National Park Community College at Hot Springs Nursing Program Review
The National Park Community College (NPCC) is a two year community college that was established from the merger between Garland County Community College and Quapaw Technical Institute. The College is the fourth largest in Arkansas and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. NPCC prides itself for being one of the main employers in the region. It is located southwest of Little Rock and has a very vibrant environment on campus and off campus.
Future nursing students can choose from a wide range of courses that enables them to the integrated into the nursing profession with modern skills and knowledge. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) are the leading institutions that have given their stamp of approval on the courses. The courses that are available at the school include:
Certificate for Proficiency Nursing Assistant (CNA)
This is a one semester course that equips students with basic skills to work in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities. It also provides the building blocks for future studies as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Upon successful completion of the course, applicants can take the certification test and after passing may work as a nursing assistant.
Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree (RN)
Associate of Science Degree in Registered Nursing (ASN-RN) students must have completed two years of general education courses before sending in their applications. The selection process is based on TEAS tests and GPA. After successfully completing the course, students can sit the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses RN.
Advanced Standing: LPN/LPTN Applicants to RN Track
This program is based on rolling admission and eligible applicants, once accepted, are given a start date to enter the course. The course is only open to licenses licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed psychiatric technical nurses (LPTNs) that want to gain an associate degree to become a registered nurse (RN). All applicants to the course must ensure that their licenses are active to be awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree (A.S.N.).
High School to ASN Track (3 Year Plan)
This program is a three year course. During the first year, students are exposed to general courses that are pre-requisites to enter the nursing program. After successfully completing the first year, they are then exposed to the nursing curriculum. They are also given the opportunity to select additional courses that will give them the jump-start for higher education for a BSN.
Technical Certificate Practical Nursing (PN) (Day/Night)
Students are encouraged to evaluate their time and dedication to the nursing career before they apply to this course. The curriculum is intense and the Arkansas State Board of Nursing outlines the number of hours that must be completed in the course to successful graduate. Attendance is essential and students must comply with the established limits. Those that fail to do so are dropped from the course.
Technical Certificate in Pharmacy Technology
Students that are interested in this course will have two possibilities to choose from: a 12-month course that rewards a Technical Certificate degree or a 24-month program that awards an Associate Degree. Upon successful completion of the course, students can take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Applicants that successfully pass the course will be granted national certification. They will be recognized as Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT).
Certificate of Proficiency Medical Aide
Students accepted into the program are fully trained to work in nursing homes. Successful completion of the program allows students to take the state proficiency test. After passing, they can work as a MA-C.
Contact:
National Park Community College
101 College Drive
Hot Springs National Park
AR 71913
Tel: (501) 760-4222
[wpgmza id=”90″]
