Fast Track Practical Nursing

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Fast Track Practical Nursing program provides students with the theory and skills required to practice as a practical nurse in acute care, extended care, and intermediate care settings. The program of study combines nursing theory lectures with planned patient care learning experiences in hospitals, nursing homes and health care agencies. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Licensing requirements are the exclusive responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

The Fast Track Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

This program is designed to meet education requirements for licensure or certification in the State of Arizona. Granting licensure and certification is the sole responsibility of the state board or approval agency. This program is only offered and available to students located in the State of Arizona. The Maricopa County Community College District and colleges define student location within Administrative Regulation 2.2.3(7).

Details

Offered At
GateWay
Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Fast Track Practical Nursing (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5114
Total credits required
22-27.5
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Admissions criteria

1. Application and acceptance into Fast-Track Practical Nursing Program.
2. A passing score on a nursing program admission test is required to complete an application.
3. Documentation of Health and Safety Requirements.
4. Fingerprint Clearance Card.
5. High school diploma or GED is required. Applicants must signify that they meet this requirement by providing high school diploma/transcripts or GED completion OR by signing the nursing application page containing the `Declaration of High School Graduation or GED completion.` In some instances, high school diploma/transcripts or proof of GED completion may be required.

Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Waiver of Licensure/Certification Guarantee:
Admission or graduation from the Nursing Program does not guarantee obtaining a license to practice nursing. Licensure requirements and the subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Students must satisfy the requirements of the Nurse Practice Act: Statutes, Rules and Regulations, independently of any college or school requirements for graduation.

Pursuant to A.R.S. 32-1606(B)(17), an applicant for professional or practical nurse license by examination is not eligible for licensure if the applicant has any felony convictions and has not received an absolute discharge from the sentences for all felony convictions. The absolute discharge must be received five or more years before submitting this application. If you cannot prove that the absolute discharge date is five or more years, the Board cannot process your application.

Level One Fingerprint Clearance is required for admission into the program. Applicants must present a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card to be copied by the advisor or designee. If there is any question about eligibility for licensure or certification, contact the nursing education consultant at the Arizona State Board of Nursing (602.771.7800).

Health Declaration:
It is essential that nursing students be able to perform a number of physical activities in the clinical portion of the program. At a minimum, students will be required to lift patients, stand for several hours at a time and perform bending activities. Students who have a chronic illness or condition must be maintained on current treatment and be able to implement direct patient care. The clinical nursing experience also places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting patients` lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the program prior to making application. All students must provide documentation of compliance with all health and safety requirements. Only students in compliance with the mandatory health and safety requirements are permitted to remain enrolled in nursing courses.

Health and Safety Requirements for the Fast Track Nursing Program:
1. Students must submit a Health and Safety Documentation Checklist verifying completion of all requirements and maintain current status throughout the program.
2. Students must submit the Health Declaration Form signed by a licensed health care provider.
3. Students must test negative on a timed urine drug screen.
4. Admission to a nursing program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Supplemental Background Check policy. Program applications will not be accepted without a copy of an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. Upon conditional program admission, the student must comply with all requirements of the current MCCCD background check policy.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Function effectively in the role of the beginning Practical Nurse under the direction of a Registered Nurse.
  2. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and evidence based practice through utilization of the nursing process as a guideline in providing nursing care.
  3. Assist with data collection and contribute to the established plan of care.
  4. Implement an established plan of care using appropriate practical nursing knowledge.
  5. Assist with the evaluation of nursing care based on established outcome criteria.
  6. Apply therapeutic communication techniques in providing basic nursing care for clients throughout the lifespan.
  7. Perform technical aspects of basic, safe nursing care.
  8. Demonstrate identified caring behaviors.
  9. Function in accordance with the ethical and legal standards of practical nursing practice.
  10. Illustrate use of relevant technology for client care and documentation.

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

$57,800

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Credits
NCE150 or
NUR158
Basic Certified Nursing Assistant or Nurse Assisting OR Current Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
OR Licensed Nurse Assistant (LNA) OR Equivalent
OR Waived by Nursing Program Director for Military Veterans demonstrating equivalent work experience
0–4.5

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Credits
NUR160PN Practical Nursing Theory and Science I Critical course Gateway course 11

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Credits
NUR180PN or
NUR150
Practical Nursing Theory and Science II or Practical Nurse Bridge Course Critical course 11–12
Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm?id=172660).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.