The Centra Health School of Practical Nursing offers a 12 month program to prepare qualified applicants for careers as practical nurses. The curriculum provides nursing theory and clinical experiences in a variety of settings. The educational program focuses on the general health promotion of individuals of all age groups and providing care for an aging population.

Request more information about the School of Practical Nursing.

Criteria for Admission
The following criteria must be met to be considered for admission:

1. High school diploma or equivalent; grade point average of 2.0 or better or a GED composite score of 45 or higher is recommended.  Algebra I must have been completed with a grade of "C" or better.
2. Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I: Reasoning Test) composite score of 800 or above is preferred.  The composite score is based on Critical Reading and Math scores.  Recent completion (within 2 years) of required college courses may be considered in relation to SAT scores.  SAT score may be waived if the applicant has a college degree.
3. Satisfactory references.
4. Health Records (including drug screening) and Background Checks: Acceptable and Complete. (Acceptable health records means that the individual's health will permit him/her to meet the physical demands and working conditions required for employment as a staff nurse following graduation. Positive test results on drug screening or refusal to be tested and/or unsatisfactory background checks, including failure to disclose information, may result in forfeiture of admission to the school.)

It is the policy of the Centra Health School of Practical Nursing, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, not to discriminate against any applicant or to tolerate harassment because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran's status, physical or mental handicap unrelated in nature and extent to an individual's ability to perform the job or any other prohibited factor.

We are now accepting applications for the class entering January 2009.

School Goals
The goals of the Centra Health School of Practical Nursing are to prepare the graduate to:

• Obtain licensure to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse through successful completion of the NCLEX-PN Licensure Examination.
• Function as a beginning practitioner of nursing in the delivery of nursing care in acute, intermediate, long-term and ambulatory health care settings.
• Use the nursing process as a foundation to provide safe and comprehensive nursing care designed to promote, maintain and restore the health of individuals throughout the life cycle.
• Practice within the scope of ethical, legal and professional standards.
• Act in a self-directed manner in pursuit of continuing education, personal and professional growth.
• Participate in responsible citizenship activities.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to file an application to write the National Council Licensing examination for Practical Nurses. Satisfactory results on the examination permit the graduate to practice as a practical nurse.

Approval/Accreditation
Centra Health School of Practical Nursing is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

National League for Nursing
Accrediting Commission
61 Broadway
33rd Floor
New York, NY 10006
(800) 669-1656

Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Health Professions
Virginia Board of Nursing
6603 W. Broad St.
5th Floor
Richmond, VA 23230-1712
(804) 662-9909

Centra Health School of Practical Nursing Curriculum Plan

First Term

BIO 100* Basic Human Biology

PSY 230* Developmental Psychology

HLT 138* Principles of Nutrition

NSG 200** Fundamentals of Nursing

PHA 210 Introduction to Pharmacology

NSG 201** Medical-Surgical Nursing I

Second Term

NSG 301** Medical-Surgical Nursing II

NSG 302** Psychosocial Nursing

NSG 303** Family-Centered Nursing

Third Term

NSG 401 Medical-Surgical Nursing III

NSG 410 Issues and Trends in Nursing

* Central Virginia Community College
** These courses are taught in sequential order within the term

The curriculum is divided into three terms. Foundation courses are taken during the first term at the School of Practical Nursing and Central Virginia Community College and includes introductory nursing and pharmacology courses. During the second and third terms, theory and clinical experiences are provided in psychiatric, family, and medical-surgical nursing. Issues and Trends in Nursing provides information to assist the graduate in the transition from student to practical nurse.

Tuition and Expenses
Current information about tuition and other expenses is available by request.

Financial Aid
The School of Practical Nursing offers assistance in obtaining financial aid for eligible students.  Amounts of financial aid vary and depend upon the student's demonstrated and verified need.  Aid may be in the form of grants, scholarships, or loans.

The federal program in which the school participates are Pell Grant and Federal Family Education Loan Program.  Virginia residents may be eligible for Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarships.  Detailed information on how to apply for federal and state scholarships, loans, and Pell Grants will be given upon request.

Financial aid information also is available by clicking here.

History of the School
The Centra Health School of Practical Nursing was established in January 1989. The program focuses on preparing practical nursing students for the care of hospitalized patients and residents of extended care facilities. Throughout its history, the school has adapted the curriculum to keep pace with the current health care environment and maintain high educational standards.

The School of Practical Nursing is located adjacent to Lynchburg General Hospital, which is part of Centra Health, a regional health care system. Lynchburg General Hospital specializes in emergency and critical care services, cardiology, neurology and orthopedics.

Virginia Baptist Hospital is also part of Centra Health. This facility specializes in women and children's services, outpatient surgery, mental health and chemical dependency treatment, home health, and rehabilitative services. Students obtain clinical experience at both hospitals as well as the Summit Health & Rehabilitation Center, which is a full-service, senior living community.

For a free packet of information about the career opportunities in nursing in the Centra Health School of Practical Nursing, call (434) 947-3070 or click for an online request form then click on "Services Information."