Nursing is an essential field and also a fairly intense one, and it’s easy to assume that training will be equally so. You may not realize, however, that practical nursing (PN) training only takes about one to two years to complete. You can very quickly finish your schooling and begin your new career in the growing healthcare industry. Prism Career Institute offers a brief look into what you can expect from your PN studies so you can prepare for your future.
The Basics of PN Training
Practical Nursing training programs may be compared to an associate’s degree. It takes about two years to complete, though some programs – like the one offered by Prism Career Institute – are accelerated. Accelerated programs can train students in a little over a year and are a great option for those who would like a head start on their career.
Our PN training course is divided into two sections: classroom lectures and clinical training. In the classroom, you’ll hit the books to gain a solid foundation of nursing and administrative knowledge. Meanwhile, the clinical portion is your opportunity to get hands on with what you learn. You’ll gain real experience in the nursing field to show you what to expect after graduation.
PN Training In the Classroom
The classroom portion of PN training is dedicated to teaching students on a range of health and science topics. It’s mostly theory-based work, but it’s all essential to success as a nurse. You’ll study human development, pharmacology, foundations of nursing, perform labs, and make sure you have a solid grasp of the healthcare fundamentals. Students will complete the following courses totaling 1560 clock hours:
- AP101 Body Structure and Function
- TTS100 Test Taking Strategies
- MT101 Medical Terminology
- PY101 Growth & Development Through the Life Span
- PR103 Personal & Professional Relationships
- MH100 Mental Health Nursing
- PH100A Foundations of Med Math
- PH102 Pharmacology I
- PN103 Foundations of Practical Nursing
- PH202 Pharmacology II
- PN204 Nursing I
- PN205 Nursing II
- PN301 Nursing III
- CD101 Career Readiness
PN Training In the Clinic
Nursing is a fast-paced job, and the only way to properly prepare is by getting hands-on experience yourself. In the clinical portion of your training, you’ll be learning in a controlled environment and under the supervision of experienced nurses and doctors. Usually, this is accomplished through a partnership with a healthcare facility. Clinical participation often includes the following:
- Administering medications
- Administering injections
- Changing bandages, wound dressings and catheters
- Assisting with tests or procedures
- Observing and recording patients’ conditions and reactions to medications and treatments
Some programs also provide opportunities to be exposed to certain specialties during the clinical rotation as well. If you have a preference for geriatric nursing, for instance, you can be trained at an assisted living facility as part of your clinical rotation. If you know what kind of PN career you want, it’s a great way to start early and focus your skills.
Find Out More About Our PN Training Program
If these PN studies sound exciting and interesting to you, then it’s time to get started. Prism Career Institute offers accelerated 62-week day classes and 70-week night classes to give our students the edge in the PN field. To find out more about our practical nursing training program or to start your enrollment process, contact us in West Atlantic City and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, as well as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.