Practical Nursing

Practical Nursing Course Descriptions

PN101                  Fundamentals of Practical Nursing - 200 Clock Hours 

This course introduces the student to the roles and responsibilities of the Practical Nurse and the fundamental concepts and processes of nursing. Students are provided opportunities to learn and develop basic competencies necessary to care for patients across the lifespan within the healthcare setting in a safe, legal, and ethical manner. Co-requisite: PN102

PN102                  Fundamentals of Practical Nursing Lab - 40 Clock Hours 

Students will demonstrate basic skills learned in PN101 in the nursing lab prior to performing fundamental skills in the clinical setting. Co-requisite: PN101

MT100                  Medical Terminology - 45 Clock Hours 

This course focuses on communicating effectively in the healthcare environment by deconstructing, pronouncing and defining medical terms. Word building rules are emphasized as a basis for understanding medical terminology. Pre or Co-requisite: PN101         

EHR101              Electronic Health Records - 45 Clock Hours 

This course will expose students to the role of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Specialist. It will emphasize the role in healthcare operations, functions and types of systems, the latest trends, and laws and regulations governing electronic health record systems. It will serve as a foundation for certification in this role. Pre or Co-requisite: PN101

AP101                  Basic Anatomy & Physiology - 45 Clock Hours 

This introductory course provides a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body. It covers foundational concepts in anatomy and physiology, including the organization of the body, cell structure, and tissue classification. Students will explore the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, with an emphasis on understanding how these systems work together to maintain homeostasis. The course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling students to develop a deeper understanding of the human body's form and function. This course is designed for students pursuing careers in health-related fields. No prior knowledge of anatomy or physiology is required. Pre or Co-requisite: PN101

NUTR101           Nutrition and Wellness - 30 Clock Hours 

Fundamental concepts of nutrition and diet therapy. Emphasis is placed on the importance of nutrition on health and healthy living. Pre or Co-requisite: PN101

MATH101           Basic Math and Drug Calculations - 45 Clock Hours                              

This course provides students with the foundational math skills required for accurate drug calculations in healthcare settings. Topics include basic arithmetic, conversions between units of measurement, dosage calculations, and intravenous (IV) flow rates. The course emphasizes practical problem-solving techniques to ensure safe medication administration. It is designed for students in nursing, pharmacy, or other health-related fields. No advanced math knowledge is required. Pre or Co-requisite: PN101, PN103

PN103                  Pharmacology & Medication Administration - 60 Clock Hours 

This course introduces the principles of pharmacology and safe medication administration for practical nursing students. It covers the basic pharmacological concepts, drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and potential side effects of common medications. Emphasis is placed on understanding dosage calculations, routes of administration, and the practical nurse's role in ensuring patient safety during medication administration. Students will learn how to interpret medication orders, use the "six rights" of medication administration, and recognize the importance of patient education and monitoring for adverse reactions. Through theoretical instruction and hands-on practice in a lab setting, this course prepares students to safely administer medications and provide patient-centered care. Pre or Co-requisite: PN101, Math101

PN201                  Medical Surgical Nursing I - 100 Clock Hours 

This course builds upon Fundamentals of Practical Nursing and skills mastered in the laboratory. Basic concepts of total care are explored in the care of adult clients with common diseases and disorders. Pre-requisite: PN101; Co-requisite: PN202

PN202                  Medical Surgical Nursing I – Clinical - 100 Clock Hours 

Practical application of total patient care concepts in a variety of acute care clinical experiences. Co-requisite: PN201

PN203                  Mental Health Concepts - 36 Clock Hours 

This course focuses on the role of the practical nurse in caring for patients with behavioral and mental health issues. Emphasis is placed on communication and the impact of psychiatric disorders. Pre-requisite: PN101 Co-requisite: PN204

PN204                  Mental Health Nursing – Clinical - 35 Clock Hours 

Practical application of caring for people with mental health issues in a variety of settings. Co-requisite: PN203

PN205                  Maternity Nursing Care - 60 Clock Hours 

This course focuses on the care of the obstetric client and the newborn. Pre-requisite: PN101; Co-requisite: PN206

PN206                  Maternity Nursing Care – Clinical - 60 Clock Hours 

Clinical application of the care of the obstetric client and the newborn. Exposure to all phases of obstetrical care is planned. Pre-requisite: PN101; pre or co-requisite: PN205

PN207                  Pediatric Nursing Care - 60 Clock Hours 

This course focuses on health management and the prevention of illness in children as well as care of the sick child. Growth and development of the pediatric client is explored. Pre-requisite: PN101; Co-requisite: PN208

PN208                  Pediatric Nursing Care – Clinical - 35 Clock Hours 

The application of basic care of the sick and/or well child. Pre-requisite: PN101; pre or co-requisite: PN207

PN209                  Medical Surgical Nursing II - 50 Clock Hours 

Nursing care of the adult patient with more advanced diseases and disorders. Emphasis on gerontology and rehabilitation. Pre-requisite: PN201; Co-requisite: PN210

PN210                  Medical Surgical Nursing II – Clinical - 100 Clock Hours 

An intensive clinical experience focuses on the care of multiple patients in the acute care setting. Co-requisite: PN209

PN211                  Medical Surgical Nursing III - 50 Clock Hours 

A continuation of Medical Surgical Nursing II. Nursing care of the adult patient with more advanced diseases and disorders. Integrates pre and post-op care. Pre-requisite: PN201; Co-requisite: PN212

PN212                  Medical Surgical Nursing III – Clinical - 100 Clock Hours 

A continuation of Medical Surgical Nursing II. An intensive clinical experience focuses on the care of multiple patients in the acute care setting. Co-requisite: PN211

Length

The Practical Nursing program consists of a total of 1296 clock hours or 99 quarter credit hours.  Both DAY and EVENING Classes are available.  Instructional and clinical hours vary according to each area of learning.

DAY CLASS:

Full-time (DAY) students can complete the program in approximately 14 months.

Day classes meet Monday though Thursday, from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

EVENING CLASS:

Part-time (EVENING) students can complete in approximately 21 months.

Evening classes meet Monday though Thursday, from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM.

Fees

• Registration Fee $100.00 (non-refundable)
• Books Fee $2,945.00
• Materials & Student Kit Fee $520.00
• Tuition $22,500.00
• Lab Fee $150.00
• Technology Fee $300.00 

Additional Cost: 

• CPR Certification $50.00
• Student Liability Insurance $45.00
• Student ID Badge $15.00
• NCLEX-PN Exam $275.00

Total Program Cost $26,900.00

The deadline to apply for Financial Aid is 2 weeks prior to each program’s start date.   The Academy cannot guarantee access to Financial Aid resources after this deadline.

Required Textbooks / Workbooks:

Revell, Maria (2025) The Electronic Health Records Specialist.  1st Edition. Cognella, Inc. Solana Beach, California. ISBN: 979-8-8233-5037-2

Leonard, Peggy C. (2025) Quick and Easy Medical Terminology.  10th Edition. Elsevier.  St. Louis, Missouri. ISBN: 978-0-323-88395-5

Herlihy, Barbara (2025) The Human Body in Health and Illness.  7th Edition.  Elsevier.  St. Louis, Missouri.  ISBN: 978-0-323-71126-5

Booth, Kathryn A. and Whaley, James E. (2025) Math and Dosage for Health Professionals.  5th Edition.  McGraw Hill Education. Columbus, Ohio. ISBN:978-1-265-07709-9

ATI Contributors and Consultants.  (2025) Nutrition for Nursing.  8th Edition.  Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.  Leawood, Kansas.  ISBN: 978-1-56533-257-7

ATI Contributors and Consultants.  (2025) Fundamentals for Nursing.  11th Edition.  Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.  Leawood, Kansas.  ISBN:978-1-56533-253-9

ATI Contributors and Consultants.  (2025) PN Maternal Newborn Nursing.  12th Edition.  Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.  Leawood, Kansas.  ISBN: 978-1-56533-261-4

ATI Contributors and Consultants.  (2025) PN Pediatric Nursing.  12th Edition.  Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.  Leawood, Kansas.  ISBN: 978-1-56533-263-8

ATI Contributors and Consultants.  (2025) PN Mental Health Nursing.  12th Edition.  Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.  Leawood, Kansas.  ISBN: 978-1-56533-262-1

ATI Contributors and Consultants.  (2025) PN Adult Medical Surgical Nursing.  12th Edition.  Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.  Leawood, Kansas.  ISBN: 978-1-56533-260-7

ATI Contributors and Consultants.  (2025) PN Pharmacology for Nursing.  9th Edition.  Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.   Leawood, Kansas.  ISBN:  978-1-56533-264-5

ATI Contributors and Consultants.  (2025) Nursing Leadership and Management.  9th Edition.  Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.  Leawood, Kansas.  ISBN: 978-1-56533-254-6

ATI Contributors and Consultants.  (2025) Learning Strategies.  1st Edition.  Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.  Leawood, Kansas.  ISBN: 978-1-93310-799-8

Nurse's Drug Handbook 2025 Edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning.  Burlington, Massachusetts.  ISBN: 978-1-284-30458-9

Additional supplies:

A current Medical Dictionary is strongly suggested for class and can be obtained from any bookstore for approximately $10. Students must have a laptop or tablet to use in class.  Students will also need general school supplies such as:  binders, notebook, paper, pens, pencils, erasers, and highlighters. 

Cancellation / Withdrawal / Refund Policy:

In accordance with the TENNESSEE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION (THEC), The Academy of Allied Health Careers utilizes enrollment contracts/agreements and must maintain a cancellation and settlement policy for a full refund of all monies paid by a student if a student cancels the enrollment agreement or contract within 72 hours or 3 business days (Excluding Saturday, Sunday and Legal Holidays) after the enrollment contract is signed by the prospective student.  

                    1.  If the student begins classes within the 72-hour cancellation privilege period, the regular refund applies.  This refund is described below.

                    2.  If tuition or fees are collected in advance of entrance into a course, and if the student withdraws after the 72-hour expiration of the cancellation privilege but before the class has started, the Academy will retain no more than the $100 Registration Fee.

                    3.  If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date and the Academy cancels the class, the student may elect to transfer any tuition and fees paid to the next scheduled class if they so choose or receive a refund of 100% of the tuition and fees collected. 

For the student who begins any of the Academy’s programs and terminates or withdraws, the Academy will retain the $100.00 non-refundable Registration Fee and the minimum refund of the remaining tuition will be calculated.

                    1.  Class refunds are prorated for the time you have spent in class (see guidelines below for withdrawal dates). This refund amount will be dependent on the length of course, total tuition for the course and amount of time spent in the course. You will be charged for the entire cost of tuition divided by (÷) the total number of weeks the class is scheduled, then multiplied by the total number of weeks you attended class according to our withdrawal date policy below. (For example: Tuition for Practical Nursing is $22,500.00. The Practical Nursing day class is 54 weeks of class and student attended 4 weeks of class. Therefore: $22,500 ÷ 54 weeks = $416.67 per week. So, $416.67 x 4 weeks = $1666.68. The student in this situation would owe $1666.68 for tuition.)

                     2.  Tuition refunds do not include any additional fees such as: Registration Fee, Book Fees, Material Fees, Insurance Used, Uniforms Purchased, Physicals, etc.

                     3.  The effective date of the termination for refund purposes will be the following:

                                        a.  The last day of attendance if the student is terminated by the institution.

                                        b.  The date of receipt of written notice from the student.

                                        c.  Ten school days following the last day of attendance.

                                        d.  Refunds will be totally consummated within at least 45 days after the effective date of termination.

Financial Assistance:

The Academy is an eligible training provider for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program.  Information related to eligibility for both programs is available at your local American Jobs Center.  The Academy is also approved by the Tennessee State Approving Agency for the training of veterans and their eligible dependents. In addition, the Academy offers payment plans for students admitted to its programs. Further information will be provided during the interview process. Students receiving any type of financial assistances will meet with an administrator to review their responsibilities.  This program does qualify for students to receive Title IV (Pell Grant) funding.

Admission Requirements

Any person interested in being considered for admission to the Academy’s Practical Nursing Program must first complete and submit a statement of interest form found on our website at https://aahctn.edu/contact .

Admission to the Practical Nursing Program is competitive.  Applicants are considered based on a point system. To be considered for admission, prospective students must:

        1.  Attend a Career Overview session to gain information regarding specific admission criteria and program expectations.

        2.  Register, purchase ($120.00) and take the required Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam.  A TEAS exam taken within the last 2 years may be used for consideration.  Points are awarded for scores of 55% or higher on each of the four subjects.  A copy of the TEAS assessment scores must be included in the application packet.

        3.  Submit the following:

             a.  Official high school or GED transcript. Student copies cannot be accepted.  Official copies must be received by the Academy prior to considering applicants.

             b.  A government approved photo ID (examples may include driver’s license or state issued ID)

             c.  A copy of the TEAS assessment scores on an exam taken within the last 2 years.

        4.  Interview with Academy staff for initial screening and financial aid advisement.

        5.  Complete Program Application/Enrollment Agreement

        6.  Submit additional documentation to be considered to receive preference points:

             a.  Copy of certification to practice in a related health care field (CNA, MA, CMA, PCT, ST, CPT), if applicable.  Academy graduates may receive preference points.

             b.  Documentation of health-related work experience.

             c.  Provide proof of the required vaccinations

                  i.   MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)

                  ii.  1 step TB skin test (PPD)

                  iii. Varicella (Chickenpox)

                  iv. Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDAP)

                  v.  Hepatitis B (Doses 1, 2 and 3)

                  vi.  Influenza Vaccine

                  vii. NOTE:  Covid Vaccine may be required by some clinical sites

        7.  Completed applications are screened and selected applicants are then invited to interview with the PN Selection Committee. 

        8.  Applicants selected for enrollment must submit results of a 12-panel drug screen and thorough criminal background check, at the student’s expense. Any student not complying with this requirement may not be eligible to attend the program. Failing either screening may prevent attendance due to clinical facility requirements. Applicants who are accepted into the PN program will be given instructions on how to obtain the background check and drug screening.   For clinical placements, students must be 18 years of age or older per the Academy’s liability insurance policy requirements.

Authorization

The Practical Nursing program is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning the quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety and fiscal responsibility. The Practical Nursing program is also approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.