Pearl River community College Nursing Program Review

Pearl River Community College (PRCC) has a long history from its mother Agricultural High School of Pearl River. The community college prides itself in being the oldest public-funded two-year college in the state of Mississippi after the high school incorporated college level education in 1922. The college has three satellite campuses in Hancock, Forrest county and Woodall in addition to the main campus at Poplaville.

Nursing at Pearl River Community College

The department of nursing education at Pearl River Community college is mandated to offer the nursing programs at the college.  A total of three programs are available for qualified candidates; two of which lead to an associate degree and one practical nursing certificate program.  The associate degree tracks are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the States Institute of Higher Learning while the practical nursing program is accredited by the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges.

Associate Degree Nursing

The associate degree nursing (ADN) from Pearl River Community College is offered at their Poplarville Main Campus. Qualified candidates are welcome to apply for admission in their spring and fall intakes. The program takes four semesters to complete as students prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. A total of 72 credits are required for students to be allowed to graduate; with general courses being offered along with the nursing courses throughout to the final year.

LPN to ADN Bridge Course

This program calls upon licensed practical nurses that hold active, unrestricted licensure in practical nursing. Candidates for this program are required to show proof of at least one year of working experience within the last three years. The experience is recommended to be from an acute care or long term care facility. Students are also asked to have a completed employer verification form to be allowed into the program.

The bridging course is given to candidates who meet all the requirements at the main campus in the summer session only.  Successful completion of the bridging course enables the students to be awarded 7 credit hours towards the associate degree nursing program. It also allows students to enter the ADN program at the level II, third semester. Students must note that waiver of the remaining level I courses is only done after the student passes some selected level II courses. After receiving the advanced placement to the ADN, students prepare for the NLCEX-RN exam to make the transition from practical to registered nursing.

Practical Nursing

The practical nursing program at Pearl River is offered in the main campus and Forrest County Center. The one-year program is only offered once annually in the fall semester. Students are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses in the state. There is also a Dual Enrollment option for high schools students who wish to become practical nurses. Students in this program attend college during their senior years to take nursing courses. Unlike the generic program which takes 12 months, this dual enrollment programs takes 18 months to complete.

Contact:
Pearl River Community College
5448 U.S. 49,
Hattiesburg, MS 39401