Practical Nursing

About the Practical Nursing Program:

1. FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS WHO QUALIFY. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO APPLY AT THE MACC FINANCIAL AID OFFICE. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID. APPLY IMMEDIATELY TO DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY. Grants and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Contact Student Affairs and Financial Aid as early as possible to ensure the best chance of securing financial aid. 

2. The Practical Nursing Program is a one-year program. The program is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The Missouri State Board of Nursing approves the college to admit 32 students (Moberly); 30 (Mexico); and 30 (Columbia).

3. Upon successful completion of program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council of Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses. The State of Missouri Nurse Practice Act, Section 335.066, provides additional criteria for eligibility to apply for licensure as a practical nurse. Successful completion of the program does not guarantee eligibility to take the licensing examination. Satisfactory performance on this exam will qualify the student for licensure as a practical nurse. The State Board of Nursing may deny you the privilege of sitting for the exam if you have ever been convicted of a crime or have an addiction to drugs.

4. A great deal of material is covered in a short period of time. This requires a dedicated student. We recommend two hours of study for every one hour of class time. It is recommended that student nurses be employed no more than 16 hours per week. (A backup babysitter may be necessary.)

5. Clinical experience is an extremely important part of your education. Clinical experience is mandatory. Please be advised that clinical facilities request criminal background checks, a drug screen, health insurance, immunization information, and current BLS certification for the healthcare provider is required.

6. Most health care facilities the program uses for clinical experience are smoke free environments. It is mandatory the program follows the policies of each facility that are utilized.

7. Each program determines their specific clinical days. Clinical hours vary; the majority will be days (6:30-3:00 pm). The Practical Nursing Program uses several health care facilities in the area for clinical site rotations. Transportation to and from clinical is your responsibility. (Students may car pool.)

8. Students may be required to attend educational workshops (usually one per nursing class.) The fee for these workshops vary.

9. Purchase of scrubs and other clinical equipment that will be needed will be discussed the 1st week in class, and are the student’s financial responsibility.

10. Professional Malpractice Insurance is required of all nursing students. The insurance is obtained as a group policy by MACC. The college can certify 100% coverage to the clinical facilities. This policy only covers you as you function in the student nurse role and NOT while working in any other capacity.

11. There is one critical skills exam in the Practical Nursing program, Intravenous Therapy. This exam has to be passed to progress within the Practical Nursing program.

12. The Student Practical Nurses Association is an active pre-professional organization here at MACC. All students are encouraged to join. (Missouri State Association of Licensed Practical Nurses).

13. The MACC graduation ceremony is held in May. Participation is optional for Practical Nursing students. This signifies that two semesters have been successfully completed, and the student is entering their final phase of the program. The student is required to apply for graduation and take the HESI exams.

14. Class hours vary, but are a complete day. Classes are held Monday-Friday. Class hours are subject to vary with each semester.

15. No student is admitted after 5 class days have passed.

If applying to the Moberly PN program, return forms to the Health Sciences Office. If applying to the Mexico PN program, return forms to the Nursing Administration Office at the Mexico Higher Education Center. If applying to the Columbia PN program, return forms to Julie Kiefer, PN coordinator, at the Columbia Area Career Center building on Providence road. These must be in your file prior to May 1.

The following prerequisites are required for admission into the PN program and must be completed prior to starting the program:

1. Completion of college level Human Anatomy/Lab with a “C” or above and Fundamentals of Math or equivalent or higher with a minimum grade of “C” or have a placement score for transitional Algebra or higher.

2. Application forms completed for Moberly Area Community College (online) and the Practical Nursing Program.

3. Official high school transcript or high school equivalency certificate, if applicable, on file in Student Affairs. It is the responsibility of the student to check on the status of their transcripts in Student Affairs.

4. Official college or university transcripts on file in Student Affairs. (This includes transcripts from any nursing schools attended, if applicable.) It is the responsibility of the student to check on the status of their transcripts in Student Affairs.

5. Submit a criminal background form. Go to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website at www.machs.mshp.dps.mo.gov and complete a name based criminal record check by entering the name search portal and click to get started with an account. You will be asked to pay with a credit/debit card. Print your results and submit them with your application packet.

6. An ATI TEAS exam is required with a minimum score of 58%.

7. A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 from high school or college. All university or college coursework attempted will be considered when determining a student’s cumulative grade point average. College transcript supersedes high school transcript.

8. Admissions is contingent on maintaining a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

9. A TOEFL score of 560 on the written exam or score of 86 on the TOEFL IBT exam, ACT English score of 20 or greater, or a “C” or better in Composition I for students for whom English is a second language.

10. Health insurance is required for all nursing students.

Students are selected for admission into the program via a weighted admission process. Applicants whose records indicate the greatest potential for successful achievement will be admitted to the program. Qualified applicants not admitted for the current academic year will be placed on an alternate list. If no position becomes available, these applicants must reapply for the next academic year.

Applications will be reviewed and selected without consideration of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital or parental status, religion, genetics, ancestry, or veteran status.

These are minimum application criteria for this program and do not guarantee admission.

Moberly Area Community College (MACC) Program of Practical Nursing (PN) signifies that the holder of that degree has been educated to competently enter nursing practice in all healthcare settings and to apply for PN licensure in the State of Missouri. The education of a nurse requires assimilation of knowledge, acquisition of skills and development of judgment through patient care experience in preparation for a.) Independent and b.) Semi-autonomous and or c.) making appropriate decisions required in practice. The practice of nursing emphasizes collaboration among physicians, nurses, allied health care professionals, and the patient.

The curriculum leading to the Certificate in Practical Nursing (PN) from MACC requires students to engage in diverse complex and specific experiences essential to the acquisition and practice of essential nursing skills and functions. Unique combinations of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, physical, and social abilities are required to satisfactorily perform these functions. In addition to being essential to the successful completion of the requirements of the LPN, these functions are necessary to ensure the health and safety of patients, fellow candidates, faculty and other healthcare providers.

The essential abilities necessary to acquire or demonstrate competence in a discipline as complex as nursing and needed for successful admission and continuance by candidates for the Practical Nursing Certificate at Moberly Area Community College include by are not limited to the following abilities:

Motor Skills
Candidates should have sufficient motor function so that they are able to execute movements required to provide general care and treatment to patients in all health care settings. (For example: For the safety and protection of the patients, the candidate must be able to perform basic life support, including CPR, and function in an emergency situation. The candidate must have the ability, within reasonable limits, to safely assist a patient in moving, for example, from a chair to a bed, or from a wheelchair to a commode.

Sensory/Observation
A candidate must be able to acquire the information presented through demonstrations and experiences in the basic and nursing sciences. He or she must be able to observe a patient accurately, and at a distance and close at hand and observe and appreciate non-verbal communications when performing nursing assessment and intervention or administering medications. The candidate must be capable of perceiving the signs of disease and infection as manifested through physical examination. Such information is derived from images of the body surfaces, palpable changes in various organs, and tissues, and auditory information (patient voice, hear tones, bowel and lung sounds.)

Communication
The candidate must communicate effectively and sensitively with other students, faculty, staff, patients, family, and other professionals. He or she must express his or her ideas and feelings clearly and demonstrate a willingness and ability to give and receive feedback. A candidate must be able to: convey or exchange information at a level allowing development of a health history; identify problems presented; explain alternative solutions; and give directions during treatment and post-treatment. The candidate must be able to process and communicate effectively in oral and written forms. The candidate must be able to process and communicate information on the patient’s status with accuracy in a timely manner to members of the health care team. The appropriate communication may also rely on the candidate’s ability to make correct judgment in seeking supervision and consultation in a timely manner.

It should be noted that successful completion of the requirements for a degree does not guarantee eligibility to take the NCLEX licensing examination or the ability to become licensed to practice nursing. Candidates with concerns or questions about specific health conditions, personal histories, or disabilities should contact the Missouri State Nursing Commission. Practice Advisory Questions and Advisory Opinions (573) 751-0073.

Cognitive
A candidate must be able to measure, calculate reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize in the context of undergraduate nursing study. The candidate must be able to quickly read and comprehend written material. He or she must be able to evaluate information and engage in critical thinking in the classroom and clinical setting.

Behavioral/Emotional
A candidate must possess the emotional health required for the full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients and families. In addition, he/she must be able to maintain mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, students, faculty, staff, and other professionals under all circumstances including highly stressful situations. The candidate must have the emotional stability to function effectively under stress and to adapt an environment that may change rapidly without warning and/or in unpredictable ways. The candidate must be able to experience empathy for the situations and circumstances of others and effectively communicate that empathy. The candidate must know that his or her values, attitudes, beliefs, emotions, and experiences affect his or her perceptions and relationships with others. The candidate must be able and willing to examine and change in his or her behavior when it interferes with productive individual or team relationships. The candidates must possess skills and experience necessary for effective and harmonious relationships in diverse academic and working environments.

Professional Conduct
Candidates must possess the ability to reason morally and practice nursing in an ethical manner. Candidates must be willing to learn and abide by professional standards of practice. He/she must possess the attributes that include compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, honesty, responsibility, and tolerance. Candidates must be able to engage in a patient care delivery in all settings and be able to deliver care to all patient populations including but not limited to children, adolescents, adults, developmentally disabled persons, medically compromised

When students complete a certificate in Practical Nursing (PN) at MACC they will be able to:

• Function within the practical nursing role as a contributing member of the health care team. 
• Utilize the nursing process to formulate client plans of care. 
• Function within the scope of the practical nurses as described in the Missouri Nursing Practice Act. 
• Prioritize nursing actions to meet the physiological, psychological, sociological, and cultural needs of the client. 
• Apply nursing skills in the restorative, maintenance, and health promotion and end of life situations. 
• Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for personal and professional growth and a commitment to lifelong learning. 
• Apply culturally sensitive care in the local and global community. 
• Demonstrate appropriate communication techniques in interacting with clients and their support persons, colleagues, and other members of the health care team. 
• Provide safe, legal, and ethical care in the practice setting. 
• Utilize leadership and management concepts within the practical nursing role. 
• Apply appropriate principles of teaching and learning with clients and families. 
• Complete the program requirements to become eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be eligible to apply to take the National Council of Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses. The State of Missouri Nursing Practice Act, Section 335.066, provides additional criteria for eligibility to apply for licensure as a Practical Nurse. Successful completion of the program does not guarantee eligibility to take the licensing exam. Satisfactory performance on this examination will qualify the student for licensure as a Practical Nurse.

The program is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and is approved by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division of Career Education

I want to apply to the program. How do I get an admission packet?
Admission packets are available under the PN Application Packet link on this page. They are also available by contacting the any of the following:

• Moberly Health Sciences office at 1-660-263-4110, ext. 11250
• Mexico Practical Nursing office at 1-573-582-0817, ext. 13621
• Columbia Practical Nursing office at 1-573-214-3800 ext. 29801

What tests are required for admission into the program?
The TEAS test must be completed with a score of 58% or greater for admission into the practical nursing program. Please refer to the Student Affairs section of the MACC website (www.macc.edu) for additional test information and schedules.

What if I have already had College Algebra and Composition I, do I still have to take the ACCUPLACER or ACT?
No. Please follow the guidelines for admission which can be found at https://www.macc.edu/steps-to-admissions/ and speak with an academic advisor.

Is there a study guide for the TEAS?
A TEAS study guide can be located at www.atitesting.com and at the college libraries.

What happens if I do not get the minimum score of 58% on the TEAS?
You can re-take the TEAS.

Do you round GPAs? (Example: My GPA is a 2.47; do you round it to a 2.5?)
No, GPAs are not rounded. Please refer to the admissions criteria for the GPA requirement of each program.

Do I have to have my high school transcript or GED transcript?
Yes. Your high school transcript or GED transcript is required as part of the admissions packet.

Do I have to have all of my college transcripts?
Yes. All college transcripts must be present in order to evaluate the cumulative GPA. A transcript is required for each individual school you have attended.

Are references required?
No. We no longer require references for the PN program.

When will I be notified of the admissions committee’s decision?
Letters of acceptance or regret will be sent via the mail 60 days after the admissions deadline.

Can I apply to all three programs – Columbia, Mexico and Moberly PN programs?
You may apply to only one location. If you are not selected at the initial location, your application will be referred to one of the other program locations provided seats remain available.

How much does the program cost?
Cost including tuition and program specific cost can be located on the college website at our Fee and Tuition page.

How long is the program?
The Practical Nursing program is a full-time, one-year certificate program. The program follows an alternate college calendar, beginning the middle of August.

If I am accepted in the program where should I expect to travel for clinical experiences?
A list of possible clinical locations is listed on the nursing website in the screen titled “Things You Need to Know”.

If I am accepted and complete the LPN program, can I continue with my education to become an RN?
Yes. MACC offers an Accelerated ADN program that enables LPNs to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing.

Moberly PN Program
Terry Bichsel
Coordinator
(660) 263-4110 ext. 11251
terrybichsel@macc.edu

Mexico PN Program
Stacey O’Neal
Coordinator
573-582-0817 x13621
stacyoneal@macc.edu

Columbia PN Program
Julie Kiefer
Coordinator
(573) 214-3800 ext. 29801
juliekiefer@macc.edu 

STUDENT AFFAIRS: General information on program admissions, costs, and other features of Moberly Area Community College.

FINANCIAL AID: Financial assistance is available in the form of grants, loans, work study, and scholarships or a combination of these. Additional information is available from the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid Office
101 College Ave.
Moberly, MO 65270
(660) 263-4110 ext.11296 or
(800) 622-2070, ext.11296
https://www.macc.edu

Nondiscrimination Statement
Moberly Area Community College is committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital or parental status, religion, genetics, ancestry, or veteran status, in admissions, educational programs, activities, and employment.

Inquires concerning Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which guarantees access to education regardless of disability, should be directed to:

Stacy Donald
Director of Access and ADA Services
601 Business Loop 70 West, Suite 216
Columbia, MO 65270
573-234-1067, ext.12120

All other inquires concerning nondiscrimination, including equal opportunity and Title IX, should be directed to one of the following people:

Todd Martin
Vice President for Instruction
101 College Avenue
Moberly, MO 65270
660-263-4110, ext.11264

Career and Placement Services
101 College Avenue
Moberly, MO 65270
660-263-4110, ext.11232

To meet the requirements for graduation from Moberly Area Community College, a student must meet the requirements of the degree or certificate and:

1. Complete 15 semester hours of college level credit applicable to a degree or certificate at Moberly are Community College;

2. Complete the recommended course sequence for the degree or certificate program;

3. Achieve a minimum of 2.0 grade point average;

4. Submit an application for graduation;

5. Pay in full all fees due to Moberly Area Community College.

Practical Nursing Certificate graduates must also meet the following requirements:

• complete the HESI exam before or during the last semester of enrollment prior to completion of the PN certificate; and

• earn a grade of “C” or above in all courses required in the PN curriculum.

• Staff Nursing in Hospitals

• Public Health Agency Nursing

• Home Health Agency Nursing

• Nursing in Clinics

• Nursing in Physician Offices

• Long-Term Care Facility Nursing

• Nursing in Government Service

• Industrial Nursing