Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Course Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Nursing - Practical, Diploma



The student who completes the Practical Nursing program is prepared to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). LPNs provide nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or a physician. The LPN is prepared to provide basic therapeutic, rehabilitative and preventive care for individuals of all ages, primarily in a structured care setting such as hospitals, long-term care facilities or clinics. Upon successful completion of three terms, the student earns a diploma and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurse Licensure (NCLEX-PN).

In both the Practical degree levels of the program, all nursing and liberal arts support courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or above. In order to progress to the next semester,these courses must be successfully completed in the semester identified or in a previous semester.

Program Details


Locations: Boone and Urban


​The program will alternate years between the Boone Campus and the Urban Campus.

Students start Spring semester.


Select courses may be offered on other campuses.

Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission to the Practical Nursing program.
  2. Submit proof of high school graduation or HiSET (formerly GED) or equivalent.
  3. Attend Practical Nursing information session, registration meetings, and a nursing orientation for PN levels.
  4. Complete DMACC’s assessment requirements.
  5. Complete required Nursing program ATI TEAS admissions testing with a minimum adjusted individual total score 41.3% in all four assessment areas: reading, mathematics, english and language usage, and science. Only 3 attempts permitted to achieve the required ATI TEAS composite score. A wait time of 30 days between attempts is required.
  6. Successfully complete HSC 172  plus HSC 182  or an equivalent 120 hour (or more) Submit proof of completion HSC 172  plus HSC 182  or an equivalent 120-hour State of Iowa approved Certified Nurse Aide Program.
  7. Submit proof of successful completion of Nurse Aide written (NRAO858) and skills tests (NRAO859) for placement on the Direct Care Worker Registry. A transcript indicating you passed both tests, or a Registry card will serve as verification.
  8. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 in program required support courses and cannot be on Academic Probation.
  9. For English Second Language students: Current DMACC Policy for International Students and the Admissions department for the TOEFL and/or the ESL COMPASS required scores.
  10. The following courses are Entry Requirements:
  • PSY 111  : General Psychology
  • BIO 168  : Anatomy and Physiology I

The following conditions apply:
a. A grade of C or better (not C-) is required for all courses.
b. Course work in the A&P I must be recent; that is no more than 5 years old.
c. Before an applicant can be accepted, the Registrar will evaluate recentness of science course work to determine eligibility.
d. Science credits earned more than 5 years prior to acceptance to PN program will need to be repeated, unless a score of 50% or higher is achieved on the Science portion of the ATI TEAS. In this case, the 5 year rule will be waived.

Additional Requirements:

Criminal background checks must be completed by each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participating in clinical education experiences. Results of the criminal record/child and adult abuse registry checks will be released to the Department of Human Services, which will determine if the crime or founded abuse warrants prohibition from clinical education experience. Students unable to participate in clinical education will be unable to complete the Nursing program.


Proof of immunizations and annual TB testing are required of all Nursing students. A physical exam must be completed within one year prior to program entry. Completion of the Student Health and Immunization Record form and current certification by either the American Heart Association (CPR for the Healthcare Provider) or American Red Cross (CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider) are required prior to beginning Term 1 of the program. Proof of a current seasonal flu vaccination is required of all Nursing students prior to the start of the clinical agencies set deadline.


The Nursing program utilizes www.castlebranch.com to perform criminal background checks, track immunizations, health records and CPR certification of each student after their acceptance into the program. Students must wait for directions, which will be provided at the required Nursing Registration meeting, before requesting their background check and uploading their CPR and health records. Students are responsible for the cost of this service and any related expenses.


*In accordance with DMACC’s contract with affiliated agencies, student immunization records; results of the criminal record/child and adult abuse registry checks; and other related information may be released to contracted agencies upon their request.

Graduation Requirements


To earn a Practical Nursing diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed with a “C” or above in all Nursing and support courses in the curriculum. In order to progress to the next semester, these courses must be successfully completed in the semester identified or in a previous semester.

Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma - 27*


*Program total credits do not include 13 entry requirement credits.

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$174.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
CastleBranch Immunization Tracker and Background Check Fee 82    
Nursing E-books (Lippincott) 730    
Uniforms, Shoes, Equipment 250    
Testing Fees & Materials 50    
Simulation Supplies   20 20
Curriculum Support, Assessment and Review Course (ATI) 415 415 410
History/Physical Exam 240    
BCLS Certification 69    
Licensure Exam Fee     350

Approximate total for the program: $7,749**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


To learn more about Practical Nursing as an occupation, the kind of work you will do and the skills you need, visit our website at https://www.dmacc.edu/programs/nursing/Pages/welcome.aspx.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Make decisions and accept accountability for own actions and the actions of others.
  • Be able to perform required nursing care skills (see attached performance standards).
  • Use judgment and problem-solving skills to plan, supervise and provide care to patients.
  • Be self-directive in identifying and pursuing learning needs.
  • Be flexible and have ability to prioritize and change from one task to another rapidly.
  • Demonstrate leadership skills through participation and student organizations and other professional activities.

What Else Should I Consider about this Diploma program?


  • Take required liberal arts support courses in advance when possible.
  • Strengthen study and academic skills prior to entry (math ability, speed and level of reading, problem-solving skills, ability to manage and organize large amounts of information from multiple sources, test-taking skills).
  • Plan ahead to have own transportation and to resolve conflicts between personal responsibilities (family, finances, etc.) and Nursing program demands.
  • Family support is important.
  • Restrict work; homework and required class preparation/activities are demanding.
  • Clinical rotations while in the program may be days or evenings.
  • Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participating in clinical education experiences. Students unable to participate in clinical education will be unable to complete the Nursing program.
  • Average starting salary $ 43,170 (US Department of Labor).

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/admissions/Pages/checklist.aspx. (2021)