CertificatePractical Nurse

1. Must be 18 years of age (at the start of the program)
2. Minimum GPA 2.0 (high school or college, most current will be used)
3. High school diploma or equivalency certificate
4. Minimum TEAS Composite Percentage Score of 58%
5. Completion of college application
6. Transcripts from all colleges/high schools
7. Completion of GNST 100 (must be completed by the end of first semester)

Each class will be selected using the following formula:

• TEAS Composite Percentage Score = 40%
• TEAS Reading Comprehension Score = 60%

In the event that two or more applicants receive the same overall admission score, the applicants will be ranked according to the TEAS Composite Percentage score, then the TEAS Reading Comprehension score, then the TEAS Math score, and finally the TEAS Science score.

Applicants will be notified of their admission status by letter. Individuals selected are required to have a physical examination, preadmission drug screen, and criminal background check prior to starting their first nursing course. Final admission is contingent upon submission of a satisfactory confidential medical history and examination, negative drug screen, a negative criminal background check, and a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.

Selection as an alternate does not guarantee admission into the program or placement into the following year’s selection process. Alternates will replace students in the ranked order as space becomes available and will be notified by letter and email. If not granted admission, the alternate must reapply.

Practical nursing students are required to have a physical examination as part of the admission process. Students must meet certain health criteria for clinical practice in agencies, including, but not limited to, random or for-cause drug screening.

Students are required to be certified at the BLS for Healthcare Providers (BLS-HCP) level. Proof of successful completion of the BLS-HCP course must be in the form of an official CPR card document issued by an authorized AHA provider. Cards issued by private companies that state the course was “taught in accordance with AHA (or Red Cross) guidelines” are not sufficient evidence of course completion and will not satisfy this requirement.

Students can also obtain BLS-HCP certification as part of the Practical Nurse program.

The requirements for licensure, as set forth in the Missouri Statutes 335 RSMo 2015 the Nurse Practice Act, include being of good moral character, completion of the high school course of study or the equivalent, and successful completion of the basic professional nursing curriculum in an approved school of nursing (however, successful completion does not guarantee eligibility to take the licensure examination).

Non-English speaking candidates are required to submit evidence of proficiency in the English language. There are also questions related to adjudication of any crime other than traffic violations, including unlawful use or possession of controlled substances or alcoholic beverages to an extent that one is impaired, fraud, dishonesty, acts of violence, bribery, deception, misconduct, insanity, incompetence, and placement on employee disqualification lists by a state or federal agency. Affirmative answers may result in the applicant being denied access to the licensure examination by the State Board of Nursing. For further information, consult the department chair.

A paper copy of the requirements for nursing licensure set forth in Missouri Statutes 335.066 and 335.046.1, is available from the Three Rivers Nursing Program Department. An electronic copy is included in the Practical Nurse application packet.

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.

• 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.