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.

Once licensed, employment opportunities for LPNs are found in hospitals, nursing, doctor's offices, and various healthcare agencies.

The philosophy of the program expresses the faculty’s beliefs concerning:

Individual - We believe that each individual is a holistic being with physiological, psychological, sociological and spiritual needs. Because each individual has worth and dignity and reacts uniquely to life experiences, he/she must be allowed to make his/her own choices based on his/her priorities.

Society - A society is a group of individuals from varying cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds. Society and the environment have a continuous interaction that affects each individual. We believe nursing must be accountable to provide quality nursing care to all members of society.

Nursing - We believe nursing is a dynamic profession whose goals involve knowledgeable application of scientific principles and skills in the prevention of illness, as well as promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health. Nursing goals are best accomplished through utilization of the nursing process. We further believe nursing is accountable to society for the quality of the nursing care delivered.

Practical Nursing - We believe the Licensed Practical Nurse provides a unique contribution in the care of the individual throughout the life span based on knowledgeable application of scientific principles and skills in prevention of illness and the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health.

The Learning Process - Learning is a process which results in a change of behavior. We believe the role of the faculty is to facilitate learning. Our goal is to provide a structure within which the student assumes responsibility for learning. We believe the student learns best by active participation. We believe the self-concept moves from dependency toward self-direction and the adult student uses past experiences as a resource for learning and problem solving. The faculty is committed to continual evaluation of the effectiveness of the program of learning and has responsibility for selecting, presenting, and evaluating all materials utilized in the program of practical nursing.

Nursing Education - We believe nursing education can best be administered through an educational institution and is most effectively accomplished through cooperation with nursing services in hospitals, nursing homes, and community health agencies. We believe practical nursing education should be available to all who are physically and mentally qualified and have the aptitude and interest to succeed.

Education as a Life-Long Process - We believe learning is a continuous process throughout life. We believe nursing education should prepare the graduate practical nurse to function as a competent member of the health care team, as well as stimulate the graduate to seek continuous professional growth and leadership.

Oklahoma Department of Career & Technology Education
1500 W. 7th
Stillwater, OK 74074
405.377.2000

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
61 Broadway
New York, NY 10006
800.669.1656

Oklahoma Board of Nursing
2915 N. Classen Blvd., Suite 524
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
405.962.1800

 

The Practical Nursing Program at Meridian Technology Center was initially established in 1975 and graduated the first class in 1976.

The program closed in 1986 due to a declining enrollment and a decreased need for LPNs in the district.  In 1988, local health-care facilities petitioned the school to reopen the program.  The Oklahoma Board of Nursing approved the proposal for the program, and a class was admitted in the fall of 1989. 

In 1991, the health care facilities in the district expressed a need for more quality applicants for positions in their facilities.  It was decided that a self-paced evening program would be beneficial to assist those potential students who were unable to attend class during the daytime hours.  The evening, self-paced program was approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, and students were admitted in the fall of 1992.

Starting in September, 2003, the Practical Nursing program changed its delivery method from a traditional daytime and student-directed evening program, to a completely student-directed, flexible schedule program. 

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 a total of 1500 hours and 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. 

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.

The first portion of the program will be spent in the classroom completing academic and laboratory experiences.  Following successful completion of a portion of Level I, the remainder of the program will be spent with approximately one-half being academic and one-half being clinical.

Campus academic classes and off-site clinical experiences involve 20 to 35 hours per week.  Students have the flexibility of attending classroom hours between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 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.

The more curriculum hours a student completes per week, the less time it will take to complete the program.

Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology is designed to develop a working knowledge of the language of medicine. You will acquire word building skills by learning prefixes, suffixes, roots and abbreviations. By relating terms to body systems, you will identify proper uses of words in a medical environment. Knowledge of medical terminology enhances your ability to successfully secure employment or pursue advanced education in healthcare.

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy/Physiology is the study of the structural complexity of the human body and its intricate functional mechanisms. This course is a laboratory science. Students will conduct scientific investigations and fieldwork using scientific knowledge and methodology that will enable them to make educated conclusions based on higher-level critical thinking and problem solving skills. The areas studied will be an integration of biology and chemistry and will include, but are not limited to: Organization of the body, Chemical Basis for Life, Cells & Tissues, Integumentary System, Skeletal system, Muscular system, Nervous system, Endocrine system, Blood, Circulatory system, Lymphatic & Immune systems, Respiratory systems, Digestive system & Metabolism, Urinary system, and Reproductive system. An emphasis is placed on real-world applications and active-learning exercises should be included along with laboratory experiences.

Concepts of Nursing

This course focuses on use of nursing/related concepts by practical nurses as providers of care/members of discipline in collaboration with health team members. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of learning, teamwork, and communication in nursing, human development, professionalism, health promotion, nursing ethics and law, and changing health care delivery systems.

Long Term Care Aide

Nursing assistants make valuable contributions in providing health care. Nursing assistants are trained to care for people who are ill or need help in caring for themselves. The care given is always under the guidance and supervision of licensed health care providers such as nurses or physicians. The competencies needed to successfully complete the objectives for this course are identified from the skill standards produced by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education’s Testing Division for the Health Certification Project of the Oklahoma State Department of Health using the DACUM process. Students may exit from the course after obtaining Long Term Care aide certification.

Fundamentals of Nursing

This course is an introduction to nursing care. Topics include utilizing the nursing process, performing assessment/data collection, and providing patient education. Principles and skills of nursing practice, documentation, and an introduction to physical assessment/data collection are taught. Special topics covering the care of the geriatric patient, the dying patient, the oncology patient, the pre/post operative patient, and the management of pain are included in the course. Emphasis will be given to the practical nursing student developing critical thinking skills, demonstrating professionalism by maintaining confidentiality, recognizing legal/ethical responsibilities, acting as a patient advocate, maintaining positive patient/colleague relationships, and by implementing appropriate standards of care.

Clinical I - Basic Nursing

The student will provide comfort and assistance in performance of activities of daily living for patients with common non-complicated disorders. Data collection skills will be practiced. The student will assist the patient and significant others during the normal expected stages of growth and development from conception through advanced old age. Experiences will be provided that will give the student the opportunity to reduce the patient’s potential for developing complications or health problems related to treatments, procedures or existing conditions. Students will identify patient problems, identify appropriate interventions and evaluate nursing care to patients in both acute and extended care facilities.

Pharmacology and Intravenous Therapy

This course provides instruction in basic pharmacology and medication administration skills, including IV therapy, as well as skills needed for safe and effective medication administration. Fluid and electrolyte balance will be included. Content includes components of medication preparation and administration including the essential knowledge needed to adequately contribute to the assessment and evaluation of the effect of medication on patients throughout the lifespan.

Medical Surgical Nursing I

Building on concepts from previous courses, this course focuses on health management, maintenance and prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; and deviations from the normal state of health. The administration of patient care includes using the nursing process, performing focused assessments, using critical thinking, and assisting with patient education. The systems included are integumentary, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiac, vascular and hematology. The concepts of patient care; treatments, pharmacology and diet therapy are included within each system. Content is presented from a patient-centered approach based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Patient care includes consideration of physiological, cognitive, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Consideration is also given to the impact of health issues, the potential physical and mental adjustments as well as diversional and rehabilitative activities.

Clinical II - Medical Surgical Nursing (Part I)

Adult Medical Surgical Clinical focuses on utilization of the nursing process in caring for acute care patients. The emphasis will be on prioritization, decision-making, time management and critical thinking appropriate to the LPN’s scope of practice. As the student progresses, more complex patient situations will be presented and they will begin to function in a role independent of the instructor.

Medical Surgical Nursing II

Building on concepts from previous courses, this course focuses on health management, maintenance and prevention of illness; care for the individual as a whole; and deviations from the normal state of health. Administering patient care includes use of the nursing process while performing focused assessments, using sound judgment, and providing patient education. The systems included are immunology, sensory, neurology, digestive, endocrine, urinary and reproductive as well as oncology nursing. The concepts of patient care, treatments, pharmacology and diet therapy are included within each system. Content is presented from a patient-centered approach based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Patient care involves consideration of physiological, cognitive, psychosocial and spiritual needs within a cultural framework. Consideration is also given to the impact of health issues: the potential physical and mental adjustments required, as well as any necessary diversional or rehabilitative activities.

Clinical III - Medical Surgical Nursing (Part II)

Advanced Adult Medical Surgical Clinical is a continuation of the utilization of the nursing process in caring for acute care patients. The student will care for multiple patients during this clinical rotation. The emphasis will be on prioritization, decision-making, time management and critical thinking appropriate to the LPN’s scope of practice. As the student progresses, more complex patient situations will be presented and they will begin to function in a role independent of the instructor.

Pediatric Nursing

At the completion of the course, the student will be able to relate normal growth and development, as well as, the physical, emotional and social needs of the pediatric patient; apply fundamental nursing skills and principles in the care of the pediatric patient and family; and describe common pediatric disorders.

Maternal Newborn Nursing

Maternal Newborn Nursing is designed to familiarize the student with the holistic approach to care for the antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum patient and the neonate. The normal processes of conception, fetal development, labor and delivery, postpartum period, and family involvement will be included. The course includes the care of the normal patient and newborn as well as those with complications

Mental Health Concepts

This course presents an introduction to Mental Health Nursing with a focus on the role of the practical nurse. The course begins with universal concepts needed in the care of patients experiencing a mental health alteration. An understanding of the health care needs of patients experiencing common mental health alterations is then built upon this foundation. The course concludes with mental health issues, as well as care needs, that frequently challenge the elderly.

Clinical IV - Pediatric, Maternal Newborn, Mental Health

The student will assist the patient and significant others during the normal expected stages of growth and development from conception through advanced old age in the clinical environment. The student will reduce the patient’s potential for developing complications or health problems related to treatments, procedures or existing conditions and provide the pediatric patient care related to prevention and early detection of health problems. The student will participate in the nursing care of the expected mother and the delivery of the infant. The student will reduce the patient’s potential for developing complications or health problems related to treatments, procedures or existing conditions of pregnancy and childbirth and provide the mother and newborn patient care labor, during delivery and post partum. The student will participate in recognizing and providing care for patients with maladaptive behavior and assist with behavior management of the patient with acute and/or chronic mental illness and cognitive psychosocial disturbances.

Transition to Practice

This course is designed to provide concepts to be discussed in relation to the transition from student to Licensed Practical Nurse. Beginning organization and management skills are included. The student will participate in job readiness skills.

Clinical V-Transition to Practice

Leadership and delegation skills are enhanced as the student functions in the role of team leader. The course will prepare the student to independently assume the role of the LPN in professional practice; a preceptor rotation assists in the completion of this transition.
 

1. Attendance requirements are equivalent to those expected of employees in business and industry.  Excessive absences will negatively affect progress in the program.
2. All conferences concerning attendance issues will be documented and kept in the student’s file.
3. Appointments for personal reasons should not interfere with program commitments.

Retention:  There may be various reasons why students are unable to complete the program.  The most common are:

• Personal reasons due to lack of family or financial support.
• Fast pace and level of stress.
• Attendance problems due to illness of student or small children.
• Inability to maintain 77% grade requirement in each course.

All applicants should review their personal situations in relations to these items to have them taken care of prior to enrollment.

Tuition

12 months	35 hours/week	$2,790.00
14 months	30 hours/week	$3,000.00
17 months	25 hours/week	$3,750.00
21 months	20 hours/week	$4,750.00

(Out-of-district tuition is double)

Expenses

Approximate cost for physical, CPR class, Hepatitis B vaccination series	$250.00
Approximate cost of uniforms	$300.00
Approximate cost of books and supplies	$550.00
Approximate miscellaneous expenses (pins, certification fees, conference, etc.)	$400.00
Approximate cost for background checks and drug screening (if required for clinical eligibility)	$80.00

Students will provide their own transportation to the clinical education sites in various communities three to five days per week.  Travel expense is probably the largest expense students will encounter during this program. 

Tuition costs are subject to change.

Financial Aid:  Adult students may be eligible for financial assistance through grants and scholarships.  Financial aid may not cover all program expenses and cannot be used for the $500 deposit. 

For a complete description of assistance, contact the financial aid officer at (405) 377-3333. 
Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

1. Health 

• Students must prove evidence of good health by submitting the Meridian Technology Center Physical Examination Form which has been completed and signed by a physician
• Students must submit evidence of current immunizations. It is recommended that students obtain the Hepatitis B vaccinations as health care workers are at a high risk for contracting the disease. A waiver (release of responsibility) MUST be signed for students not taking the Hepatitis B vaccine.
• Clinical agencies may require drug testing upon entrance or at random. Positive results may result in disciplinary action.
• Students must physically (or with reasonable accommodations) be able to perform the duties of a healthcare worker providing specific duties related to their career:
  • Must be able to bend, walk, reach overhead, stand, lift, carry, push and handle equipment, supplies, or patients
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must have adequate vision to read and write
  • Must have adequate hearing and be able to converse with others in person or over the phone
  • Must possess fine motor skills and hand/eye coordination
  • Must be able to handle small objects and assist physicians with sterile procedures
  • Must be able to communicate with the patient through verbal responses
  • Must be aware of patient needs and changes in conditions that can be seen and/or heard

2. CPR Certification

• All students are required to show evidence of CPR training by presenting documentation of current CPR certification. This certification must be American Heart Association – Healthcare Provider or American Red Cross – CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Meridian Technology Center offers CPR courses periodically throughout the year

3. Advanced Placement

• Individuals who have previous work or educational experience in health related areas may be eligible for advanced placement or credit. Arrangements for advanced standing should be made prior to entering the program. Contact the program director/coordinator if you are eligible.

4. Criminal Background Check 

All students will be required to submit a criminal history information request to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and/or a national background check agency for a background check of criminal history and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Sex Offenders Registration List. 

Student is responsible for paying fees, which are not included in tuition. 

These background checks should be completed after admission to the program.  Students who have positive response will be reviewed for eligibility to attend clinicals and complete training.

Note:  Although Meridian Technology Center does not discriminate against persons convicted of a felony for admission into health programs, it is important for students to be aware that if a prior felony conviction exists he/she may not be eligible to complete clinical training and/or take certification exams following the completion of the program.  Oklahoma Board of Nursing requires a criminal background check prior to application for state licensure (practical nursing students only).  It is the student’s responsibility to notify the coordinator of prior criminal history upon entry into the program.  This will give adequate time for the coordinator to aid the student in providing the necessary information to the certification agencies.

 

Prerequisites

1. Basic Computer Literacy Course

• Computer course on High School Transcript (2000 or later) or “Computer Applications” course; available at Meridian Technology Center
  or
• “Computers in the Workplace” and “Introduction to the Internet”; online course available through Meridian Technology Center
  or
• Computer Concepts  course at a College, University, or Career Tech

• Course must be completed with a minimum of “C” or better

2. Medical Terminology

• Meridian Technology Center offers short-term courses
  or
• Medical Terminology course at a College, University, or Career Tech
  

• Course must be the equivalent of 45 clock hours and completed with a minimum of “C” or better

Enrollment - Enroll in 8 Easy Steps & Checklist

The Practical Nursing program starts new students approximately four times a year, as openings are available. The admission process will be completed twice a year.

Financial Aid

Scholarships

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission www.nlnac.org

Oklahoma Board of Nursing
www.youroklahoma.com/nursing/board.html

Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
www.okcareertech.org