Practical Nurse

Career Studies and Workforce Development Division

Certificate Type: One Year

Contact: Tara Leier, tleier@trcc.edu

Purpose: Career and Technical Education. The purpose of the Practical Nursing program at Three Rivers College is to prepare students to achieve a one-year certificate in Practical Nursing and be successful in obtaining licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The Practical Nursing program instills knowledge, skills, and professional values to prepare individuals to enter the workforce and provide safe, effective nursing care for clients in a variety of healthcare settings.

Nursing education courses are included in the program of study; clinical laboratory experiences are planned in local healthcare facilities under the direct guidance of the nursing faculty. Students enrolled in the nursing program have the same privileges and responsibilities afforded all students of the College.

Three Rivers College’s Practical Nursing program is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing: 573-751-0681, www.pr.mo.gov.

First Block

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
ALHE 127Body Systems & Function for Healthcare

3

PNRS 115Fundamentals of Nursing

10

PNRS 117IV Therapy

0.75

PNRS 127Mental Health

3

Total Credit Hours:16.75

*Option for ALHE 127 (Must Complete Both)

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
BIOL 231Anatomy & Physiology I

4

BIOL 232Anatomy & Physiology II

4

Total Credit Hours:8

BIOL 231 and BIOL 232: These courses require a letter grade of “B” or higher for progression in the Practical Nursing Program.

Second Block

Summer Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
PNRS 118Medical-Surgical Nursing I

7

PNRS 126Pharmacology

4

Total Credit Hours:11

Third Block

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
PNRS 119Medical-Surgical Nursing II

7

PNRS 135OB/Peds Nursing

5

PNRS 136Personal, Vocational, Leader Concepts

5

Total Credit Hours:18

Please see individual course descriptions for prerequisites, corequisites, and/or other requirements.

Program Outcomes

  • Utilize the nursing process to provide safe client care within a health care team.
  • Interpret clients’ diverse backgrounds across the lifespan to provide individualized nursing care.
  • Use effective communication as a member of the health care team.
  • Demonstrate safe, effective nursing care within the scope of practice for the practical nurse while maintaining legal/ethical standards.
  • Discover strategies to promote personal success.
  • Apply basic knowledge of mathematics; anatomy and physiology; and human growth and development to the practical nurse role.