Pensacola State College Nursing Program Review

Pensacola State College, formerly Pensacola Junior College, was founded in 1948 as the first higher education institution in Pensacola. Today the college offers over 100 academic programs, including associate and bachelor degree programs to its 27,000 students.

Students will find many resources and activities available on campus to pursue their interests including an indoor pool, visual art gallery, tennis courts, concerts, student organizations and sports. Pensacola State College is ranked among the colleges awarding the most associates degrees in the nation. Pensacola State College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Review of Pensacola State College Nursing Degree Programs

The primary goal of the Department of Nursing at Pensacola State College is to provide quality education to nurses, regardless of their career level. Some of the earliest programs in operation at the university are the Associate Degree in Nursing and Licensed Practical Nursing programs. Today, the department has full-time and part-time staff and 23 faculty members to educate and mentor future nurses. The ADN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Pensacola State College Undergraduate Nursing Programs

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) Program (RN)

The ADN program for RNs is designed to prepare students to take the first step in becoming RNs and receive training to sit the national certification exam for RNs, NCLEX-RN). Students are not required to have previous nursing experience for this program. Admission requirements include a 2.5 overall GPA and a 75% or higher composite score on the HESI A2 exam, an entrance exam for nurses. The HESI A2 exam topics include reading, vocabulary, math, grammar and Anatomy and Physiology. In order to earn the ADN qualification for the course, students must past a dosage examination, earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses and have a current CPR certification awarded by the American Heart Association. The program can be completed in approximately 2 years.

ADN Career Mobility Option

The ADN career mobility option is for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and paramedics seeking to advance their career by earning an ADN degree. Students can complete the program in just 4 semesters. Admission requirements are the same as for the traditional ADN program, but also include a current RN or paramedic license and a grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite coursework.

RN to BSN Program (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

The RN to BSN program at Pensacola State College is for nurses who hold an ADN and are seeking to take the next step in their career. Admission requirements into the program include a 2.0 GPA, active RN license and graduation from an accredited RN program. The BSN program focuses on training nurses in leadership, management research and theory. The 120 credit program may be completed in as little as 3 semesters, though students may take additional time if required. Students should meet a nursing program representative, such as the director or a counselor to develop a personalized academic plan. Each student’s program completion time will vary according to their background and the number of credits transferred. To earn the BSN degree from Pensacola State College, students should complete at least 25% of total credits at Pensacola State College and earn a grade “C” or better in all courses.

Pensacola State College Certificate Programs

Pensacola State College offers several certificate programs below, which allow registered nurses to gain experience and expertise in additional areas of nursing.

Perioperative Nursing

The Perioperative Nursing program trains nurses without previous experience in the operating room to work in surgical settings. In order to be accepted in the program, students must be RNs. The program is 9 credits and can be completed in one semester. While coursework is delivered online, students are required to attend a clinical practicum. Students in this program are trained and able to function independently in a perioperative setting upon completion of the program.

Practical Nursing Certificate (Licensed Practical Nurse/LPN) Program

The Practical Nursing Certificate prepares and trains nurses to work in an entry-level nursing setting performing basic tasks and receiving supervision from RNs and physicians. The program is a one-year program, and upon completion students receive a certificate. Admission requirements for the program include a 2.0 overall GPA, and meeting score requirements on a practical nursing entrance exam as well as a math exam unique to healthcare providers. Students are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become a LPN upon completion of the course.

Nurse Assisting (CNA) Program

The CNA program trains students to work under the supervision of registered and practical nurses to provide basic patient care. The program is one semester and requires 3 courses. Students interested in the program should contact the department of nursing as the course has irregular offerings. The program prepares students to become Certified Nursing Assistants by examination in Florida.

Surgical Technology Program

The surgical technology certificate program prepares students to work alongside RNs and other health care professionals in a surgical setting. The program prepares students to serve as assistants before, during and after the surgical process. The program is twelve months. Admission requirements include a 2.0 GPA and satisfying minimum score requirements on the TABE (Test of Basic English Skills).

Resources for Students at Pensacola State College

Pensacola State College has several programs that will assist aspiring nurses in earning their qualifications. Currently, Pensacola State College awards over 26.7 million in financial aid to its students through a variety of methods including scholarships and work study. The college has several in-house scholarships awarded to students based on academic merit, financial need, community involvement, leadership and school service among other things. Pensacola State College assists students in planning their future beyond their degree program; the Center for Advising and Career Services assists student in planning their future careers and goals. Most technical programs have a 100% career placement rate.

Contact:
Pensacola State College
1000 College Boulevard
Pensacola, FL 32504

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