Program Description

The Whidbey Island Campus Practical Nursing program is state approved and graduates of this program receive a Certificate in Practical Nursing and are eligible to write the State Board Examination for Practical Nursing. There are two program options available: A full-time day program and a part-time evening and weekend program.

Pre-nursing students, whose names are placed on the Contact List for either the full-time or part-time Practical Nursing Programs, must have all prerequisites completed by the end of Spring Quarter to be considered for admission to the program beginning the following Fall Quarter. Applications may be made at either the Mount Vernon or Whidbey Island Campus. In addition to institutional criteria, applicants must show proof of the following: tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray, recent diphtheria-tetanus vaccination and polio vaccination, positive Rubella Titer (German Measles) or measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations. Two measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations are required for those born after 1957. The Hepatitis B vaccination series is strongly recommended. The Washington State Nursing Commission requires proof of satisfactory completion of 12th grade or equivalent.

Pursuant to the requirements of 1987 Washington laws Chapter 486, the student must fill out a disclosure statement. The results of this disclosure search may prevent the student from completing the Practical Nursing program. A copy of this statement may be obtained from the Health Occupations Department.

Student nurses must perform in a safe and competent manner in the clinical area, complying with the rules and regulations of the Washington State Nurse Practice Act and Practical Nursing Program Clinical Affiliates. Failure to do so may result in the Practical Nursing student being unable to progress in the program. Dismissal and readmission information is available from the Health Occupations Department.

Applicants must complete NURS 136, ENGL 101, and NURS 132 (or pass the competency exam) with a grade of “C” or better prior to being admitted. Students must have completed all prerequisites by the end of Spring quarter in order to be eligible for acceptance the following Fall quarter.

Practical Nursing program prerequisites are NURS 132, *136, and ENGL 101. These courses are offered every quarter. (*Students may take NURS 136 or BISC 242 and 243 or MEDA 106).
View Full-time Sample Schedule

Nursing Assistant Course

The Nursing Assistant course (NURS 60) is state approved, meeting OBRA federal guidelines. Graduates are eligible to take the State Competency Test to become certified Nursing Assistants. This is a one-quarter course requiring 35 hours of classroom instruction and 50 hours of clinical experience.

Applicants are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. No waiting list is maintained. Students must attend all scheduled classes and clinical times to meet state certification requirements.

Pursuant to the requirements of 1987 Washington Laws, Chapter 496, students must fill out a disclosure statement. The results of the disclosure search may prevent the student from completing the Nursing Assistant course. A copy of the disclosure statement is available from the Health Occupations Department.

Students must perform in a safe and competent manner in the clinical area, complying with OBRA guidelines. Failure to do so may prevent the student from receiving a certificate.

Contact Us

Jan Helm
Department Chair

(360) 679-5325
jan.helm@skagit.edu

Genie Abbott
Program Assistant

(360) 679-5323
genie.abbott@skagit.edu

Health Occupations Department
Skagit Valley College
1900 SE Pioneer Way
Oak Harbor, WA 98277