Thank you for your interest in the Practical Nursing (PN) Program at the Tennessee Technology Center at Jacksboro.  We now offer a full time 12 month day class which has a September admission date.  Please read this guide thoroughly and keep it as a reference tool.  Admission to the PN Program is competitive.  Being knowledgeable of the processes and application procedures may enhance your chances for being selected.

General Information

The Practical Nursing Program is fully approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.  This approval permits graduates to take the Practical Nursing National Council Exam, which is used to qualify persons for licensure in Tennessee. Last year, TTCJ's board passage rate was 100%.

Practical Nursing Profession

Practical Nursing is entry-level nursing.  Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN's) work under the supervision of registered nurses, doctors, dentists, and other health care professionals.  Positions are available in hospitals, long-term care centers, physicians' offices, home health care agencies and in industry.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must:

• be at least 18 years of age.
   
• provide proof of high school graduation or GED scores.
   
• meet minimum acceptable scores on the Nurse Entrance Test (NET).
   
• obtain written references' recommendations.
   
• provide proof of good health as evidenced by a recent physical examination.

Application Procedures

• Interested applicants must pass the Nurse Entrance Test (NET) prior to obtaining an application for the Practical Nursing Program.  For those who have access to the Internet, a free NET test preparation site is available at  http://www.testprepreview.com/nursing_practice.htm. 
    
• NET is now offered twice a month.  The 2nd  and 4th Tuesday of each month.
   
• Applicants who pass the NET must submit their application by 4 PM on  7/18/08 to be considered for the next fulltime day class  All related documentation must be submitted by this date in order to be considered for the class. 
  Documents preferably should be hand delivered or postmarked by this date.  Faxes can  be accepted.
    
  • Documents required
    • application to the Practical Nursing Program
    • three (3) work references from a current or former employer
    • high school transcript or GED scores.  Diplomas are not acceptable.  
       
  • Not required - but helpful
    • certificates from training sessions (CPR, First Aid, etc.)
    • college transcripts
    • written documentation of work experience or volunteer experience
    • certificates/documentation of related coursework (Medical Terminology, Health Occupations, CNA, Phlebotomy, etc.)
       
• Those applicants who meet all of the above criteria will be scheduled for an interview screening session to occur on the week of  July 21, 2008  During this session, you will be interviewed by a committee and have an opportunity to ask questions about the Practical Nursing Program.  Each qualified applicant will receive a letter with interview times.  An appointment is necessary for these interviews.  And, failure to complete the  interview will void the student application.  Interview sessions are scored by the committee members.
   
• The Practical Nursing Advisory Committee will review all applicants who complete the selection process and approve them.
   
• Applicants selected for the program will be required to attend a mandatory orientation and submit the physical exam form prior to starting classes.  Each applicant selected will receive an acceptance letter with the date and time for the mandatory orientation session.  In addition, due to recent changes in accreditation standards of our clinical affiliates, the student may be required to undergo a criminal background check at his/her own expense.  Determination for clinical participation is the sole responsibility of the clinical affiliate. 

Nurse Entrance Test Dates

No appointment is necessary, but strongly recommended.  Plan to arrive approximately 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled test time in order to pay the test fee ($30).  Test fees are paid in the Business Office.  Proof of payment is required in order to take the NET.  Also photo identification is also required on the day of testing.  No cell phones allowed in the testing area.

Previous applicants who have successfully passed the NET within the past 2 years are not required to take/retake the NET.  If the test was taken at another location, the applicant must ensure the NET test scores have been received by the Tennessee Technology Center at Jacksboro prior to 7/18/08.  Test scores must be current through the application process. 

Applicant Selection Process

Application for the Practical Nursing Program is not automatic, even though applicants submit the required documents and may be academically qualified.  Applicants are selected for presentation to an advisory committee by the use of a ranking system that grants preference to those applicants who have previous health related work/volunteer activities, successful completion of related course work and students who score higher than the minimal passing scores established by the state on the Nurse Entrance Test.  Interview scores are also considered.  While the NET and interview process  are the only requirements listed above, the other criteria improves an applicants probability of selection into the class

Applicants with the highest ranking are selected in descending order until all available student spaces are filled.  All applicants will be notified by mail following final approval by the Practical Nursing Advisory Committee.  Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon passing the physical exam.  Instructions for the physical exam will be mailed with the acceptance letter.

Financial Aid

The Tennessee Technology Center at Jacksboro participates in the Federal Pell Grant Program, but does not participate in the Student Loan Program.  To determine if you qualify for the Pell Grant, complete the 2007-2008 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The application can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Paper applications will be available January, 2008, at the Center's Student Services Office.

Documents you will need to complete your FAFSA include

• your (and your parent's if under 24 years of age and single with no dependents) 2007 Federal Income Tax Form 1040, if you filed.
   
• complete information about all other 2007 income and benefits, i.e. AFDC, child support, Social Security benefits, etc.

Need help?  

Contact Rita Vannoy, Financial Aid Coordinator at 423-566-9629, ext. 117 or 865-525-3219, ext. 117.  

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program

Any student, regardless of age, who is attending a Tennessee Technology Center, may be eligible for the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant.  The maximum amount of the grant is $1500, but is limited to no more than tuition and fees assessed.  To be considered for the grant, all students should complete the FAFSA before 1 Mar 08 or the priority deadline.

Agencies outside the Center may provide educational/training assistance.  Contact the Student Services Office for information regarding Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc-Rehab), Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Veteran's Benefits and scholarships.  Attend one of the information sessions to learn more about financing your education.

Before you decide . . .

Before you make your decision to apply for admission to the Practical Nursing Program, you should consider the following:

• Attendance requirements - regular attendance in class and clinicals  is essential to successful completion of the Program.  The Center maintains strict attendance requirements that must be followed.  Absence and/or excessive tardiness will result in termination from the program.  Students must have dependable child care for children, even if they become ill.
   
• Academic requirements - all nursing coursework must be completed with a grade of "80" or better.
   
• Commitment - work requirements and family obligations including daycare, need to be arranged during this fulltime Monday-Friday program.  All students are required to be available for both day and evening clinical hours.  You must be able to allow time for studying each day in order to maintain your academic average and remain in the program.  It is recommended that you allow 2-3 hours of study time daily outside of class. 
   
• Transportation - students are required to commute to outlying community and surrounding healthcare facilities.  Students must have their own reliable transportation to all assigned clinical sites and be prepared to travel to clinical facilities not close to home.
   
• Financial Aid - students should apply as early as possible for financial assistance, if needed.  The process for applying for financial aid will be discussed during the Practical Nursing information sessions.
   
• Criminal Background - If you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense, either misdemeanor or felony, you may be prohibited by our clinical affiliates in participating in the clinical experience.  If the clinical site policy will not allow the student to enter their facility, the student will not be able to meet the requirements of the Program and will be subsequently dismissed.

The content of this guide is intended to supply accurate information to the reader.  Certain information is subject to change.  This information guide and its provisions are not in any way a contract between the applicant and the Tennessee Technology Center at Jacksboro.  

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The Tennessee Technology Center at Jacksboro is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution and an Affirmative Action / Equal Employment Opportunity institution.