The Practical Nursing (PN) diploma program at ECPI University's College of Nursing, Medical Careers Institute (MCI) is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin a career in the field of nursing. Here's an overview of the program:

Program Overview:

• The Practical Nursing program is an introduction to the field of nursing. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide patient care under the supervision of senior healthcare practitioners.
• After earning the diploma, graduates must sit for the NCLEX exam, and upon successful completion, they become eligible for licensure as a Practical Nurse (PN).
• The program emphasizes critical thinking, clinical reasoning, effective communication and collaboration, and nursing theory.

Possible Career Track: Practical Nursing graduates can work in various healthcare settings, including:

• Nursing homes
• Physicians' offices
• Public school systems
• Hospitals
• Corporate occupational health

Program Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the program, students are expected to:

• Function within the role of a practical nurse, delivering care to clients and their families.
• Use critical thinking skills to safely perform necessary cognitive, psychomotor, and effective nursing skills.
• Communicate effectively with clients, families, and members of the healthcare team.
• Integrate ethical, professional, and legal responsibilities and accountability into their actions and decisions.
• Assume responsibility for personal and professional growth.

The Practical Nursing program at ECPI University's MCI provides students with the foundation needed to pursue a rewarding career in nursing. Graduates must successfully pass the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

This program can be completed in a relatively short period of time, with graduates earning their Licensed Practical Nursing diploma in as little as 15 months. It is an excellent starting point for those who wish to enter the nursing profession and provide essential care to patients under the guidance of more experienced healthcare practitioners.

Program Overview:

The Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offers a degree specifically designed to prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. This program's primary aim is to facilitate each student's development to meet the demands of the rapidly growing healthcare industry.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion, students in this program will achieve the following outcomes:

• Prepare students for the demanding responsibilities of the profession and provide an opportunity to gain a working knowledge of the field.
• Provide a clinical educational experience that equips students to perform routine sonographic procedures and related functions specific to general Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
• Foster an educational experience that promotes effective communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and professionalism.
• Promote the development of core values and ethical standards essential for delivering quality, patient-centered care.

Graduates from this program have the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings such as hospital radiology departments, clinics, medical imaging centers, private physician offices, and more.

The program provides instruction in both clinical and administrative functions, including on-campus classroom and laboratory courses and off-campus clinical education. During clinical education, students work alongside sonographers, physicians, and healthcare professionals to develop the necessary skills to perform general ultrasound examinations in the workplace.

Recommended Certifications:

ECPI University offers students vouchers allowing them to take certification exams at significantly reduced costs. These examinations are available through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and include the registry examination in Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation (SPI), Abdomen (AB), and Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN). Another available certification is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification test in Sonography. Certification from either ARDMS or ARRT is typically required for employment in this field.