CPI Practical Nursing Diploma Program

Upon completion of the program, the graduate, based on preparation, knowledge skills, understanding and as a member of the health team functioning under the supervision of a licensed professional nurse, licensed physician or licensed dentist, shall consistently use sound nursing judgment to:

Assess the clients biopsychosocial and spiritual needs in order to coordinate nursing care in all settings
Analyze collaboratively with the professional nurse to develop the nursing diagnosis
Contribute to the development of nursing care plans to facilitate expected client outcomes
Assist the client of any age in meeting his/her biopsychosocial spiritual needs
- Employ effective communication skills
- Demonstrate a mastery of selected nursing skills
- Organize comprehensive nursing care
- Provide safe nursing care
- Utilize the client’s family as a support system
- Participate in health teaching of client and family

Participate in evaluating achievement of expected outcomes

- Participate in modification of plans of nursing care
- Participate in evaluation of the teaching/learning process

Demonstrate accountability for personal, vocational and professional behavior

- Independently seek new learning experiences
- Identify own strengths and weaknesses for improvement of the practice of nursing

Nursing Program Checklist

Thinking of going into the nursing profession? Here is a checklist of what you have to do to register for the Nursing Program at CPI.

Complete the Application form (below)
Submit $50 fee for Pre-Entrance Exam.
After passing the Pre-Entrance Exam, Submit $50 for Program Application Fee.
Pay PN pre-entrance exam fee online.
Register for Pre-entrance exam

After achieving a passing score on the Pre-entrance exam:

Request High School Transcripts or GED sent to the PN Program.
2 Reference forms filled out by a Supervisor.
Informational session with PN Coordinator.
Receive Acceptance Letter.
Create Castlebranch Account to complete requirements.

Nursing Program Application

Applying to start classes:*
- Full-Time January
- Full-Time August
- Part-Time January
First Name*
Last Name*
Middle
Maiden
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Home Phone
Cell Phone
Email*
I am authorized to work in the United States*
- Yes
- No
How do you plan on paying for tuition and fees?*
List other
Academic Background
High School Attended*
Graduated*
- Yes
- No
Year Graduated
Number of years attended
G.E.D. Certificate
- yes
Issuing state of GED certificate
Other Educational Institutions attended
Institution Program Dates attended Graduated? Degree?
List employment you have had Full or Part time
Organization name Dates Duties
Notes
Consent*
I have read and understand the information regarding a felony involving a controlled substance and nursing licensure.
The Central PA Institute of Science and Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries may be directed to the Section 504 Coordinator at the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology, 540 N. Harrison Road, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 or 814-359-2793
ACT 33 and ACT 34 COMPLIANCE (Background Checks of Prospective Applicants)
Each Pennsylvania resident must submit prior to acceptance, a copy of their Criminal Record Check from the Pennsylvania State Police or a statement from the State Police Central Repository stating that their record contains no information relating to that person and a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Public Welfare. Each applicant must submit with his/her application for acceptance a copy of a federal criminal record history from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The criminal record history report must be no more than one (1) year old. This information is required after you have passed the pre-entrance exam.
The applicant MUST submit the ORIGINAL report prior to acceptance.

PLEASE READ:
"The Board" (meaning State Board of Nursing) "shall not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, " or convicted of a felony related to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country unless:

(1) at least ten (10) years have elapsed from the date of conviction;
(2) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the board that he/she has made significant progress in personal
rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of patients or the public or a substantial risk of further criminal violations; and
(3) the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in, or authorized by, this act.

As used in this section the term "convicted" shall include a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere. An applicant's statement on the application declaring the absence of a conviction shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the absence of a conviction, unless the board has some evidence to the contrary.
(No. 1985-110 Section 5)

Application Form

Download the Practical Nursing Application Form and Info

DOWNLOAD

Pre-entrance Exam Form

Download Entrance testing information and the registration form

DOWNLOAD

Nursing Handbook

Download the 2021 Practical Nursing Student Handbook

DOWNLOAD

Transcript Request

Download the Transcript Request Form

DOWNLOAD

Financial Aid Information

Download Financial Aid handbook for Practical Nursing Program

DOWNLOAD

Curriculum

Length of Program: 12 months- full time classes and 2 years- part-time class, 1564 hours, including vacation/holidays.

Read course descriptions for the four different levels of the Practical Nursing Program at CPI.

LEVEL I

Fundamentals of Nursing

105 Theory/Lab hours
144 Clinical hours
249 Total hours

This course includes a theoretical approach to the history of nursing, legal and ethical aspects in practical nursing and the health care delivery system with emphasis on the role of the practical nurse. The nursing process is introduced and utilized to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care. The nursing process is also utilized to write nursing care plans. The teaching of basic health practices to patients and families is also introduced in this course. Basic nursing skills are taught in theory, practiced in the laboratory and implemented into the nursing of patients with medical conditions and in an extended care facility.

Psychosocial and Mental Health Nursing

48 Theory hours

This course is designed to introduce the concept of human needs, as well as, patient behaviors and nurse-patient interactions. The theories of personality development are explored. The course also includes the communication process and selected information regarding the aging process and death and dying. The spiritual aspect is discussed and the nurse’s role in assessment of spiritual needs and care is defined. This course also presents an introduction to Mental Health. Universal concepts of normal human behavior provide a basis for understanding mental health, as well as, alterations of mental health.

Anatomy and Physiology I

50 Theory Hours

This course introduces basic principles of chemistry and physics. In the first unit the course also introduces the basic concepts of the structure and function of the body. It serves as a pre-requisite for certain fundamental concepts offered in Level I. The systems covered are integumentary, digestive, cardiovascular, excretory and respiratory. In addition, the course offers an introduction to micro-organisms, kinds, growth and destruction, infection and control. This unit is designed to increase student awareness of micro-organism and their part in the maintenance of health.

Nutrition in Nursing Practice

35 Theory Hours

The course provides an introduction to the principles of nutrition as well as nutrition in health promotion and clinical nursing practice.

LEVEL II

Anatomy and Physiology II

40 Theory Hours

This course is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. The presentation of the remaining systems; nervous, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, immunology, reproduction, plus the basics of acid/base balance are designed to enhance the students’ learning of Medical/Surgical Nursing courses offered in this level.

Medical/Surgical Nursing I

90 Theory/Lab hours
216 Clinical hours
306 Total hours

This course presents the application of the nursing process to medical/surgical nursing. The course includes theory and experience in giving safe and effective care to adult patients with a variety of medical and surgical disorders. Included is an independent learning program of mathematics required in medication calculations.

Nursing Pharmacology I

46 Theory/Lab hours

This course of study deals with the practical nurse’s responsibility, the legal implications and quality assurance in the administration of medications, allergy preparations, intravenous fluids, as well as the calculations of dosages using the nursing process. The course includes the administration of medications to selected clients in the clinical setting under close supervision. Client instruction of medication actions and side effects is emphasized.

LEVEL III

Nursing Pharmacology II

35 Theory/Lab hours
24 Clinical hours
59 Total hours

This course provides a background in pharmacodynamics of common medications according to body systems. Additional experience in the administration of medications is included.

Medical-Surgical Nursing II

60 Theory hours
208 Clinical hours
268 Total hours

This course presents the application of the nursing process to medical/surgical nursing. The course includes the theory necessary to provide safe and effective care to adult patients with a variety of medical and surgical disorders. The student will utilize the nursing process to assist the patient meet biopsychosocial needs. Health maintenance of adult patients is included. This course also includes the nursing care of patients with disorders of the reproductive, endocrine, sensory, gastrointestinal and integumentary systems, as well as, allergic conditions. Preventive as well as restorative care is emphasized.

Maternal and Child Nursing

73 Theory/Lab hours

This course presents the application of the nursing process to maternal and child nursing. The course presents normal neonatal development and the normal processes of pregnancy, labor and delivery and postpartum. The needs of the expectant and new mother are discussed, covering both physical and emotional aspects. With the normal processes there is introduction of selected disorders with treatment and nursing care. This course presents the application of the nursing process to maternal child nursing. This course includes a study of the ante partum period, labor, delivery and the post-partum. Problems of both mother and child will be considered. Family planning is presented. Also included is a study of common medical and surgical disorders of children and adolescents. The problems of death and dying, rape, suicide and teenage pregnancy are discussed. The nursing process is used to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care adapted to the maternal, child or adolescent child. Experience is provided in the care of the patient with obstetrical complications, newborns, or hospitalized children and adolescents. Fetal development is studied, including factors influencing this process. The course also covers nursing care of the newborn, including newborn characteristics.

LEVEL IV

Medical/Surgical Nursing III

80 Theory hours
264 Clinical hours
344 Total hours

This course provides a theoretical basis and clinical experiences with clients having a variety of medical/surgical nursing concerns of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system. Health maintenance for adult clients is included. The unit on cancer prepares the students to provide palliative care and increases their knowledge of hospice and other treatment modalities.

Transition to Nursing Practice

39 Theory hours

This course is designed to prepare the student for practice following graduation. Content includes: leadership, licensure, transition to practice, the nurses’ role in disaster situations, and current issues and trends in healthcare to prepare the graduate for his or her role in nursing. Included in this course, is preparation/ review for the upcoming NCLEX-PN exam.
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Admission Requirements

Submit a completed application form with application fee
Take pre-admission test at CPI
Submit high school transcript, GED or other course grades to school
Submit two (2) personal references on appropriate forms
Have a personal interview with the coordinator
Obtain CPR certification before admission
Submit current criminal record check and Child Abuse Clearance
Complete physical exam, drug screen, lab tests and immunizations

CPI Nursing changed my life. I love my job, I’m changing lives, and I’m able to provide a nice life for my family. I felt extremely prepared for boards and the workforce. I had multiple job offers before I even graduated.

Madigan D.

I received excellent training that prepared me for the NCLEX and a career in nursing.

Bob L.

Institution	Program	Dates attended	Graduated?	Degree?

Organization name	Dates	Duties

CPI Practical Nursing Diploma Program

Nursing Program Checklist

Nursing Program Application

Academic Background

Download the Practical Nursing Application Form and Info

Download Entrance testing information and the registration form

Download the 2021 Practical Nursing Student Handbook

Download the Transcript Request Form

Download Financial Aid handbook for Practical Nursing Program

Curriculum

LEVEL I

LEVEL II

LEVEL III

LEVEL IV

LEVEL I

LEVEL II

LEVEL III

LEVEL IV

Admission Requirements