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PRACTICAL NURSING (PN) Diploma (D45660)

The Practical Nursing (PN) curriculum provides knowledge and skills to integrate safety and quality into nursing care to meet the needs of the holistic individual which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.

Course work includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes safe, individualized nursing care and participation in the interdisciplinary team while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation/long term/home health facilities, clinics, and physicians’ offices.

For specific admissions requirements and additional information, refer to our Program of Study Worksheet.

The PN program at Brunswick Community College, located in Supply, NC is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
http://www.acenursing.us/candidates/candidacy.asp

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the PN program is Initial Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

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Semesters

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First Summer Semester

Writing and Inquiry

This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquire, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or general education elective course requirement for the AA, AS or AE degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in English Composition for the AA, AE, and AS degrees.

ENG 111

Prerequisites:

ENG 025

This course provides the skills necessary for success in college English courses. Topics include reading and writing processes and strategies, such as critical thinking, text analysis, idea development, and application of writing conventions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze readings and produce unified, coherent, well developed paragraphs and essays using appropriate document design and standard written English while developing positive academic habits, learning strategies, and a growth mindset.
Length: 3
Credits: 3
Lecture: 3

Pharmacology

This course introduces information concerning sources, effects, legalities, and the safe use of medications as therapeutic agents. Emphasis is placed on nursing responsibility, accountability, pharmacokinetics, routes of medication administration, contraindications and side effects. Upon completion, students should be able to compute dosages and administer medication safely.

NUR 117

Prerequisites: Admission to the Practical Nursing Program or Admission to the Associate Degreement in Nursing Program
Length: 1
Credits: 2
Lecture: 1
Lab: 3

*Note: BIO 168 AND BIO 169 are preferred in the ADN application.

BIO 163

This course provides a basic study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include a basic study of the body systems as well as an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, nutrition, acid-base balance, and electrolytes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA & AS degree .

 OR

BIO 168

This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA & AS degree.

 AND

BIO 169

This course provides a continuation of the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as metabolism, nutrition, acid-base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA & AS degree.

Credit: 5-8
Semester Total 10-13
First Fall Semester

Practical Nursing I

This course introduces the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts within each domain including assessment, clinical decision making, professional behaviors, caring interventions, biophysical and psychosocial concepts, communication, collaboration, teaching/learning, safety, ethical principles, legal issues, informatics, and evidence-based practice. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care across the lifespan incorporating the concepts identified in this course. Credit for NUR 101 is only available after completion of both NUR 101AB and NUR 101BB.

NUR 101

Prerequisites: NUR 101AB
Corequisites:

NUR 117

This course introduces information concerning sources, effects, legalities, and the safe use of medications as therapeutic agents. Emphasis is placed on nursing responsibility, accountability, pharmacokinetics, routes of medication administration, contraindications and side effects. Upon completion, students should be able to compute dosages and administer medication safely.
Length: 3.5
Credits: 11
Lecture: 3.5
Lab: 3
Clinics: 3

General Psychology

This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA and ICAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement for the AA, AE, & AS degrees. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course in Social & Behavioral Sciences for the AA, AE, & AS degrees.

PSY 150

Prerequisites:

ENG 025

This course provides the skills necessary for success in college English courses. Topics include reading and writing processes and strategies, such as critical thinking, text analysis, idea development, and application of writing conventions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze readings and produce unified, coherent, well developed paragraphs and essays using appropriate document design and standard written English while developing positive academic habits, learning strategies, and a growth mindset.
Length: 3
Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Semester Total 14
First Spring Semester

Practical Nursing II

This course is designed to further develop the concepts within the three domains of the individual, nursing, and healthcare. Emphasis is placed on the concepts, within each domain including clinical decision making, caring interventions, biophysical and psychosocial concepts, communication, collaboration, teaching and learning, accountability, safety, informatics, and evidence-based practice. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care across the lifespan incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

NUR 102

Prerequisites:

NUR 101

This course introduces the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts within each domain including assessment, clinical decision making, professional behaviors, caring interventions, biophysical and psychosocial concepts, communication, collaboration, teaching/learning, safety, ethical principles, legal issues, informatics, and evidence-based practice. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care across the lifespan incorporating the concepts identified in this course. Credit for NUR 101 is only available after completion of both NUR 101AB and NUR 101BB.
Length: 7
Credits: 10
Lecture: 7
Clinics: 9
Semester Total 10
First Spring Semester

Practical Nursing III

This course is designed to assimilate the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on biophysical and psychosocial concepts, professional behaviors, healthcare systems, health policy, and quality improvement. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide safe, quality, and individualized entry level nursing care.

NUR 103

Prerequisites:

NUR 101

This course introduces the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts within each domain including assessment, clinical decision making, professional behaviors, caring interventions, biophysical and psychosocial concepts, communication, collaboration, teaching/learning, safety, ethical principles, legal issues, informatics, and evidence-based practice. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care across the lifespan incorporating the concepts identified in this course. Credit for NUR 101 is only available after completion of both NUR 101AB and NUR 101BB.

,

NUR 102

This course is designed to further develop the concepts within the three domains of the individual, nursing, and healthcare. Emphasis is placed on the concepts, within each domain including clinical decision making, caring interventions, biophysical and psychosocial concepts, communication, collaboration, teaching and learning, accountability, safety, informatics, and evidence-based practice. Upon completion, students should be able to provide safe nursing care across the lifespan incorporating the concepts identified in this course.
Length: 6
Credits: 9
Lecture: 6
Clinics: 9
Semester Total 9
Total Program Credit 43-46

SALARY POTENTIAL

Entry-Level Roles

$40,000 – $55,000/year

Solid starting point with high potential for growth into specialized roles. Excellent for gaining foundational experience.

Moderate demand

93% of graduates find work within 6 months

Mid-Level Roles

$65,000 – $85,000/year

Strong progression path with options in corporate finance, public accounting, or government. Certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA) enhance mobility.

High demand

96% employed within 3–6 months post-certification.

Specialist Roles

$100,000 – $180,000+/year

Leadership and strategic roles with influence on business decisions. High long-term stability and career satisfaction.

Very high demand

97% with strong job security and lateral mobility.

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STUDENT STORY

Caroline Bailey

Congratulations to Caroline Bailey for being named as a BCC Student of the Month. “In every way, Caroline represents the best of BCC,” said Instructor Heather Hardie. “She’s a team player, hard worker, and has a heart of gold. Her passion for learning and helping others inspires us all.”

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