Practical Nursing Certificate

This program prepares students to provide safe and effective nursing care and become a practical nurse capable of providing care for groups of clients with multiple health needs as defined by the role of the practical nurse.

Students will be able to deliver safe and effective nursing care that conforms to the highest legal and ethical standards as prescribed by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Current and Prospective Students

The practical nursing program is fully approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, Virginia, 23233-1463, (804) 367-4515.

Programmatic nursing accreditation is not required by the VBON.

The Commonwealth of Virginia participates with 32 other states in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) National Licensing Compact (NLC) to allow nurses licensed in one state to provide nursing care across state lines in other compact states. Review the Uniform Licensing Requirements (ULRs).

See the states currently in the NLC. Prospective and current students are strongly encouraged to evaluate all state requirements in jurisdictions where they intend to practice nursing.

Brightpoint Community College has not determined if the PN program meets the requirements of any other states.

This statement serves to meet the USDOE regulation until further notice.

For additional information, contact the Nursing Office: 804-706-6500.

Nursing Department Mission/Philosophy

Mission

The mission of the VCCS Nursing Programs is to provide affordable, community access to quality nursing education. The VCCS nursing programs prepare qualified students to provide safe, competent, entry-level nursing care in 21st century healthcare environments. Students are prepared to meet the ever-increasing complexity of the healthcare needs of the citizens of Virginia.

Philosophy

VCCS nursing faculty ascribe to the core competencies for nursing and nursing education. While firmly based in science and the arts, the essence of nursing is caring and compassionate patient-centered care. Ethical standards, respect for individual dignity, and consideration of cultural context are implicit in the practice of patient centered care. The nurse advocates for patients and families in ways that promote self-determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings. Nursing care is provided in collaboration with the patient, the family and members of the health care team. The nurse displays a spirit of inquiry by examining evidence to improve quality of care, promote safety and improve patient outcomes. Nursing judgment is integral to making competent decisions related to the provision of safe and effective nursing care. Information management essential to nursing care is communicated via a variety of technological and human means.

Find faculty with our nursing directory.

Prospective Students - Practical Nursing Program

The Practical Nursing program's fall application period is February 1 - February 28, 2025. Accepted students will start Fall 2025. The application period for Spring 2026 is September 1 - September 30, 2025. Accepted students will start in Spring 2026.

View other degree options in health sciences.

Tuition Assistance

This major is eligible for G3 tuition assistance for qualified students.

Career Paths

Students completing the program will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN examination leading to licensure as a practical nurse.

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Contact Us

Tiana Silvers
MSN, MHA, AGACNP-BC, RNAS-C, CNOR
Practical Nurse Coordinator
Division of Nursing and Allied Health
Department of Nursing