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Practical Nursing is the practice of nursing under the supervision
or direction of a registered nurse, licenses physician, or
dentist. The Licenses Practical Nurse provides a unique contribution
in the care of the individual throughout the life span. This
care is based on the knowledge and application of principles
and skills in the prevention of illness, and the promotion,
maintenance, and restoration of health.
The Practical Nursing Program curriculum is divided into
three levels of instruction. Each level has objectives the
student should achieve before moving to the next level of
instruction. Each level has a clinical experience component,
which is concurrent with classroom theory. Upon successful
completion of the Practical Nursing Program, graduates may
apply to take the National Council Licensure examination for
Practical Nurses and use the title of LPN.
Once licensed, employment opportunities for LPNs are found
in hospitals, nursing, doctor's offices, and various health
care agencies.
The program is student directed, which means the student completes a majority of the course activities on their own. The instructor is available at all times as a facilitator of learning. The curriculum is based on modules. These modules give directions or steps that need to be completed for each unit of study. The student will complete their modules based on the progress required to meet their monthly contract.
Campus academic classes and off-site clinical experiences are attended 20 to 35 hours a week. The typical student will take 12 to 17 months to complete the program. However, program completion depends on the number of hours to which the student commits on a weekly basis.
Students have the flexibility of attending classroom hours between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Clinical hours will be set, but the student has the option of attending clinical rotations during daytime or evening hours based on availability. There are some clinical rotations that are only available during daytime hours. There are scheduled, mandatory quarterly class meetings which all students must attend.
LEVEL I
Health Core
This course includes orientation, information regarding communication, learning techniques, and development of successful study habits. Basic skills needed by all beginning healthcare practitioners are introduced. Legal and ethical responsibilities of the healthcare professional are emphasized. Participation in student organizations is encouraged.
Anatomy and Physiology
This course introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Basic physical science, life science, and microbiology are included. The normal functioning of the body systems is discussed.
Nursing Fundamentals
This course consists of fundamental nursing principles and skills. Patient care skills are mastered in the laboratory and in the clinical setting.
Level I Clinical
Planned and supervised clinical experience in delivery of basic nursing care in a skilled nursing unit or hospital is coordinated with theory of basic personal care needs of all patients. In addition, the student will demonstrate proficiency in safety procedures, infectious disease control, vital signs, patient focused assessment, and other basic nursing skill needs. Documentation of nursing care and the use of the nursing process will be included in delivery of care.
LEVEL II
Pharmacology
This course presents fundamental principles and skills in medication classification, administration, and intravenous therapy. Supervised laboratory practice of skills is required. Pharmacology is introduced at the beginning of Level II and continues throughout the remainder of the program.
Medical-Surgical I
This course introduces basic principles, skills, and complications of Medical-Surgical Nursing. Nursing responsibilities associated with the care of the client experiencing testing, hospitalization, anesthesia/surgery, pain, cancer, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, acid-base imbalance, alternative health care, and emergencies. Pediatric care will also be included in this course. Concurrent clinical experiences are provided in Medical-Surgical Nursing and community settings.
Lifespan Development
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the basic concepts of growth and development, care of the infant, care of the child, care of the adolescent, care of the adult, and care of the older adult. The course further develops the student's ability to assess persons of all ages by yielding knowledge of growth and development patterns which occur throughout the life span. Growth and development principles are presented from infancy to the older adult. The course includes the nursing implications during the process of death and dying.
Maternal and Neonatal
Maternal Nursing is designed to familiarize the student with the nursing care of the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum client; and includes the nursing care of the neonate and the normal processes of conception and fetal development. This course also includes the care of the client with complications of pregnancy as well as the care of the newborn with potential problems.
Level II Clinical
Level II clinical rotations include planned and supervised clinical experience in the delivery of intermediate nursing care in medical-surgical and maternal child health areas. A 48 hour medication administration rotation is included. Medication administration will be included in all rotations where students are completing direct care. The student will complete an observation rotation in the surgery, recovery room, and an endoscopy lab. Rotations at hospice, adult daycare, home health, and the completion of a child development study are also included. Students will continue to build on their previous nursing principles and skills, nursing process, and documentation.
LEVEL III
Mental Health
This course expands the student’s understanding of mental health disorders, nursing interventions, and medical treatment utilized to treat mental illness. The focus of this course is on general mental illness, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and pharmacodynamics.
Medical-Surgical II
Medical-Surgical Nursing II applies the nursing process in the management of adult and pediatric diseases and disorders of the human body. This course stresses data collection skills, independent nursing interventions, client teaching and evaluation of clients with major disorders of the various body systems. Medical management, diagnostic testing, and pharmacotherapeutics are included in the content of this course of study. Those body systems discussed in Medical-Surgical Nursing II include: respiratory, cardiovascular, hematologic and lymphatic, gastrointestinal, urinary, musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, endocrine, reproductive, integumentary and immune systems.
Nursing Leadership
During this course the student will review licensure procedures, gain knowledge in job-seeking skills, leadership, management, career opportunities and responsibilities. A preceptor program is provided to aid the student in the transition from student to practical nurse.
Level III Clinical
Planned and supervised clinical experiences in more advanced/complex situations in medical surgical care are coordinated with the theory of diseases and disorders. Students are responsible for medication administration to their patients during these experiences. Mental health, dialysis, medical office, and team leading experience are also provided.
Important Notice
The Meridian Technology Center Practical Nursing program is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Graduates of this state-approved program are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for practical nurses. Applicants for Oklahoma licensure must meet all state and federal requirements to hold an Oklahoma license to practice nursing. In addition to completing a state-approved nursing education program that meets educational requirements and successfully passing the licensure examination, requirements include submission of an application for licensure, a criminal history records search, and evidence of citizenship or qualified alien status. Applicants for practical nurse licensure must also hold a high school diploma or a graduate equivalency degree (G.E.D.) [59 O.S. §567.5 & 567.6]. To be granted a license, an applicant must have the legal right to be in the United States (United States Code Chapter 8, Section 1621). In addition, Oklahoma law only allows a license to be issued to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and legal permanent resident aliens. Other qualified aliens may be issued a temporary license that is valid until the expiration of their visa status, or if there is no expiration date, for one year. Applicants who are qualified aliens must present, in person, valid documentary evidence of:
- A valid, unexpired immigrant or nonimmigrant visa status for admission
into the United States;
- A pending or approved application for asylum in the United States;
- Admission into the United States in refugee status;
- A pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the
United States;
- Approved deferred action status; or
- A pending application for adjustment of status to legal permanent
resident status or conditional resident status.
The Board has the right to deny a license to an individual with a history of criminal background, disciplinary action on another health-related license or certification, or judicial declaration of mental incompetence [59 O.S. §567.8]. These cases are considered on an individual basis at the time application for licensure is made, with the exception of felony charges. An individual with a felony conviction cannot apply for licensure for at least five years after completion of all sentencing terms, including probation and suspended sentences, unless a presidential or gubernatorial pardon is received [59 O.S. §567.5 & 567.6].
The Practical Nursing Program is accredited by:
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
61 Broadway
New York, NY 10006
800.669.1656
Oklahoma Department of Career & Technology Education
1500 W. 7th
Stillwater, OK 74074
405.377.2000
Program Policies
Student Handbooks may be reviewed upon request and are located in the Career Planning Center and the Health Occupations Library.
Career Counselors are available to assist those interested in career training at Meridian Technology Center. Call the Career Planning Center to make an appointment.
For more information or to enroll in the Practical Nursing
Program, call 405.377.3333 or e-mail us at careers@meridian-technology.com.
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