Pearl River Community College

Nursing Programs Offered

ADN Program Details

Thank you for considering the Pearl River Community College (PRCC) Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program as a step toward a better future for you. The ADN program is a two-year registered nurse (RN) program beginning in the fall and spring semesters on the PRCC Poplarville campus. After completion of this program, graduates receive the Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure to become a registered nurse (RN). Licensing of registered nurses is regulated by the Mississippi Board of Nursing, and conviction of a misdemeanor or felony offense may be grounds for refusal by the board to issue a license. An ADN application packet contains detailed information about admission criteria to the ADN program. This packet is located on our website under the link titled “ADN Application Packet.”

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program prepares an individual to become a professional registered nurse (RN). The RN may supervise licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse technicians, certified nursing assistants, and/or medical assistants. The RN provides direct patient care and assists in making decisions regarding plans of care for individuals and groups. The Associate Degree RN takes general support courses that are transferrable for a baccalaureate in nursing.

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Pearl River Community College is respected by the health care community. This high quality program is accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326 and the Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211. The nursing program was established to provide educational opportunities to qualified men and women who choose nursing as a career.

LPN Program Details

The Practical Nursing program is a twelve-month program of study designed to prepare qualified individuals to function as a member of the health care team in administering safe, effective health care as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The care rendered by a Licensed Practical Nurse is under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or licensed dentist.

Dual Enrollment: The Practical Nursing program also offers an eighteen month program for high school seniors at the Forrest County Center. The students will attend both high school and the community college their senior year. For more information on this program talk with your high school counselor or a Pearl River Counselor at the Forrest County Center.

The student will gain classroom and laboratory instruction in areas such as: basic nursing skills, nutrition, human function and structure, human growth through the lifespan, pharmacology, maternal /child nursing, emotional and mental illness, and medical-surgical nursing. The clinical component of the course will incorporate knowledge and skills gained in the classroom and laboratory. Clinical experiences are provided by affiliating hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care agencies. All clinical experiences are provided within our state; however the travel expense and arrangements are the students' responsibility.

Students that complete the program requirements as identified by the 'State Board for Community and Junior Colleges' will receive a Certificate of Proficiency and will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses to obtain their nursing licenses.

Enrollment is open in the fall semester only. All admission requirements must be met and submitted to the Practical Nursing Departments by April 1 of each year. Financial aid is available to those that qualify and employment opportunities are excellent for our graduates.