Curriculum

Each year, DCTS admits 80 students to our rigorous program, receiving hands-on experience in patient care, preparing them to pursue a rewarding career as a Practical Nurse. The Practical Nursing Program consists of four levels of study:

• Level I: Students are taught basic nursing skills necessary to care for a patient. They also learn Math (for medication administration) as well as Anatomy & Physiology.
• Level II: Students learn basic nutrition, the skill of administering medication, and begin to learn content in Medical-Surgical Nursing. Students are introduced to the Concepts of Mental Health.
• Level III: Students focus on Obstetrical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• Level IV: Students focus on Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing, Psychiatric and Cognitive Impairment Nursing and Gerontological Nursing.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

• Perform the nursing skills necessary to provide safe and competent patient care to a wide variety of patients.
• Using scientific principles of evidence-based research, identify major health problems and use appropriate nursing interventions to give holistic patient care.
• Make pertinent observations of the patient’s physical and mental condition, record necessary information, and communicate findings effectively to the proper members of the healthcare team.
• Participate in health education to be better able to promote health and prevent disease by educating patients and their families.
• Conduct oneself professionally and in an ethical, moral and legal manner.

“Our experience in the classroom and in clinicals give students the tools and skills they need in order to be successful.”
-Jennifer Treherne, LPN Program Graduate