Frequently Asked Questions for the Maricopa Community College District Nursing Program: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions for the SWSC Practical Nurse Program:
1. Q: Do I need the HCC classes and the Nursing Assistant Program before entering the PN Program? A: No, they are not prerequisites for the program.
2. Q: I have already taken HCC classes, the Nursing Assisting Program and the Nursing prerequisite courses. Can I waive those for the Practical Nurse Core? A: No, the PN Program (including the Practical Nurse Core) is a complete program. You must take the entire program in order to complete the requirements for the program.
3. Q: How does the PN Program transfer to the Maricopa Community College RN Program? A: The PN Program at the SouthWest Skill Center enables you to apply for licensure through the Arizona State Board of Nursing for Practical Nursing, which is one of the paths that allow you to be an Advanced Placement student in the Maricopa Community College District Nursing Program.
4. Q: I have taken the Placement test (ASSET, COMPASS, or Accuplacer). Do I still need to take the NET test? A: Yes, it is a test specifically designed for the Nursing Program.
5. Q: I didn't pass the NET test, when is the earliest I can retest? A: You must wait a minimum of 60 days to retest.
6. Q: When is the next class beginning? A: We begin the program usually every March, July, and November.
7. Q: Will you help me find a job when I complete the Practical Nurse Program? A: We do not offer job placement at this time.
8 Q: When should I apply for Financial aid? A: After you receive notice of being admitted to the program (abut 3 months prior to the start date).
9. Q: Can I work while taking the Practical Nurse Program? A: Yes, but we encourage you not to work during the length of the program due to the difficulty and time constraints of the program.
10. Q: Can I take other college classes while taking the Practical Nurse Program? A: Yes, but we encourage you not to due to the difficulty and time constraints of the program.
11. Q: Where will I go for clinicals? A: We have several locations for you to fulfill your clinical hours, and you will be required to attend various facilities throughout the program.
12. Q: Will the time I spend at a clinical site be the same as I spend in class? A: No, class times consist of 6-hour days, and clinical times will vary, but are usually 10-12-hour days.
13. Q: I am going on vacation while I'm in the Practical Nurse Program, is that okay? A: The attendance policy is very strict due to the pace and content of the program. Please discuss planned time off with your instructor.
14. Q: How much money does the Licensed Practical Nurse Make? A: The current salary range is between $28,260 and $53,580 per year ($13.59 to $25.76 per hour.)*
15. Q: Can I apply to a Maricopa Community College District Nursing Program after I complete the PN Program? A: Yes, as long as you have all prerequisite requirements completed, you are eligible to apply as an Advance Placement Student.
16. Q: Do I need to take the NCLEX exam if I plan to enter an RN Program? A: You do not need to take the NCLEX as long as you are accepted into a nursing program within 6 months after completing the PN Program. You will be required to take the NET and HESI exams though before entering any nursing program.
17. Q: Do you offer an evening PN Program? A: Not at this time.
18. Q: I do not read/write/speak English very well, do you offer the PN Program in Spanish? A: No. Please contact our ESL Department for the information about English classes.
*Information obrained from the U.S. Department of Labor (May 2008)
Frequently Asked Questions for the SWSC Nurse Assistant Program:
1. Q: Do I need all of the HCC classes before entering the program? A: No, the HCC classes are no longer required.
2. Q: Can I get Financial Aid for the NA Program? A: No, the program is ineligible for financial aid, but if you have received a scholarship you may be able to use that to pay for the program. Please contact the scholarship entity that issued it to find out about any restrictions.
3. Q: Do I need the HCC or NA classes for the Practical Nurse or RN Program? A: No, they are no longer prerequisites for those programs.
4. Q: Can I start the NA Program without all immunizations or the fingerprint clearance card? A: No, the only exception is the 3rd Hepatitis B shot (if not due yet).
5. Q: I applied for/sent off for my fingerprint clearance card. Is that good enough? A: No, you must have the actual fingerprint clearance card before applying to the program.
6. Q: Will you help me find a job when I complete the NA Program? A: We do not offer job placement at this time.
7. Q: Do you have an evening NA Program? A: Not at this time.
8. How much money does a Certified Nursing Assistant make? A: The salary range is from $17,170 to $38,440 per year ($8.25 to $18.48 per hour.)*
*Information obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor (May 2008)
