Vocational Nursing Program Description
The Vocational Nursing Program is a 12-month/four
semester program offered at both the St. Philip's College Martin Luther King campus and at the
New Braunfels extension campus. Students may choose to apply and attend the day or
evening program, however, an evening program is only offered at the St. Philip's
College Martin Luther King Campus. Classes are held Monday through Friday.
Due to the full-time requirement of attending classes and clinical rotations
(based on 40 hour/week schedule), it is advisable to limit full-time employment
for the duration of the program.
Curriculum
The curriculum encompasses courses in fundamentals of
nursing, nutrition, gerontology, communication, administration of medications,
medical-surgical nursing, obstetrical and pediatric nursing; mental health and
mental illness; professional development, and ethical and legal aspects of
nursing practice. The curriculum consists of 46 credit hours and reflects care
of the client in a holistic, family-centered perspective throughout the lifespan
from birth to geriatrics. Instruction is based on a learner-oriented approach
with application of knowledge in order to gain a thorough understanding of the
information, material, and content required to become a
knowledgeable, competent, and safe health care provider. Classroom and
laboratory experiences are held on the St. Philip's College Martin Luther King campus and/or
Seguin extension campus.
Clinical Requirements
In order to fulfill the clinical requirements, students are
required to attend clinical rotations in San Antonio and its surrounding areas
to include but not limited to New Braunfels, Seguin and San Marcos in a variety of public and
private health care settings. Transportation to and from hospital and
other assigned medical facilities is the responsibility of the students.
Students should be prepared to accommodate travel to any facility deemed
appropriate to meet course objectives.
Expected Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are prepared to provide
nursing care in structured health care settings for clients who are experiencing
common, well-defined health problems with predictable outcomes based on three
major roles: member of a profession, provider of care and coordinator of
care. The new graduate can readily integrate theoretical knowledge with
judgment, skills and professional values derived from nursing and general
education content.
Upon successful completion of the program, vocational nursing graduates are
issued a temporary license from the
Texas
Board of Nursing permitting them to seek employment as a graduate
vocational nurse (GVN) until successful
completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for
Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Students successfully completing the first semester of the 12-month Vocational
Nursing Program may apply and test for Certification as a Nurse's Aide; and upon
successful completion of the second semester students may apply to test for
Certification as a Medication Aide through the
Texas Department of
Health.
page last updated 04/28/09