20-7943
Rev.3/20
Practical Nursing (PN) Program
APPLICATION BOOK
Visit www.irsc.edu for important deadlines and dates.
For more information
IRSC Information Call Center
1-866-792-4772
www.irsc.edu
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Rev.3/20
IRSC OVERVIEW
INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE (IRSC) is a public, comprehensive college with a statewide and
national reputation for excellence. Located in Florida’s Treasure Coast region, each of the
College’s five campuses provide unparalleled educational environments.
IRSC serves approximately 30,000 students annually and offers more than 100 programs
leading to Bachelor’s degrees, Associate degrees, technical certificates and applied
technology diplomas. Continuing a 59-year tradition of responsiveness to community needs,
IRSC is committed to advancing educational, cultural, career training, workforce and economic
development in its service area.
IRSC was distinguished as the 2019 winner of the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community
College Excellence, an honor that recognizes outstanding quality in the areas of completion &
transfer, labor market outcomes, learning, equity and more. IRSC is one of the few colleges
in the nation to earn the Achieving the Dream™ Leader College designation. The College is
identified by the United States Department of Education as the most affordable college in
Florida and the third-most affordable college in the country.
EA/EO
Indian River State College provides equal employment and educational opportunities to all
without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, age, disability,
sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, and any other factor
protected under applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws, rules and regulations.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination
policies:
Adriene B. Jefferson,
Equity Officer & Title IX Coordinator
IRSC Main Campus
3209 Virginia Ave.
Fort Pierce, FL 34981
(772) 462-7156
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE
Licensed Practical Nurses are trained to perform both simple and complex treatments. They help
care for sick, injured and handicapped people in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices and private
homes. LPNs work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses, provide bedside patient
care and help examine and treat patients. They bathe, dress, feed patients and record their food
and liquid intake and output. LPNs give medication, observe patients and report adverse reactions
to medicine.
PRACTICAL NURSING
The Practical Nursing program at Indian River State College is a certificate program leading to the
opportunity to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-
PN). Students receive an excellent foundation in nursing including intensive classroom instruction
and supervised clinical experiences in local health agencies. The PN program is offered at the
Main Campus as a one-year program with students attending classes approximately 35 hours per
week. Classes meet from five to ten hours per day.
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Rev.3/20
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PN Application Checklist ................................................................................................ 1
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 3
Information Sessions ...................................................................................................... 3
Application Process ........................................................................................................ 3
Application Procedures .................................................................................................. 3
Process for Applying Online ........................................................................................... 4
Pre-admission Testing/Entrance Testing ........................................................................ 4
Assessment Services Department Computerized Testing Schedule ............................. 5
Applicant Review ............................................................................................................ 5
Acceptance Into Program ............................................................................................... 6
Advanced Placement Transition (LPN to RN) ................................................................ 6
Drug and Background Check ......................................................................................... 6
Health Requirements ...................................................................................................... 7
Non-Acceptance into Program ....................................................................................... 7
Program Expenses ......................................................................................................... 7
Financial Aid/Scholarships ............................................................................................. 8
Core Performance Standards ......................................................................................... 9
Practical Nursing Program Curriculum ......................................................................... 10
Class Schedule ............................................................................................................ 10
FORMS
Student Advisement Form ............................................................................................ 11
Study Guide for Entrance Exam ......................................................... Inside Back Cover
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Rev.3/20
The following items are found in the Health Science Division Student Handbook.
(This list has been updated as of 1/20.)
1. Health Science Division Purpose Statement
2. Health Science Statement of Ethics
3. Health Science Plagiarism Regulation
4. Email/Contact Information
5. Health Science Use of Electronic Regulation
6. Health Science Confidentiality Statement
7. Health Science Grading
8. Health Science Retention Regulation
9. Health Science Probation Regulation
10. Health Science Readmission and Dismissal Regulation
11. Health Science Complaint Guidelines
12. Health Science Liability, Accident and Insurance Regulation
13. Health Requirements
14. Indian River State College Health Science Post Exposure Protocol
15. Health Science Background Check Regulation
16. Health Science Substance Abuse Regulation
17. Health Science Dress Code/Professional Standards
18.
Health Science Student Parking Regulation
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PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Completion of this checklist alone does not guarantee acceptance to the Practical Nursing
program. Students are selected on a competitive basis. Completion of the checklist is the
applicant’s responsibility. Students should complete the checklist in order. All necessary
forms are in the back of this booklet. Contact the Nursing Department at (772) 462-7570
for more information.
1. High School diploma or GED
®
2. Must be 18 years of age prior to program completion.
3. Meet with an academic advisor at any campus to review program
requirements and complete an Indian River State College Application for
Admission at www.irsc.edu.
4. College admissions must be complete by application deadline.
5. Attend a Nursing Information session offered every 3
rd
Thursday at 4:00
p.m. – H-building, Room 106, Main Campus, by application deadline date.
6. Complete the Health Science Program Application online and pay the
application fee (application fees are non-transferable and non-refundable)
prior to the deadline date.
7. Complete Student Advisement Form with Educational Services. Applicants
must forward a completed form to the Health Science Division prior to the
application deadline date.
8. Pay NLN testing fee and take computerized NLN exam at the IRSC Main
Campus in Fort Pierce, W-109 (772-462-7585). Testing procedures are
located on the Practical Nursing web page along with a schedule of dates.
Test fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Students must provide
a valid photo ID, receipt of Application Fee and receipt of NLN testing fee
before taking the computerized test. Results of the exam will be given to the
student at the end of the exam. Applicants must achieve a minimum score,
but that does not guarantee admission to the program (see Applicant
Review). Exam results are valid for one year and may only be taken once in
an application period.
All applicants will be notified of their status approximately six to eight weeks after the
deadline date.
GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education (ACE) and administered exclusively by GED Testing Service LLC
under license. This material is not endorsed or approved by ACE or GED Testing Service.
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INTRODUCTION
The Practical Nursing program is offered through the IRSC Health Science Division.
Applicants should carefully review the application procedures outlined in this booklet.
Admission to the Practical Nursing program is on a selective admission basis. It is the
applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application process is complete.
NOTE: If at any time during the application process you have a change of address or need
to update other personal information, submit this information to the Education Services
Division and to Health Science Department by supplying original documentation to be copied
(i.e. driver license or adoption papers) in person or at any IRSC campus. This will expedite
notification of acceptance status.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Students interested in applying to any health science program must attend the
appropriate, regularly scheduled, program information session for direction and
assistance with the application process. The information session addresses questions or
concerns prospective applicants may have. The sessions also assist students in
understanding how to achieve a “qualified” status. Students should plan to attend an
information session prior to the application deadline date. No reservations or fees are
required to attend.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates who wish to be considered for the Practical Nursing program at Indian River
State College must complete the procedures listed on Page 1 “Application Checklist”. It
is the student’s responsibility to see that admission requirements are met. No notices will
be sent. Additional program specifics are outlined in this booklet.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Candidates who wish to be considered for the Practical Nursing program at Indian River
State College must complete checklist items on page 1 and carefully review the
procedures outlined in this booklet. It is the student's responsibility to see that admission
requirements are met. No notices will be sent. Additional program specifics are outlined
in this booklet.
Review the application deadlines and program type (full-time and part-time) on the
Practical Nursing web page.
Nursing Information Sessions are held in the
Mary L. Fields Health Science Center
3
rd
Thursday of each month
Main Campus in Fort Pierce
Room H-106
4:00 p.m.
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PROCESS FOR APPLYING ONLINE
1. Sign into MYIRSC and enter your Student ID and pin number
2. Go to REGISTRATION (blue menu bar) and select HEALTH SCIENCE APPLICATION
3. Place a check mark in the I AGREE STATEMENT.
4. In the Health Science Program box, select PRACTICAL NURSING.
Application Deadline: this automatically fills in the program deadline date.
5. Select SUBMIT. Select OK
6. Select PAY FEE NOW and then PAY NOW
7. Select PROCESS FOR PAYMENT
8. Select $30 APPLICATION FEE
9. Enter credit card details
10. SUBMIT PAYMENT
All applicants will be notified of their status through RiverMail 4-6 weeks after the deadline
date. No information is available by telephone. To finalize acceptance, once notified of
provisional acceptance, students will be required to have a completed IRSC physical
examination form, a negative drug screen report and a FDLE background check prior to the
first day of class.
PRE-ADMISSION TESTING/ENTRANCE TESTING
The Practical Nursing NLN Entrance Examination
Register and pay for NLN entrance exam by the application deadline date. The Practical
Nursing program requires applicants to demonstrate their competency in math, reading,
language and science on a national exam (NLN) given at IRSC. The result of this testing
is a component of the admissions process. Study guides and books are available in the
campus and area bookstores to help in preparation for this examination.
Free review sessions are also available for the NLN Pre Entrance Exam. Check the
Nursing website for the schedule.
A picture ID is required for admission to test.
Required for the Practical Nursing (PN) program, the examination includes the following:
1) Verbal Ability - tests general vocabulary and verbal reasoning skills.
2) Numerical Ability - covers basic arithmetic, percentages and ratios, fundamental
algebra and word problems. Students are tested on comprehension and
application of quantitative concepts and relationships.
3) Science - covers principles of biology, chemistry, physical sciences and health.
4) Reading - covers comprehension of natural science and social science reading
passages.
The length of the PN Entrance examination is approximately 2 hours.
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ENTRANCE EXAM SCORES ARE VALID FOR ONE YEAR ONLY (ONE APPLICANT REVIEW
PROCESS) AND MAY ONLY BE TAKEN ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS
OR APPLICATION
CYCLE
. SCORES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED IF TAKEN BEFORE SIX MONTH WAITING
PERIOD.
See inside back cover for Entrance Exam Study Guide.
ASSESSMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT COMPUTERIZED TESTING
SCHEDULE
The Nursing Pre-Entrance Exam (NLN) is administered only on the Main Campus in Fort
Pierce. Test fees are paid at the IRSC Cashier and are non-refundable and non-
transferable. Restrictions apply to the number of times you may test. See the Assessment
Center webpage for specific details. Exam results are valid for one year and may only be
taken once each application period. Testing procedures are located on the Practical
Nursing web page with a schedule of dates.
Student will receive scores at the completion of the NLN. Applicants must achieve a
minimum score on the NLN.
APPLICANT REVIEW
No documentation will be considered after the Application Deadline date. Preference for
admissions to the Practical Nursing program will be given to residents of the four-county
service district of Indian River State College (St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River and
Okeechobee counties), and to IRSC Nursing Assistant course completers.
Final consideration for admission into the Practical Nursing program will be based upon
the Health Science Admissions Committee review and scoring of the following criteria:
1) IRSC Admission Status must be complete. (High school transcripts on file)
2) Entrance Test Scores (Minimum overall score).
3) Applicant must be 18 years of age prior to program completion.
All of the above criteria must be met or the applicant file will not be reviewed and scored.
Students will be notified six to eight weeks after the deadline dates through college
RiverMail.
Note: Meeting admission criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Review program application checklist on page 1. Students are selected on a
competitive basis.
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ACCEPTANCE INTO PROGRAM
Accepted applicants will be notified by the Health Science Division of their provisional
acceptance into the program through RiverMail 4-6 weeks after the deadline. Final
acceptance into the program is contingent upon satisfactory results from a physical
examination, CPR certification, drug screen and Federal Bureau of Investigation
National Background checks (FBI/NBC). Information on obtaining these tests/reports
will be provided in the provisional acceptance notification package. Details regarding
these final requirements are outlined below.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT TRANSITION (LPN TO RN)
Active Florida Licensed Practical Nurses that have completed a Practical Nursing
program in the past three years in the State of Florida and who meet all eligibility
requirements for acceptance in the Associate Degree Nursing program, are eligible for
Advanced Placement. After acceptance, information on advanced placement will be
discussed at the program orientation. Applicants must submit a copy of their Florida
Practical Nursing License and their transcript to the Admissions Office by the application
deadline date.
Florida LPN’s, active Florida licensed paramedics and registered respiratory therapists
may be eligible for advanced placement.
DRUG AND BACKGROUND CHECK
Refer to the IRSC website at www.irsc.edu. Click Programs and then Health Science
Meta Major. Go to Practical Nursing and then select Background Check and Drug
Screening Requirements.
Additional criminal background checks may be required by health care agencies.
The Florida Board of Nursing requires additional criminal checks on all
applicants for licensure and any nursing licensure applicant who has an
arrest record to present those records. The Florida Board of Nursing is the
state agency authori
zed to issue nursing licenses. As part of the licensure
application process, graduates will be required to submit a signed statement
verifying compliance with the Agency for Health Care Administration Florida
Board of Nursing Rule 64 B 9-3.002 which states:
Prior to application for examination, convicted felons must obtain a restoration
of their civil rights or they are ineligible to sit for the examination.
If an applicant has been convicted of any offense other than minor traffic
violations, the applicant shall submit arrest and court records stating the nature
of the offense and final disposition of the case so that a determination can be
made by the Board whether the offense relates to the practice of nursing or the
ability to practice nursing.
Any convicted felons must submit proof of
restoration of civil rights or they are ineligible for licensure.
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Criminal background checks, drug screenings, credit checks, professional license checks
and/or proof of U.S. citizenship may also be required after graduation by examination
boards, state licensing boards and employing agencies. Pending the outcome, a
graduate may be disqualified from examination eligibility, state licensure and/or
employment.
The Nursing Department does not answer specific questions about criminal records.
The Nursing Department cannot answer specific licensing questions. Licensure is the
exclusive right and responsibility of the State Board of Nursing. Students must satisfy the
requirements of the statutes, rules and regulations, independently of any college or school
requirements for graduation.
An additional barrier to admission may be the OIG Exclusion list. All applicants must
prove clearance upon admission and during enrollment in the Nursing program. The
office of the Inspector General (OIG) was established in the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services to identify and eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse in the
Department’s programs and to promote efficiency and economy in Departmental
operations. You can check your status at http://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov/.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Refer to the IRSC Health Science Division Student Handbook.
Health Insurance
All students must have health insurance coverage at all times while in the program. If a
student does not have independent health insurance coverage, they can obtain coverage,
at their own expense, through the American Association of Community Colleges.
Information can be obtained from the IRSC Health and Wellness Center. Students must
provide the program director with proof of insurance prior to entering the program and
must have proof of insurance readily available at all times while in the program. Failure
to provide immediate proof of health insurance upon request may result in withdrawal
from the program.
NON-ACCEPTANCE INTO PROGRAM
Applicants who do not qualify for the program will be notified through college RiverMail 4-
6 weeks after the deadline date and should remediate (call the ASC at (772) 462-7585
for remediation information) or call the Nursing Department at (772) 462-7570 for
clarification on how to strengthen their application.
PROGRAM EXPENSES
Visit www.irsc.edu. Click Programs and then Health Science Meta Major. Go to
Practical Nurse and then select Expenses.
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FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS
Financial Aid (grants, loans, work-study) is available to those who qualify. Complete
the FAFSA and IRSC Supplemental Financial Aid Application to determine eligibility.
For more information, contact the IRSC Financial Aid Office at (772) 462-7450 or toll-
free at
1-866-900-3243 (FAID).
Scholarships designated for students in the Health Science programs may also be
available. Complete the IRSC ONLINE Scholarship Application, available at
www.irscfoundation.org. The application deadline for all IRSC Health Science
Scholarships is in May.
For more information about the scholarships, contact the IRSC Foundation office at
(772) 462-4786, or toll-free at 1-866-792-4772, ext. 4786.
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IRSC Practical Nursing Program
Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression*
Nursing involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the
application of knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions. Therefore, in order
to be considered for admissions or be retained in the program after admission, all students
must be able to demonstrate the following abilities:
Issue
Standard
Examples of Necessary
Activities (not all inclusive)
Critical Thinking/
Coping
Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical
judgment. Ability to make fast decisions in
stressful situations in a professional manner.
Identify cause-effect relationships
in clinical situations, develop
nursing care plans and display
good coping mechanisms.
Interpersonal
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact
with individuals, families and groups from a
variety of social, emotional, cultural and
intellectual backgrounds.
Establish rapport with
patients/clients and colleagues.
Communication
Communication abilities sufficient for
interaction with others in verbal and written
form.
Explain treatment procedures,
initiate health teaching, document
and interpret nursing actions and
patient/client responses.
Mobility
Physical abilities sufficient to move from
room to room and maneuver in small
spaces.
Move around in patient rooms,
work spaces, and treatment areas;
administer cardiopulmonary
procedures.
Motor Skills
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to
provide safe and effective nursing care.
Calibrate and use equipment;
position patients/clients.
Hearing
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and
assess health needs.
Hear blood pressure accurately,
hear alarms, emergency signals,
auscultatory sounds, and cries for
help.
Visual
Visual ability sufficient for observation and
assessment necessary in nursing care.
Observe patient/client responses.
Prepare and administer
medication accurately.
Tactile
Tactile ability sufficient for physical
assessment.
Perform palpation, functions of
physical examination and/or those
related to therapeutic intervention,
e.g. sense temperature change,
assess peripheral pulses, and
insert a catheter.
Strength/Stamina
Sufficient stamina to provide patient care
and related responsibilities for extended
periods of time (8-12 hours).
Adapt to shift work. Lift, without
restrictions, from standing
position.
* Adapted from the Board of Directors of the Southern Council on Collegiate Education
for Nursing (SCCEN) guidelines for Nursing Education programs.
LATEX ADVISORY: Latex-based products are used in all health care facilities.
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PRACTICAL NURSING
(1350 clock-hours)
SELECTIVE ADMISSION
PRACTICAL NURSING (PN) PROGRAM CURRICULUM
This program is designed to prepare the student for a career as a Licensed Practical
Nurse.
PRN O004C Practical Nursing Fundamentals ................................................ 500 hours
PRN O373C Practical Nursing Medical Surgical I .......................................... 350 hours
PRN O374C Practical Nursing Medical Surgical II ......................................... 350 hours
PRN O933C Transition to Graduate Practical Nurse ..................................... 150 hours
CLASS SCHEDULE
Full-time students admitted to the full-time PN program on the Main Campus in Fort
Pierce will attend classes for an eleven month schedule. Students attend class
approximately 35 hours per week and can expect to have an additional ten or more
hours of homework each week. Attendance is required at all class sessions. Classes
are held Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Clinical days begin at 6:30 a.m.
and end at 4:00 p.m.
Class will not meet during regularly scheduled college holidays and breaks. In addition
to the scheduled class periods, students will be assigned by their faculty to complete a
specified number of independent assignments during the program. During the last several
weeks of the PN program, all students are assigned to a final clinical experience called
“practicum” which can involve forty hours per week of clinicals on the daytime shift.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Refer to the IRSC Health Science Division Student Handbook.
DISCIPLINARY PROCESS FOR HEALTH SCIENCE STUDENTS
Refer to the IRSC Health Science Division Student Handbook.
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INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE
STUDENT ADVISEMENT FORM
PRACTICAL NURSING
Name of Student: Date:
PRINT NAME
Student ID#
All applicants must have this student advisement form completed by an Educational Service staff
member or branch campus counselor or advisor by the application deadline date.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Any NO responses to the questions below will prevent your application from being
considered for selection into the program.
HAVE THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS BEEN MET?
Application
Requirement
YES
NO
If answer is NO, indicate what
intervention/resources were shared with
student to assist them in completing requirement
Attended a Nursing
Information Session
Admissions are complete
*If YES, Date
Completed
*
High School Diploma or
GED
®
Submitted Health
Science Application
*
*Do not forward this Student Advisement Form to
Health Sciences until response to this item is
YES.
Register and pay for PN
Entrance Exam by the
deadline date.
You must specify the PN Exam when submitting
receipts for
testing .You must register and pay
for the
exam before application
deadline but will
schedule to
take the exam after the application deadline date.
Aware of Criminal
Background Check/Drug
Screen/ Physical process
Aware of TABE Test if
requirements are not met
In addition to the list above, student has had the opportunity to discuss all related topics outlined in the
Practical Nursing Application booklet including program expenses, Financial Aid opportunities, time
commitment to the program, etc.
Educational Services Staff: /
Print Name / Signature
Student Signature
Parent Signature (if applicant under 18 years of age)
GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education (ACE) and administered exclusively by GED Testing Service LLC
under license. This material is not endorsed or approved by ACE or GED Testing Service.
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Entrance Exam Study Guide
Prospective Licensed Practical Nursing Students:
Your math/science preparation must be based on your individual needs. All or part of the
following may be used to assist you in your preparation for the LPN Pre-Entrance Exam.
All students should do a practice exam from Mosby’s National League for Nursing Review Guide for
the LPN Pre-Entrance Exam. This book includes basic math, science and verbal review sections; it
is available for use in the ASC or may be purchased through any commercial bookstore.
Math Preparation
Take math TABE test.
Remediate TABE, if necessary, to 657-800-scale score.
Take LPN packet math test.
Complete “Math Skills for LPN Entrance Exam.”
Take any necessary math classes.*
Science Preparation
Take the LPN packet science test.
Review LPN science handouts.
Take the Diagnosis of Gaps in Science (DOGS) test. (This remediation must be done in the ASC
or with books/computer materials you purchase.)
Request any available handouts needed, based on science test/DOGS test.
Take any necessary science classes.*
Reading Preparation
Take Reading TABE test to 617-800-scale score.
Language Preparation
Take Language TABE test.
Remediate TABE, if necessary; to 631-800-scale score to prepare you for the LPN Entrance
Exam.
Test/Math Anxiety
View Video in ASC “Improving Mathematics Studying and Test-Taking Skills.”
Work through Conquering Math Anxiety, by Cynthia Arem. This book may be used in the ASC.
Attend a student group to learn and practice skills to reduce test anxiety through the Health and
Wellness Center. Call Patty Corey at 462-7826 for a screening to determine if this group may be
helpful to you.
Take SLS1533, “Math Anxiety,” a one-credit class that teaches students to confront and
overcome their math anxiety. This class also teaches effective math study skills.
Take SLS1501, “College Study Skills,” a one-credit class that teaches basic study and test-
taking skills.
Take SLS 1101, “Student Success,” a three-credit class that teaches basic study and test-taking
skills, time-management, learning styles and much more.
*Suggested for students who have not had science and/or math for five years or more:
i. Life Science (BSC1005)
ii. Principles of Physics (PHY1020)
iii. Introduction to Chemistry (CHM1020)
iv. Developmental Math II (MAT0028
) and/or MAT 0055 Elementary Algebra modules.
Nursing Department
Indian River State College
3209 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34981-5596