Q:  What is being a nurse all about?

A:  Nursing involves working closely with people from different backgrounds.  It requires the use of many skills, including communication, critical thinking, observation, and physical dexterity.  Nurses also need to appreciate and demonstrate caring and compassion for others.  Professional behaviors of accountability and ethical practice are critical.  It is a demanding and rewarding profession.

Q:  What nursing program is offered at Union County College?

A:  Union County College offers a Practical Nursing Program which, upon completion, allows the graduate to take the examination (NCLEX-PN) for LPN licensure.  Graduates also receive a diploma from the College.

Q:  How long is the program?

A:  The Practical Nursing Program is 4 semesters or about a year and a half.  It may take longer if ESL or developmental courses in English or math are required.

Q:  How do I get into the Program?

A:  If you are not a current UCC student, then the first step is to complete and submit an application with the PRNS curriculum code.  Union County College has an open admissions policy, so all applicants are accepted into the program.  Enrollment in the first nursing course, PNU 190, is dependent upon the date of application, current status at UCC, completion of ESL and/or developmental course requirements, a minimum GPA at the College of 2.5, and space in the course.  Applications are available at the College’s website: www.ucc.edu or through the Recruitment Office at: (908) 709-7518.

If you are already a student at UCC, then you should speak with a counselor on one of the campuses and complete a curriculum change form.  The time of the curriculum change is considered as the date of application.  Priority is given to students who applied earliest, have the highest GPA, and are currently enrolled.

Q:  Do I have to take a test to get into the program?          

A:  If you have never attended college or have not taken the necessary college-level courses in English or math, then you will need to take the College Placement Test for basic skills.  Once you have applied, you will be informed if one or both parts of the test need to be taken.  If you are found to need selected courses in English or math to improve your skills, they will all have to be completed before enrollment in any nursing course is possible.  A minimum grade of ‘C’ is required by the Practical Nursing program for the math courses.  Students requiring English as a Second Language (ESL)courses will also need to complete all necessary course work before starting nursing classes.

Q:  Is there a waiting list?

A:  There is not a “waiting list” for the program.  All of the students who have been accepted into the Practical Nursing Program are reviewed to determine their status.  Those active students who applied first, have completed any pre-requisites, and have the highest GPAs above 2.5 are given priority for enrollment in PNU 190 for the next semester.  At the current time, it takes about one semester, from the time of application, for eligible students to get into the Program.

Q:  What courses are required?

A:  As of September, 2007, students will take four (4) nursing courses in sequence, starting with Nursing Concepts and ending with Adult Health II.  General education requirements include:  BIO 102 (Human Anatomy), ENG 101 (English Composition), PSY 101 (Intro to Psychology), PSY 205 (Child Psychology), and a General Elective of choice (3 or 4 credits).

Q:  What are the nursing courses like?

A:  The nursing courses are offered on the Plainfield Campus of the College, while clinical experiences are in a variety of different facilities.  The first nursing class, PNU 190, is two days each week, with a four hour class day and three hour lab session.  The remaining clinical courses are four days each week.  During the Fall and Spring semesters, these courses are offered on Monday and Tuesday (classroom) and Thursday and Friday (clinical).  In the summer, classes are offered on Monday through Thursday.  During the last course, PNU 220, there are five days a week for two weeks at the end of the Program.

In clinical courses, students are involved in direct client care and are responsible for safe and appropriate interventions.  Students learn techniques such as medication administration, measurement of blood pressure and pulse, wound care, hygienic care, and catheterization.

Q:  When are the courses offered?

A:  Nursing courses are offered during the daytime.  There may be occasions when an afternoon or evening clinical rotation is scheduled in order to obtain a site for the best possible learning experience.  College courses may be taken at different times or ways, such as online, depending on what is offered during the semester.

Q:  May I transfer courses taken at another college or university?

A:  Yes.  Equivalent courses from other institutions may be accepted for transfer with grades of ‘C’ or higher.  Official transcripts need to be sent to Union County College and a credit evaluation form completed.  A counselor will then review the official transcripts and determine what credit will be allowed.

Students who have completed courses at institutions outside of the United States should have their transcripts evaluated by the World Education Services.

Q:  Can I get credit for nursing courses taken at another school?

A:  Students who have completed nursing courses at other schools may request that their transcripts be reviewed to determine if they are eligible to take the challenge exam(s) for PNU 190, Nursing Concepts (5 credits) and PNU 191, Adult Health I (10 credits).  Students may be asked to provide course syllabi or other documents in order to see if advanced standing credit may be approved.  In order to receive advance standing, students must have grades of ‘C+’ or better in their nursing courses, and have equivalent course work and credits to apply.  Upon approval, students may take the challenge exam(s) for one or both courses, depending on their course work.  A grade of ‘75’ or higher is required on the PNU 190 challenge exam in order for eligible students to take the PNU 191 examination.  A test of clinical skills is also given for students who successfully challenge PNU 190 and 191.  For students receiving advanced standing, enrollment in nursing courses at UCC is also based on available space.

Q:  How much does the Practical Nursing Program cost?

A:  For students living in the county, the approximate cost is $9,000.  Students who reside out-of-county have costs of approximately $13,000.  There are also costs for textbooks, malpractice insurance, health requirements, and uniforms.

Q:  Is financial aid available?

A:  Yes.  Financial aid is available to students enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program.  Assistance is available in the form of grants, loans, work study, and scholarships.  Information on programs and eligibility is available through the Financial Aid office.     

Q:  Where can I find out more about the program?

A:  Right here on the website (www.ucc.edu/go/practicalnursing) there are links to consumer information, nursing courses, and the program’s philosophy and objectives.

If you have additional questions, you may contact the main number at:

(908) 412-3562 and leave your name and phone number.  Your call will be returned as soon as possible.  You may also speak with counselors on any campus about the program requirements and courses that you should take at the College.

Thank you for your interest in the Practical Nursing Program!