Orangeburg - Calhoun Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered

ADN Program Details

The purpose of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program is to assist the student in developing the intellectual and technical competencies necessary to function as a safe practitioner of nursing at the technical level. The ADN has the knowledge and skills to function as a beginning-level staff nurse in a variety of structured healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care agencies, physicians’ offices, and community agencies. Throughout the curriculum, the student has planned clinical and laboratory experiences to complement classroom learning in order to become skillful in the technology and application of nursing. There is also a focus on computer use and application in identified nursing courses. Graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing program are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses.

Registered Nurses provide for the physical, mental and emotional needs of their patients. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families and communities and help people take proactive measures to ensure better health. When providing patient care, they observe, assess and record the symptoms, reactions and progress of their patients; assist doctors during treatments and examinations; administer medications; and help in convalescence and rehabilitation.

LPN Program Details

At OCtech, Practical Nursing students are given a knowledge base through courses and content that includes preparation in general academics, nursing theory and practice, and biophysical and social sciences. Classroom study includes basic nursing concepts and patient-care related subjects, including anatomy, physiology, medical/surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, gerontology, nursing management, mental health concepts, pharmacology, and nutrition. Students receive their clinical experience in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physicians' offices, and other community agencies. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. to be designated as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) plays a vital role in the health team concept and must have a sound background in basic health sciences and technical skills. Practical nursing is the basic level of nursing that applies principles of therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventive care for people of all ages and cultures in various stages of dependency. The LPN practices nursing with the guidance of a registered nurse or physician in a variety of health care settings.