Centra, Central Virginia's Medical Leader

Centra School of Practical Nursing

The Centra 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.

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Criteria for Admission

• 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.
• 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. OR
• Satisfactory scores on the Central Virginia Community College placement test
  • Algebra: 36
  • Reading Skills: 70
  • Writing Skills: 33 or 4
  • Placement test scores may be waived if the applicant has completed college-level courses in English and Math (as determined by Central Virginia Community College) with a grade of "C" or better.
• Satisfactory references.
• 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 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.

Completed applications received after June 12, 2011, will be considered for the class entering in January 2012.

School Goals

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

• Obtain licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse through successful completion of the NCLEX-RN Examination.
• Function as a beginning practitioner of nursing 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, and in 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.

Centra School of Practical Nursing Curriculum Plan

First Term

• BIO 100* Basic Human Biology
• PSY 230* Developmental Psychology
• HLT 230* Principles of Nutrition & Human Development
• 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 to alternating student groups within the level. Request school catalog for additional information.

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.

Approval / Accreditation

Centra School of 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
3343 Peachtree Rd, NE
Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone:  404.975.5000
Fax:  404.975.5020
www.nlnac.org

Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Health Professions
Virginia Board of Nursing
Perimeter Center
9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23233
804.367.4515

Tuition and Expenses

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

Financial Aid

The School of 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 programs in which the school participates are Pell Grant and William D. Ford Direct. 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.

	Apply for the CampusRN - Virginia Nursing Scholarship Visit CampusRN to apply for the $2500.00 regional scholarship.
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History of the School

The school is a 12-month Practical Nursing program that was established in January 1989.  The focus of the program is on preparing practical nursing students for the care of hospitalized patients and/or residents of extended care facilities.  The general health promotion of individuals of all age groups in a variety of settings is incorporated throughout the program with an emphasis on providing care for an aging society.

Throughout its history, the school has continually made the necessary changes to meet the ever changing needs of society while maintaining high educational standards.

For a free packet of information about the opportunities for career-minded people in the Centra School of Practical Nursing, call 434.200.3070 or click for an online request form then click on "Services Information."