Practical Nursing Program
Program offerings
Practical Nursing Program
GHI Practical Nursing Program: Admission and Licensing Information
The Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Nursing defines Practical Nursing as:
"Practical Nursing or Licensed Practical Nursing means the performance for compensation of selected nursing acts in the care of individuals or groups who are ill, injured, or experiencing changes in normal health processes; in the maintenance of health; in the prevention of illness or disease; or subject to such regulations as the board may promulgate, in the teaching of those who are or will be nurse aides. Practical Nursing or Licensed Practical Nursing requires knowledge, judgment and skill in nursing procedures gained through prescribed education. Practical Nursing or Licensed Practical Nursing is performed under the direction or supervision of a licensed medical practitioner, a professional nurse, Registered Nurse or registered professional nurse or other licensed health professional authorized by regulations of Board."
Program Description
Global Health Institute (GHI) offers both full-time and part-time Practical Nursing programs. The goal of the program is to prepare graduates to successfully sit for the Practical Nursing National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Graduates who pass the NCLEX-PN will be eligible to apply for Practical Nurse positions across a variety of healthcare settings.
The program requires completion of 1,328 clocked hours of instruction, including clinical experiences conducted in diverse settings across Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland.
Admission Criteria
GHI is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and does not discriminate based on:
- Age
- Sexual preference
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Gender
- Disability
- National origin
- Citizenship status
- Veteran status
- Marital status
- Or any other class protected by federal, state, or local law.
Upon acceptance into the program, all students must attend a mandatory Orientation Program, which reviews the program structure, curriculum, and important details found in the student catalog.
Admission Policies
- A completed application to GHI is required for admission into the Practical Nursing program.
- Application criteria are applied fairly and consistently to all prospective students.
- As part of the admission process, students must provide evidence of a current history and physical examination completed by a licensed healthcare provider. This exam must document the student’s physical, emotional, and psychological stability sufficient to meet the demands of a professional nursing program.
- The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2001) states:
“The ability to function independently in a clinical practice setting is essential to the role of professional nursing.”
GHI Practical Nursing Program: Admission and Licensing Information
Licensing Disclosure
- GHI is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, enabling graduates to apply for the NCLEX-PN in Virginia.
- Graduates from Maryland, Georgia, and the District of Columbia have successfully obtained authorization to sit for the NCLEX-PN based on prior student success.
- Students should verify eligibility requirements directly with their respective State Boards of Nursing.
Admission Criteria
- GHI provides an inclusive environment without discrimination based on age, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, gender, disability, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, or other protected classes.
- All accepted students must attend a mandatory Orientation Program covering program overview, curriculum, and catalog information.
- Admission requires a completed application, with fair application of criteria to all applicants.
- Evidence of a current physical examination by a licensed healthcare provider is required, documenting physical, emotional, and psychological stability to meet professional nursing demands.
Essential Competencies for Nursing Practice
Students must demonstrate the following competencies, with or without reasonable accommodation:
Sensory Skills
- Visual acuity to observe client behavior, administer medications, and read monitors.
- Auditory acuity to hear instructions, alarms, and patient sounds.
Interactive Skills
- Proficiency in English communication, both oral and written.
Physical Skills
- Ability to lift up to 35% of body weight independently.
- Manual dexterity for nursing procedures, including IV administration and CPR.
- Physical endurance and strength to perform clinical tasks.
Cognitive Skills
- Critical thinking, problem-solving, priority setting, and professional communication.
Emotional Stability
- Ability to accept responsibility, accountability, and function under stress.
Reasonable Accommodations
- Students with documented special needs should communicate their needs for accommodations.
- Some impairments may prevent participation in professional nursing despite accommodations.
- All accommodation requests are reviewed individually.
- Students must maintain a minimum grade of “B” and satisfactory clinical performance to progress.
- Health status changes during enrollment require evaluation to determine continued program ability.
Practical Nursing (PN) Admission Requirements
Initial Documentation and Fees
- Complete application with $30 non-refundable fee.
- Satisfactory performance on a pre-entrance exam ($50 non-refundable).
- Proof of government-issued ID.
- Evidence of GED, high school transcript, or associate’s degree.
- Interview with Director of Nursing.
- Criminal background check through GHI-approved company.
- Immunization records including Hepatitis B (waiver not accepted), MMR, Tetanus-diphtheria, Varicella, PPD/chest x-ray, drug screens, flu vaccine, and COVID-19.
- 10-panel drug screen through GHI-approved company.
- Valid CPR certification from GHI-authorized instructor.
Disciplinary Provisions (18VAC90-25-100)
The Virginia Board of Nursing may deny, revoke, or suspend certification for violations including but not limited to:
- Fraud or deceit (e.g., falsifying credentials or exam assistance).
- Unprofessional conduct (e.g., performing unauthorized tasks, abuse or neglect of clients, falsifying records).
- Boundary violations with clients.
- Providing false information during investigations.
- Responsibility and accountability for nursing tasks performed while enrolled.
Health Requirements
- Students must provide evidence of a current physical exam at admission and following any health status changes.
- The exam must certify the student’s ability to meet the physical, emotional, and psychological demands of nursing practice.e
Entrance Exam
Test Sections
The test is structurally broken down into three sections:
Verbal :Word knowledge and reading comprehension
Math Basic calculations, word problems, Algebra, Geometry, conversions, and graphs
Science: General Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health, Human Anatomy and Human Physiology
Entrance exam consist of Basic Math, Science and English, with average score of 60%
Taking the Test
Bring a photo ID
50 for the test. Allow at least 2 1/2 hours for the test. No cell phones, books, electronic devices allowed; a calculator is provided in the test.
Preparing for the Test
The Study Guides
- For an overall test prep preview use https://quizlet.com/subject/nln-pax-prep/
- Study online or download app at https://www.pocketprep.com/exams/nln-pax/
- For a free review of the PAX test, visit www.studyguidezone.com
- For practice self-assessment modules, go to www.testprepreview.com and click on Nursing Practice Test.
- For video math tutorials, check out www.khanacademy.org.
Curriculum Plan
Practical Nursing
Practical Nursing Curriculum
Structure & Function 138
Diet & Nutrition 24
Intro to Nurs 48
Fundamental 138
Fundamental of Clin. 40
Geriatric Nursing 30
Geriatric Nursing C. 32
Geriatric Nursing Simulation 8
Medical Surgical Nursing I. 146
Medical Surgical I Clinical 56
Medical Surgical Simulation. 24
Psychiatric 68
Psychiatric Clinical 32
Psychiatric Simulation. 08
Maternity Nursing 68
Maternity Clinical 09
Maternity Simulation 09
Pediatric Nursing 68
Pediatric Clinical 10
Pediatric Simulation 08
Medical Surgical Nursing II. 132
Medical Surgical II Clinical. 56
Medical Surgical II Simulat. 24
Integrated Concepts. 48
Integrated Concepts Clin. 80
Integrated Concepts Simula 24
Total Curriculum Hours. 1328
Guarantee Scholarships
Hearty Nurse scholarships, is awarded to ALL students who meet the admission requirements for the next practical Nursing Scholarship Amount $8,000.00* some exclusion apply
NEWS
NCLEX Pass Rates
- 2018: 100.00%
- 2019: 93.75%
- 2020: 100.00%
- 2021: 60% (3 out of 5)
- 2022: 85%
- 2023: 100%
- 2024: 94%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I work as a nurse after I complete your program?
Yes, after you take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will be eligible to work as a licensed practical nurse. - Are my credits transferable to other schools?
Yes, credits may be transferable; however, this depends on the receiving school’s policies. It is best to contact the school you are interested in directly to confirm. - Is your program accredited?
Our program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). This approval means you are eligible to take the NCLEX and work as a nurse after passing. We are not accredited by a national nursing accreditation body. - How long is your program?
- The full-time program lasts approximately 15 months, with classes two days a week until clinical courses begin, after which attendance increases to three days a week. Some exceptions may apply; please contact Admissions for details.
- The part-time program lasts approximately 18 months, starting with one day a week for Structure and Function, then two days a week, and increasing to three days a week when clinical courses start.
- Do you have Christmas or spring breaks?
Yes, the program includes both a Christmas break and a spring break.
Tutition and fees
COST OF ATTENDANCE:
Cost of Attendance (COA)
Cost of attendance refers to the average amount a full-time or part-time student enrolled at Global Health Institute can expect to spend by the completion of the program.
Diploma Practical Nursing Program
Tuition:
- $18,000.00*
Fees:
- New Student Fee: $100.00
- Laboratory/Clinical Fee: $1,030.00
- Technology Fee: $1,080.00
- Liability Insurance: $40.00
- Books: $400.00
- Uniform Fee: $50.00
- Academic Enhancement: $1,500.00
- Graduation Expense: $275.00
Pre-Admission Costs:
- Application Fee: $30.00
- Entrance Exam Fee: $50.00
Important Notes:
- Computer, physical exam, background check, and drug screen costs are not included as these prices vary.
- Books, uniform, academic enhancement, and graduation fees are paid separately.
Estimated Total Cost for Practical Nursing Program
Approximately $22,555.00
Scholarship Information
- Students completing the program may receive an $8,000.00 scholarship.
- Total tuition after scholarship: $14,555.00
Approved Virginia Board of Nursing and Certified by SCHEV
