Program Length: 15 months - 1,425 hours (includes both classroom study and supervised clinical practices)

This program is equivalent to 55 weeks of full time study excluding vacation, breaks and holidays. The course work consists of classroom lectures and small group work, computer assisted learning modules, laboratory experiences and clinical practice. Forty percent (22 weeks) is devoted to classroom and laboratory activities while sixty percent (33 weeks) is spent in clinical practice.

Nursing theory, laboratory and clinical practice are offered concurrently throughout the program. Homework, frequent oral and written quizzes, written exams, observation competency evaluations and return demonstrations in laboratory setting are used to evaluate student learning.

Admissions Requirements: High School Diploma or GED. Those failing to meet these minimum requirements will be referred to GED training and/or the Career Advancement Program (CAP - a program specifically designed to help applicants increase their test scores. Also, students must successfully pass the Kaplan pre-nursing entrance exam and be either a US citizen or a permanent resident.

It is the philosophy of the School of Practical Nursing that education is indeed a life-long process and the key to personal, professional and economic development. Based on this philosophy, the educational program of the school is designed to be especially responsive to the needs of urban-residing paraprofessionals, such as Certified Nursing Assistants and Certified Home Health Aides wishing to continue their education in nursing. New Community is devoted to facilitating an educational and career trajectory in nursing. It has mobilized its own resources, as well as those of the private/public sectors, to assist students achieve their nursing education goals. The school is designed to offer its students convenient locations and class schedules that accommodate work schedules. It will also provide work-study options. In addition, they may offer educational grants, scholarships, tuition assistance and stipends at the time of registration. Low-cost or fully subsidized day care for dependents, free tutoring, free classes and seminars aimed at enhancing study skills, and free remedial course work, are also available. To assist students in continuing their education beyond practical nursing, the faculty and administration of the school are dedicated to the establishment of articulation agreements with both associate degree, diploma and baccalaureate nursing programs.