Nursing Programs
The nursing curricula prepare graduates to function as members of the health care team in various health care environments. The curricula focus on preparation for employment and articulation. The nursing programs consist of an Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing, and an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing. The nursing program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.
In the Fall of 2010, the statewide curriculum for the PN program will be implemented which means all PN students will be required to have all 8 prerequisite classes completed before being admitted into the clinical portion of the program. PN students will be admitted in both the fall and spring semesters.
The associate of science degree leading to the registered nursing program is currently following the statewide curriculum, continuing as a Fall-Spring sequence program.
Admission to the program also requires completion of the application which can be obtained on the UM-Helena webpage under nursing application, through Admissions & New Student Services Office or the nursing department. Deadlines can be obtained from the nursing department and will be posted on the webpage. A student may apply while enrolled in the prerequisite courses with acceptance to the program to be determined after the current completed semester grades are finalized. A general physical examination is part of the application process.
A student must maintain a “C” or better in each of the courses required and complete each semester prior to progressing to the next semester. After the student is accepted into the nursing program, he or she must provide proof of the following health requirements: tuberculosis testing using the PPD or chest x-ray; Hepatitis B vaccine (a series of three injections); MMR series (those born before 1956 and did not receive the MMR will have to complete a titer); illness or vaccination for Varicella (chicken pox); Tetanus ; current CPR for the Health Care Provider and a criminal background check.
Practical Nursing
The practical nurse uses specialized knowledge and skills which meet the health care needs of people in a variety of settings under the direction of qualified health professions. The curriculum focuses on preparation for employment. Students learn practical nursing skills through independent study, lectures, simulation demonstrations, and practice in the skills lab. Under instructor supervision, students also provide patient care in a variety of health care settings. The program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.
Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the National Council of Licensing Examination (NCLEX) PN licensure examination from the Montana State Board of Nursing. Upon passing the examination, the graduate becomes a Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN. After licensure, graduates typically find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices and other health care agencies.
Admission is by application only. The application process includes a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) pre-entrance exam. Applications are good for current start only; current applications are available through Admissions & New Student Services Office or the nursing department. The application process requires that a student successfully complete the following coursework with a “C” or better:
Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing
(New Statewide Curriculum)
Prerequisite Courses
To be completed prior to application to the program. A prerequisite course may be attempted a maximum of two (2) times.
| BIOL207 Anatomy & Physiology I with lab | 4 |
| M121 College Algebra | 3 |
| PSYX100 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| WRIT101 College Writing | 3 |
| BIOL208 Anatomy & Physiology II with lab | 4 |
| NUTR112 Nutrition | 3 |
| CHMY121 General & Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHMY122 General & Inorganic Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| NRSG100 Introduction to Health Care & Nursing | 1 |
Faculty: Candace Pescosolido, MSN; Karmen Williams, MSN; Sheri Marchand-Smith, MSN
Program Director: Sandy Sacry, MSN
Administrative Assistant: Samantha Cooley
Length of Program: Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing: 4 semesters, 51/52 credits
Prerequisite Courses
These courses are to be completed prior to application to the program. A prerequisite course may be attempted a maximum of two (2) times. Please see a program advisor for any questions concerning changing to the statewide curriculum.
First Semester - (Pre-nursing requirements) |
|||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
| BIOL207 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 | |
| WRIT101 | College Writing I | 3 | |
| M121 | College Algebra | 3 | |
| NUTR112 | Nutrition | 2 or 3 | |
| Total Credits | 12/13 | ||
Second Semester - (Pre-nursing requirements) |
|||
| BIOL208 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 | |
| PSYX100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| NRSG100 | Introduction to Nursing | 1 or 2 | |
| CHMY121 | General and Inorganic Chemistry | 3 | |
| CHMY122 | General and Inorganic Chemistry Lab | 1 | |
| Total Credits | 12/13 | (36) |
Third Semester
Admission is by application only. Please check with Admissions & New Student Services or the nursing department for current application information.
Students- Please note! Weekly schedule includes labs, clinical and simulations that cannot be reflected on the course catalog schedule. Students should plan for 30-40 hours per week. The nursing department will supply students with a schedule once admission is determined.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
| NRSG130 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 4 | |
| NRSG131 | Fundamentals of Nursing Lab | 3 | |
| NRSG135 | Nursing Pharmacology | 3 | |
| NRSG138 | Gerontology for Nursing | 2 |
|
| Total Credits | 12 | ||
Fourth Semester |
|||
| NRSG140 | Core Concepts of Adult Nursing | 7 | |
| NRSG142 | Core Concepts of Maternal/Child Nursing | 3 | |
| NRSG144 | Core Concepts of Mental Health Nursing | 2 | |
| NRSG148 | Leadership Issues | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 14 | (51/52) |
Associate Degree Leading To Registered Nursing
The Associate degree program prepares graduates to function as members and leaders of health care teams in various health care environments. The curriculum focuses on preparation for employment. Some of the course work is transferable. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination from the Montana State Board of Nursing. After passing the examination, the graduate becomes a Registered Nurse, RN.
Entry into the ASRN program is by application-only in the spring for fall semester. Applications are available through Admissions & New Student Services or the nursing department. The application process includes a LPN STEP pre-entrance exam and a physical examination. Applications are good for current year only; current applications are available through Admissions & New Student Services or the nursing department. The application process requires that a student have a current, unencumbered LPN licensure (from any state) and/or is a graduate of the statewide curriculum PN program, and has successfully complete the following coursework with a “C” or better:
| BIOL207 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab | 4 |
| BIOL208 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab | 4 |
| WRIT101 College Writing I | 3 |
| CHYM121 General and Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHYM122 General and Inorganic Chemisty Lab | 1 |
| M121 College Algebra | 3 |
| NUTR112 Nutrition | 2 or 3 |
| PSYX100 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| NRSG100 Introduction to Nursing | 1 or 2 |
Faculty: Candace Pescosolido, MSN; Karmen Williams, MSN; Sheri Marchand-Smith, MSN
Program Director: Sandy Sacry, MSN
Administrative Assistant: Samantha Cooley
Length of Program: Associate Degree Leading to Registered Nursing: 27 credits, 2 Semesters
Admission is by application only. Please check with Admissions & New Student Services or the nursing department for current application information
Students- Please note! Weekly schedule includes labs, clinical and simulations that cannot be reflected on the course catalog schedule. Students should plan for 30-40 hours per week. The nursing department will supply students with a schedule once admission is determined.
First Semester |
|||
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
| NRSG250 | LPN to RN Transition | 3 |
|
| NRSG252 | Complex Care Needs of Maternal/Child Client | 3 |
|
| NRSG254 | Complex Care Needs of Mental Health Client | 2 |
|
| NRSG256 | Pathophysiology | 3 | |
| SOCI101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 14 | ||
Second Semester |
|||
| BIOM250 | Microbiology for Health Sciences | 3 |
|
| BIOM251 | Microbiology for Health Sciences Lab | 1 |
|
| NRSG262 |
Complex Care Needs - Adult Client | 4 |
|
| NRSG265 |
Advanced Clinical Skills | 1 |
|
| NRSG266 | Managed Client Care | 4 |
|
| Total Credits | 13 | (27) |
College Policies | Councils & Committees | UMH At-a-glance | Browser Requirements
© The University of Montana-Helena | 1115 North Roberts Street, Helena MT 59601 | (406) 444-6800