Gateway Community College Fast-Track Practical Nursing Program: Requirements and Application Process

For individuals seeking a fast-paced entry into the nursing field, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Gateway Community College offers an accelerated pathway. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the program's requirements, application process, and other essential details.

Application and Admission Requirements

The initial step involves applying for and gaining acceptance into the Fast-Track Practical Nursing Program, which includes completing an online application form through the college's admission portal.

Academic Prerequisites

A high school diploma or GED is required. Applicants must signify that they meet this requirement by providing high school diploma/transcripts or GED completion OR by signing the nursing application page containing the 'Declaration of High School Graduation or GED completion.' In some instances, high school diploma/transcripts or proof of GED completion may be required. Specific prerequisites for the LPN program usually include courses in Anatomy & Physiology, and English Composition, among other courses.

Admission Test

Applicants must earn a passing score on a nursing program admission test is required to complete an application. Applicants must score an 80 or higher on the Upward Mobility Exam. To schedule an exam, go to Test Center. of 80 or higher.

Health and Safety Requirements

All students must provide documentation of compliance with all health and safety requirements.

Students must submit a Health and Safety Documentation Checklist verifying completion of all requirements and maintain current status throughout the program.
Students must submit the Health Declaration Form signed by a licensed health care provider.
Students must test negative on a timed urine drug screen.
Admission to a nursing program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Supplemental Background Check policy. Program applications will not be accepted without a copy of an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. Level One Fingerprint Clearance is required for admission into the program. Applicants must present a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card to be copied by the advisor or designee.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must successfully complete a 30-hour IV Therapy course within 18 months of admission to the program. by Florida Statutes S. 400.211. are required. screen are provided on the first day of the course. may be required while in the program.

Skills Check-offs

Foley catheter insertion, Tracheostomy care, and basic assessment. Blackmon at 386-754-4404 to schedule an appointment to complete these check-offs. to practice these skills in our nursing lab before being tested. Blackmon to find out lab open times for practice. be provided when skills have been successfully completed. check-off sheet with the application.

Application Deadlines and Start Dates

The application deadlines and start dates for the program vary annually, but the LPN program generally starts in both Fall and Spring, so there are usually two admissions cycles in a year. The application is always open, with deadlines of July 1 for fall and November 1 for spring. due by March 31, and program courses begin in mid-May during the summer term.

Program Overview

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Fast Track Practical Nursing program provides students with the theory and skills required to practice as a practical nurse in acute care, extended care, and intermediate care settings. The program of study combines nursing theory lectures with planned patient care learning experiences in hospitals, nursing homes and health care agencies. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). This program is designed to meet education requirements for licensure or certification in the State of Arizona. Granting licensure and certification is the sole responsibility of the state board or approval agency. This program is only offered and available to students located in the State of Arizona.

Course Sequence

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester. Prerequisites: One year full-time employment OR two years part-time employment of direct patient care within the past five years OR students who have successfully completed course work that included direct patient care experiences in allied health, medicine or nursing in the past five years, OR permission of the Division Chairperson. or Prerequisites: (RDG100 or higher or CRE101 test score, or 75% HESI-A2 exam English Composite AND (MAT082 or MAT090 test score, or 75% HESI-A2 exam Math). Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in NUR160PN. or Prerequisites: A military Veteran with a health care designation (medic/corpsman) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who requires a refresher program.

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Program Features

The Fast Track Practical Nursing Program at Gateway Community College‘s Washington Campus. This two-semester, full-time program starts in the spring and fall and requires 22 to 27.5 credits.

The program consists of the following key elements:

Onsite classes
Hands-on labs
Clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities

Both day and evening/weekend cohorts are available, with about 40% of the evening/weekend cohort being delivered virtually. Graduates qualify for the NCLEX-PN exam.Clinicals are required for this program.

Accreditation and Approval

Gateway’s Fast-Track Practical Nursing program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Gateway Community College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Gateway’s ADN Program is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. on the qualifications of the graduate to practice nursing.

Important Considerations

Health Declaration

It is essential that nursing students be able to perform a number of physical activities in the clinical portion of the program. At a minimum, students will be required to lift patients, stand for several hours at a time and perform bending activities. Students who have a chronic illness or condition must be maintained on current treatment and be able to implement direct patient care. The clinical nursing experience also places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting patients' lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the program prior to making application.

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Background Checks and Drug Screens

clear background checks and drug screens. in clinical/observation rotations due to these results. to clinical, the student will not be able to progress in the nursing program. Admission to a nursing program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Supplemental Background Check policy. Program applications will not be accepted without a copy of an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. Students must test negative on a timed urine drug screen.

Waiver of Licensure/Certification Guarantee

Admission or graduation from the Nursing Program does not guarantee obtaining a license to practice nursing. Licensure requirements and the subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Pursuant to A.R.S. 32-1606(B)(17), an applicant for professional or practical nurse license by examination is not eligible for licensure if the applicant has any felony convictions and has not received an absolute discharge from the sentences for all felony convictions. The absolute discharge must be received five or more years before submitting this application.

Program Cost

$97/credit hour for Maricopa County residents, $253/credit hour for distance learning classes, $546/credit hour for out-of-county residents

Additional Fast-Track LPN Programs

Students in the Phoenix area should consider the Fast Track Practical Nursing Program at Gateway Community College‘s Washington Campus. This two-semester, full-time program starts in the spring and fall and requires 22 to 27.5 credits.

Here's a look at some other fast-track LPN programs available:

Blinn College

Location: Brenham, Texas
Mode: On-campus or hybrid
Duration: 10 months (on-campus), 12 months (hybrid)
Cost: $8,823 for in-district students (higher for out-of-district and out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED, ATI TEAS minimum composite score of 65%, completed application, Texas Success Initiative status of college-ready or exempt, up-to-date immunizations, good physical and mental health, criminal background check, drug screen, CPR course, physical examination

Delta College

Location: University Center, Michigan
Mode: On-campus (some prerequisites online)
Duration: One year
Cost: $11,252 for in-district students, $17,483 for out-of-district students, $18,220 for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED, completion of prerequisite coursework, criminal background check, proof of current or prior Michigan CNA certification or documentation of basic nursing skills, completion of health requirements

Portage Lakes Career Center

Location: Uniontown, Ohio
Mode: Full-time (9 months) or part-time (16 months)

Rasmussen University

Mode: Hybrid
Duration: As few as 12 months
Cost: Varies. In Florida, the 12-month program costs $23,555
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, School of Nursing entrance exam, criminal background check, Basic Life Saving and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Defibrillator certifications, health/physical examination and required immunizations

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. * Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources.

Conclusion

The Fast-Track Practical Nursing Program at Gateway Community College offers an efficient route to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. By understanding the specific requirements, deadlines, and program structure, prospective students can effectively prepare for a fulfilling career in nursing. This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability.

FAQs About Fast-Track LPN Programs Online

After learning about these accelerated programs, you’re probably bursting to know more. Below are some answers to other students’ top questions that will help you jump into a fast-track LPN program.

Can I become an LPN in six months?

No, you can’t become an LPN in six months. The fastest program we’ve profiled here is the seven-month Fast Track Practical Nursing Program at Gateway Community College.

Other close options are the nine-month Licensed Practical Nurse program at Portage Lakes Career Center and the 10-month Vocational Nursing Program at Blinn College.

Check out the options for diploma programs and community college programs in your area. Be sure to compare on-campus and online options and full-time versus part-time studies to determine the fastest way for you to become an LPN.

If you’ve completed some college classes, have been in the military, or have practical work experience in the field, be sure to check whether these credentials can speed you along.

What is the shortest LPN program?

The shortest LPN program in this guide is the seven-month Fast Track Practical Nursing Program at Gateway Community College in Phoenix. If you live in Maricopa County, the program has the added benefit of being affordable, with tuition at $97/credit.

Program affordability directly affects how quickly you earn your certificate. Attending school part-time while working to pay for it will slow your rate of completion.

Consider all the factors, and map out both your plans and your finances to find the program that’s the best fit for you. The shortest option won’t be the same for every student.

Is 55 too old to become an LPN?

No, it’s not too old. However, there are some important questions to consider:

Will an LPN program lead to a higher salary, and would that increase make up for the cost of your program?
Will you have to quit your current job to complete your LPN program, and how long will it take you to recoup that money?
Can you complete your LPN program without incurring debt?
At what age do you intend to retire, and do you intend to work part-time during retirement?

LPNs have lots of options for part-time positions, so even as you approach retirement age you can still have a healthy side income that takes advantage of your education and expertise.

Is LPN a degree or certificate?

LPN programs earn you a diploma or certificate, but not a degree. Successfully completing an LPN program and getting licensed will give you job security and lots of opportunities in less than a year.

That said, the college credits earned put you in an excellent position to advance your education, such as going from an LPN to RN. This brings a big salary jump because you’re getting an associate degree in nursing.

Some programs are designed so your credits transfer into an RN or associate degree program. For example, Portage Lakes Career Center has partnered with the University of Akron so students in the Licensed Practical Nurse program can apply their 30 credits to an associate degree.

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