Practical Nursing
Our Nursing Program at a Glance
Bay Path offers a 40-week, 10-month, full-time, Monday through Friday, evening program*. The academy begins in late August and is completed in late June. Graduates will receive a Practical Nursing Certificate and will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Practical Nurses are prepared for careers in a variety of heath care settings including extended care facilities, clinics, physician offices, hospitals, and community health agencies. The role of the Practical Nurse is recognized nationally by organizations such as the Institute of Medicine in their 2010 “Future of Nursing” report(Click to view report) and the National League for Nursing in their 2011 “Recognizing the Vital Contributions of the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse” statement.
Our Mission Statement
Bay Path Regional Vocational Practical Nursing Academy is committed to providing students with a quality education that will enable them to secure employment as entry level nurses and become contributing members of Southern Worcester County. Through an integrated curriculum, graduates of the academy will attain the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes necessary to successfully pass the NCLEX-PN examination and provide nursing care to diverse, multicultural populations with well-defined health care needs across the life span.
Philosophy
The Practical Nursing Academy is guided by the philosophy of Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School. By fusing academic, vocational, and technical training the Practical Nursing academy’s philosophy mirrors that of the vocational and technical school and serves the multicultural communities of Southern Worcester County in the following manner: the academy itself provides the residents access to postsecondary education and life-long learning; the graduates gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become employed as Licensed Practical Nurses thus providing economic and personal fulfillment to the individual; and the academy serves the growing health care needs of the community by increasing the number of practical nurses available to care for its citizens. The faculty’s beliefs about nursing, individuals, environment, learning, practical nursing education, the role of the practical nurse, and lifelong learning is consistent with the philosophy of the school.
Faulty Commitment
Practical nursing education is a dynamic and interactive process that works best when curriculum progresses from simple to complex concepts. The clinical experience closely aligns with classroom instruction and the entire curriculum blends together to create a program that is cohesive. The Practical Nursing faculty at Bay Path is committed to providing students with a solid foundation that enables them to continue their education and further their career by articulating into professional nursing education programs.
Academy Objectives
- Applies nursing process and critical thinking to determine and meet the health care needs of culturally diverse clients across the lifespan.
- Coordinates safe caring interventions that are evidence based and consistent with established nursing practice to meet the human needs of culturally diverse clients across the lifespan.
- Utilizes therapeutic communication effectively with patients, families, significant others, and members of the health care team to deliver care to and promote wellness in clients and groups of clients.
- Demonstrate professional comportment and legal and ethical accountability that is within established parameters.
- Discuss the importance of continuing professional growth and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Approvals and Accrediations
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District- Bay Path Regional Vocational Practical Nursing Program is accredited by the:
Council on Occupational Education
7840 Roswell Road
Building 300, Suite 325
Atlanta, GA 30350
Phone: 770- 396-3898 or 800-917-2081
Facsimile: 770-396-3790
Website: www.council.org
Bay Path Regional Vocational Practical Nursing Program has received full approval by the:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Department of Public Health
Division of Health Professions Licensure
Board of Registration in Nursing
239 Causeway Street, Suite 200, 2nd Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Phone: 617-973-0800
Website: www.mass.gov/dph/boards/rn
* To ensure students receive a comprehensive, well rounded curriculum, some clinical hours may occur during day hours or on weekends. Students will be notified of this in advance so that they can adjust their schedules accordingly.
