessment	2	3	3
	Total	8	3	10
Fall Semester
IST	Fundamental IST Skills
	ITE 100 or ITE 115	3	0	3
NUR  211	Second Level Nursing I	4	12	8
NUR 236	Principles of Pharmacology III	1	0	1
PSY 231	Life Span Human Development I	3	0	3
	Total	11	12	15
Spring Semester
NUR 212	Second Level Nursing II	4	12	8
NUR 237	Principles of  Pharmacology IV	1	0	1
NUR 254	Nursing Dimensions	2	0	2
PSY 232	Life Span Human Development	3	0	3
EEE	1Humanities/Fine Arts	3	0	3
	Total	12	12	17
Total Minimum Credits for the AAS Degree .......................59*

1.  Humanities electives include:  ART 201,202; foreign languages; MUS 121,122; PHI 101; REL 200, 210, 230; SPD 130, 151, 152.
* Upon completion of NUR 115, credit will be awarded for NUR 111 and NUR 112 (15 credits).  These credits will appear on the student’s official transcript.

Track 5:  Part-time evening/weekend LPN to RN program

A part-time evening/weekend LPN to RN option is available for LPNs who work and or wish to attend part time. General education courses can be completed as night classes or by distance education options such as web based learning.  Nursing classes and clinicals are taught on evenings and weekends on an extended plan. General education courses listed in Year 1 must be completed before the student can begin Year 2.

Year 1 Summer Session
Course		Lec.	Lab.
Number	Course Title	Hrs.	Hrs.	Crs.
ENG 111	College Composition I	3	0	3
PSY 231	Human Growth & Development I	3		3
IST	Fundamental IST Skills, ITE 100 or 115	3	0	3
	Total	9	0	9
First Semester (Fall)
BIO 141	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	3	3	4
ENG 112	College Composition II	3	0	3
SDV 108	College Survival Skills	1	0	1
EEE	1Humanities/Fine Arts	3	0	3
	Total	10	3	11
Second Semester (Spring)
BIO 142	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	3	3	4
MTH 126	Mathematics for Allied Health	2	0	2
PSY 232	Life Span Human Dev. II	3	0	3
	Total	8	3	9
Year 2  Summer Session
NUR 115	LPN Transition	4	3	5
NUR 136	Principles of Pharmacology I	1	0	1
NUR 137	Principles of Pharmacology II	1	0	1
	Total	6	3	7
Third & Fourth Semester (Fall & Spring)
NUR 211	Second Level Nursing	4	12	8
	Total	4	12	8
Year 3  Summer Session
NUR 226	Health Assessment	2	3	3
NUR 236	Principles of Pharmacology III	1	0	1
NUR 237	Principles of Pharmacology IV	1	0	1
	Total	4	3	5
Fifth  & Sixth Semester (Fall & Spring)
NUR 212	Second Level Nursing II	4	12	8
NUR 254	Nursing Dimensions	2	0	2
	Total	6	12	10
Total Minimum Credits for the AAS Degree .......................59*

1.  Humanities electives include:  ART 201,202; foreign languages; MUS 121,122; PHI 101; REL 200, 210, 230; SPD 130, 151, 152.
* Upon completion of NUR 115, credit will be awarded for NUR 111 and NUR 112 (15 credits).  These credits will appear on the student’s official transcript.

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Course Descriptions 

General Education Courses
The VATNP curriculum consists of  29 credit hours of general education classes.  Courses in the sciences and humanities provide the foundation for the nursing curriculum.  The Virginia Council of Higher Education, the Virginia State Board of Nursing, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools direct courses for degree programs.  Students are required to complete courses taught by general education faculty. 

Nursing Courses
Course Information

Nursing courses are sequential and build on content from previous courses.  Therefore, they must be taken in the order listed on the program of study and cannot be completed in less than four (4) semesters and 1 summer session for the Day Program and the LPN to RN program and 8 semesters for the Part-time Evening/Weekend  Program. 

NUR 111 Nursing I (7 cr., Lecture 4 hours, Laboratory 9 hours)

Prerequisites: Acceptance to the VATNP Nursing Program 

Introduce nursing principles, concepts, and the nursing process. Develops nursing skills to meet the biopsychosocial needs of individuals. May include math computational skills and basic computer instruction related to the delivery of nursing care. Develops basic nursing skills that are essential to the nursing care of clients. Provides supervised learning experiences in college laboratory and/or cooperating agencies.

NUR 136 Principles of pharmacology I (1 cr., Lecture 1 hour)

Prerequisites: Acceptance to the VATNP Nursing Program   

Provides an opportunity to explore the general principles of drug action, pharmacology of the major drug classes and specific agents within each class

NUR 112 Nursing II (8 cr., Lecture 4 hours, Laboratory 12 hours)

Prerequisites: NUR 111, NUR 136, MTH 126, BIO 141 

Focuses on the nursing care of individuals and or families experiencing changes along the health/illness continuum that are common, well-defined, and have predictable outcomes.  Includes math computational skills and basic computer instruction related to the delivery of nursing care.  Provides supervised learning experiences in college nursing laboratories and or cooperating agencies.

NUR 1