About Practical Nursing

The mission of this program is to prepare and support students for employment and advanced training in healthcare.

The content includes, but is not limited to, theoretical instruction and clinical experience in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing; theoretical instruction and clinical experience in acute, care, long term care and community settings; theoretical instruction and clinical application of vocational role and function; personal, family and community health concepts; nutrition; human growth and development over the life span; body structure and function; interpersonal relationship skills, mental health concepts; pharmacology and administration of medications; legal aspects of practice; and current issues in nursing.

Program Structure

Occupational Completion Points (OCPs) - The Practical Nursing program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of three Occupational Completion Points. OCPs provide a student with early completion training options linked to employment opportunities established by the Florida Department of Education based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system and accepted industry titles. Academic skill level required to complete program: Grade 11 language, math, and reading.

Certifications and college credit

Industry Certification/Licensure

Upon completion of the program, students take the following exam:

• National Licensed Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) offered through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

Articulation

Upon successful completion of this program, students enrolling in an A.S. degree program are eligible to be awarded articulated credits at:

Valencia College:

• Nursing, Accelerated Track A.S. degree – Up to 10 credits

Where this program is offered

Practical Nursing is offered at two Orange Technical College campuses:

• Avalon Campus — 2201 Crown Hill Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828 · (407) 281-5155
• Main Campus — 301 West Amelia St, Orlando, FL 32801 · (407) 246-7060

Admissions requirements

• Valid government identification
• Two proofs of Florida residency for the in-state tuition rate
• Basic Skills Requirement: CASAS Reading Goals 2 and CASAS Math Goals 2

Basic Skills Exemption

Students may provide one of the following:

• Official college transcript showing a degree earned
• Official State of Florida public high school transcript (2007 or after)
• Official documentation of a passing score on a state-approved industry certification or licensure exam related to the program of study
• Official concordant test scores no more than 2 years old (PERT, GED®, SAT, ACT, WBST, Accuplacer)
• Active-duty military status

Paying for the program

Orange Technical College does not offer federal student loans, but provides pathways to fund your education through grants, scholarships, Veterans educational benefits, and alternative funding sources.

• Complete the FAFSA at Student Aid website
• Meet with a Financial Aid staff member at least 2 weeks before registration

FAFSA school codes

How to enroll

• Explore the program overview at Orange Technical College website or in the Admissions Office.
• Complete or update your student application.
• Meet with an Admissions Counselor to review the checklist and program information.
• Provide your official high school, GED®, or college transcript, if applicable.
• Provide disability documentation for accommodations, if applicable.
• Complete the Florida Residency Verification form (1 year of Florida residency is required for resident tuition rates).
• Take the CASAS Goals Test or provide proof of exemption, if applicable (government-issued photo ID required).
• Complete the FAFSA at Student Aid website, if applicable.
• Meet with a Financial Aid Office representative.
• Complete the online student orientation video, in the Admissions Office or from home.
• Register for class and complete the Model Release form.
• Make payment or bring a financial aid voucher to the Business Office to get your student schedule and ID badge. Both must be presented to your instructor on the first day of class.

Some programs have additional requirements. Your Admissions Counselor will confirm what applies to you.

Conduct and accessibility

Code of Student Conduct

Minimum standards of dress and grooming apply to all students; some programs have specific dress code requirements found in the Student Handbook and program orientation materials. The full Code of Student Conduct is available at OCPS website.

Students with disabilities

Orange Technical College is an Equal Access / Equal Opportunity institution, in compliance with Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Disclosure of a disability is voluntary. To be eligible for accommodations, provide appropriate documentation of a disability, dated within 5 years, to a counselor in Student Services or the Office of Admissions. All information is kept confidential.