Nursing Additional Information
Program Philosophy
- The Practical Nursing program prepares individuals to practice within the legal scope of practical nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, licensed physician, or dentist. The use of the nursing process at the practical nursing level toward the maintenance of health and prevention of illness, the observation and nursing care of persons experiencing changes in their health processes, and the evaluation of health practices of patients are emphasized. Classroom instruction in theory and basic nursing skills is provided by multiple delivery methods. Under the guidance of program faculty, students gain valuable experience in the care of all ages in a variety of health care settings and/or community agencies - hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and childcare centers. (Transportation to the community agencies is the responsibility of each student.)
- Acceptance in the Practical Nursing program is based on a selective admission process.
- Progression in the Practical Nursing program is contingent upon achievement of a grade of “C” or better in each course and maintenance of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better (on a 4.0 scale).
We prepare graduates for current and future employment, lifelong learning, and independence in an everchanging healthcare environment.
The primary purpose of the Practical Nursing Program is to provide educational opportunities, which prepare the graduate for beginning practice as a licensed practical nurse.
The statement of philosophy and the objectives of the program are consistent with the philosophy and mission statement of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and are supported by the works of the National League for Nursing (NLN) Education Competencies, Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN), and Abraham Maslow.
- The National League for Nursing (NLN) Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Practical
Nursing Programs which serve as goals of nursing education for entry into nursing
practice are defined as:
- Human Flourishing: “an effort to achieve self-actualization and fulfillment within the context of a larger community of individuals, each with the right to pursue his or her own such efforts. It encompasses the uniqueness, dignity, diversity, freedom, happiness, and holistic well-being of the individual within the larger family, community, and population.” (NLN, 2014)
- Nursing Judgment: the way nurses come to understand the problems, issues, or concerns of patients, to attend to significant information, and to respond in concerned and involved ways. “Nurses employ clinical judgment in complex patient care situations, working with interprofessional teams to ensure health care quality and safety. Critical components include changes in patient status, uncertainty about the most appropriate course of action, accounting for context, and the nurse’s practical experience. Making clinical decisions is rooted in the nurse’s theoretical knowledge; ethical perspectives; relationships with patients, the patient’s caregivers, and the community; and understanding of the influence of systems on health care outcomes.” (NLN, 2014)
- Professional Identity: includes both personal and professional development and involves the internalization of core values and perspectives recognized as integral to the art and science of nursing. “Internalization of ethical codes of conduct is imperative. The nurse embraces these fundamental values in every aspect of practice while working to improve patient outcomes and promote the ideals of the nursing profession. Integral to this outcome is the nurse’s commitment to advocacy for improved health care access and service delivery for vulnerable populations and to the growth and sustainability of the nursing profession.” (NLN, 2014)
- Spirit of Inquiry: a persistent sense of curiosity that informs both learning and practice. “A nurse infused by a spirit of inquiry will raise questions, challenge traditional and existing practices, and seek creative approaches to problem-solving. A spirit of inquiry in nursing engenders innovative thinking and extends possibilities for discovering novel solutions in both predictable and unpredictable situations.” (NLN, 2014)
- Core Values are those elements of Practical Nursing that are essential to entry level
practical nursing practice and are a part of the four competencies of nursing practice:
human flourishing, nursing judgment, professional identity, and spirit of inquiry.
Core Values are defined as:
- Caring: the promotion of health, healing and hope in response to the human condition. It is a culture which characterizes the fundamental part of the nursing profession and demonstrates the nurses concern and consideration for the whole person, commitment to the common good, and outreach to those who are vulnerable. (NLN, 2014
- Diversity: affirming the uniqueness of and differences among persons, ideas, values, and ethnicities. It is a culture which encompasses many identities, influenced by the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious and political beliefs, or other ideologies. A culture of diversity is about understanding ourselves and each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the richness that individual differences bring forth. (NLN, 2014)
- Excellence: co-creating and implementing transformative strategies with daring ingenuity. It is a commitment to continuous growth, improvement and understanding. It is a culture where transformation is embraced, and the status quo and mediocrity are not tolerated. (NLN, 2014)
- Integrity: respecting the dignity and moral wholeness of every person without conditions or limitation. It is a culture which is evident when organizational principles of open communication, ethical decision-making, and humility are encouraged, expected, and demonstrated consistently. (NLN, 2014)
- Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) competencies which were developed to prepare future nurses to have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to continuously improve the quality and safety of healthcare are defined as:
- Patient-Centered Care: The recognition that the patient is the source of control and full partner in providing compassionate and coordinated care that is based on respect for the patient’s preferences, values, and needs. (QSEN, 2018).
- Teamwork and Collaboration: The ability to function effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care. (QSEN, 2018).
- Evidence-Based Practice: The integration of the best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient/family preferences and values for delivery of optimal health care. (QSEN, 2018).
- Quality Improvement: Use of data to monitor the outcomes of care processes and use improvement methods to design and test changes to continuously improve the quality and safety of health care systems. (QSEN, 2018).
- Safety: The minimization of risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and individual performance. (QSEN, 2018).
- Informatics: The use of information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making. (QSEN, 2018).
- Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs represents a major concept on which the practical
nursing curriculum is developed. The nursing process is the vehicle through which
the nurse enhances the health of the individual within one’s environment. The nurse
incorporates cognitive and psychomotor skills, scientific and social foundations,
communication skills and health promotion concepts in providing safe nursing care
though the life span. The 5 levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs are:
- Physiological Needs
- Safety and Security
- Love and Belonging
- Self Esteem
- Self-Actualization
- References:
- National League for Nursing. (2014). Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Practical/Vocations, Diploma, Associate Degree, Baccalaureate, Master’s, Practice Doctorate, and Research Doctorate Programs in Nursing. New York, NY: National League for Nursing.
- Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Institute. (2018). QSEN Competencies. Retrieved from: http://qsen.org/competencies/pre-licensure-ksas/
- Cooper, K. & Gosnell, K. (2019). Foundations and Adult Health Nursing. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.
- The Academic/Career Mobility Program provides a seamless educational option in nursing with two exit points allowing students to choose a career as an LPN or RN. The program is implemented in a shared framework which prepares graduates to use their skill and knowledge to fulfill the role of the nurse and is supported by the works of the National League for Nursing (NLN) Education Competencies and Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN). The NLN Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Associate Degree Programs in Nursing which serve as goals of nursing education for entry into nursing practice are: human flourishing, nursing judgment, professional identity, and spirit of inquiry. QSEN competencies which were developed to prepare future nurses to have the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to continuously improve the quality and safety of healthcare are: patient centered care, safety, informatics, teamwork and collaboration, evidenced based practice, and quality improvement. These core components are introduced, developed, and built upon through the curriculum; however, distinct parameters have been established that support the PN and RN scopes of nursing practice. The curriculum is structured around a clearly defined organizing framework and provides the foundation for a competency-based approach to nursing education through the utilization of interactive and student-focused learning strategies. Content and performance-based outcomes for the nursing courses are selected, developed, and leveled from simple to complex. Students who successfully complete the first year will receive a diploma qualifying them to apply for licensure as practical nurses. Following successful completion of the second year, students will receive the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing qualifying them to apply for licensure as registered nurses.
- Acceptance into the program is based on a selective admissions process. In order to be considered for admission, applicants must comply with college and program admission requirements. Licensed practical nurses who graduated within one year of admission to the program or have practiced at least one full year within the past three years and hold a current unrestricted license for practical nursing can apply to the program and may be admitted to the associate degree level based on a selective admission process.
- Progression in the nursing program is contingent upon achievement of a grade of “C” or better in each biological science, nursing and mathematics course and maintenance of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better (on a 4.0 scale). Completion of the nursing program will meet the KCTCS graduate requirement of digital literacy.
- Note: The Kentucky Board of Nursing may deny a nursing graduate admission to the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX Exam) if an individual has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony which involves acts that bear directly on the qualifications of the graduate to practice nursing.
The purpose of the program is to provide a seamless educational curriculum in nursing with two exit points allowing students to choose a career as an LPN or RN. Students who successfully complete the first year will receive a diploma qualifying them to apply for licensure as practical nurses (NCLEX-PN). Following successful completion of the second year, students will receive the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing qualifying them to apply for licensure as registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). The curriculum is structured around a clearly defined organizing framework and provides the foundation for a competency-based approach to nursing education through the utilization of interactive and student-focused learning strategies. Content and performance-based outcomes for the nursing courses are selected, developed, and leveled from simple to complex.
- The philosophy of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program is congruent with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) mission statement and is supported by the works of the National League for Nursing (NLN) Education Competencies and Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN).
- The nursing faculty believe nursing is holistically evolving, blended with science, and the art of caring. Nursing demonstrates the provision of patient-centered care based on quality standards and evidence based practice through the inclusion of theoretical concepts.
- Learning in an educational setting is enhanced by a teacher-student relationship and clearly defined student learning outcomes. The nurse educator’s responsibility is to structure and facilitate optimal conditions for critical thinking from simple to complex. The student brings to this relationship the willingness to learn and is accountable for his/her education.
- The ADN graduate, having achieved the graduate outcomes is prepared to practice in a variety of settings with the parameters of individual knowledge and experience according to the standards of practice.
- References:
- National League for Nursing. (2010). Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Practical/Vocations, Diploma, Associate Degree, Baccalaureate, Master’s, Practice Doctorate, and Research Doctorate Programs in Nursing. New York, NY: National League for Nursing.
- Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Institute. (2018). QSEN Competencies. Retrieved from: http://qsen.org/competencies/pre-licensure-ksas/
- Core competencies in nursing education are those elements of Associate Degree Nursing
that are essential to entry level registered nursing practice and are inherent of
nursing practice. The National League for Nursing (NLN) Outcomes and Competencies
for Graduates of Associate Degree Programs in Nursing which serve as goals of nursing
education for entry into nursing practice are defined as:
- Human Flourishing: “…an effort to achieve self-actualization and fulfillment within the context of a larger community of individuals, each with the right to pursue his or her own such efforts. ...Human flourishing encompasses the uniqueness, dignity, diversity, freedom, happiness, and holistic well-being of the individual within the larger family, community, and population.” (NLN, 2010, p.33)
- Nursing Judgement: encompassing “…critical thinking, clinical judgment, and integration of best evidence into practice. Nurses must employ these processes as they make decisions about clinical care, the development and application of research and the broader dissemination of insights and research findings to the community, and management and resource allocation.” (NLN, 2010, p.34) This process is driven by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to assist in the prioritization of patient-centered care.
- Professional Identity: “… the internalization of core values and perspectives recognized
as integral to the art and science of nursing. The nurse embraces these fundamental
values in every aspect of practice while working to improve patient outcomes and promote
the ideal of the nursing profession.” (NLN, 2010, p.35)
- Holistically Evolving: encompasses all mind-body-spirit interactions along the continuum of the human experience while providing care in a dynamic and progressive health care environment
- Spirit of Inquiry: “…a persistent sense of curiosity that informs both learning and practice. A nurse infused by a spirit of inquiry will raise questions, challenge traditional and existing practices, and seek creative approaches to problems.” (NLN, 2010, p.36)
- Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) competencies which were developed to
prepare future nurses to have the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to continuously
improve the quality and safety of healthcare are defined as:
- Patient-Centered Care: “Recognize the patient or designee as the source of control and full partner in providing compassionate and coordinated care based on respect for patient’s preferences, values, and needs” (QSEN, 2018).
- Safety: “Minimizes risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and individual performance” (QSEN, 2018).
- Informatics: “Use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making” (QSEN, 2018).
- Teamwork and Collaboration: “Function effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care” (QSEN, 2018).
- Evidence-Based Practice: “Integrate best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient/family preferences and values for delivery of optimal health care” (QSEN, 2018).
- Quality Improvement: “Use data to monitor the outcomes of care processes and use improvement methods to design and test changes to continuously improve the quality and safety of health care systems” (QSEN, 2018).
- References:
- National League for Nursing. (2010). Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Practical/Vocations, Diploma, Associate Degree, Baccalaureate, Master’s, Practice Doctorate, and Research Doctorate Programs in Nursing. New York, NY: National League for Nursing.
- Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Institute. (2018). QSEN Competencies. Retrieved: http://qsen.org/competencies/pre-licensure-ksas/
Program Cost Estimate
| FIRST YEAR | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees: | ||||
| Resident ($195/credit hour) | $2,730 | $2,925 | $1,170 | $6,825 |
| Credit Hour Fee ($8/credit hour) | $112 | $120 | $48 | $280 |
| Miscellaneous: | ||||
| Books/Required Materials (Book Bundle, ATI, Lab Kit, ExamSoft) | $1,350 | $900 | $2,250 | |
| Laptop | $350 | $350 | ||
| Screening for Clinical (physical) | $120 | $120 | ||
| Clinical Requirements (immunization/titers, drug screen, background check, TB screening) | $250 | $250 | ||
| CPR | $15 | $15 | ||
| Uniforms/Supplies | $200 | $200 | ||
| Liability Insurance | $11 | $11 | $11 | $33 |
| KBN Application and Fees | $200 | $200 | ||
| NCLEX–PN Fee | $200 | $200 | ||
| ATI Virtual Review | $500 | $500 | ||
| Pinning Cost (pinning uniform, pin, cap/stripe) | $100 | $100 | ||
| Total | $5,138 | $3,956 | $2,229 | $11,323 |
| FIRST YEAR | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees: | |||||
| Resident ($195/credit hour) | $2,535 | $2,535 | $2,535 | $2,535 | $10,140 |
| Credit Hour Fee ($8/credit hour) | $104 | $104 | $104 | $104 | $416 |
| Miscellaneous: | |||||
| Books/Required Materials (Book Bundle, ATI, Lab Kit, ExamSoft) | $1,350 | $200 | $1,300 | $100 | $2,950 |
| Laptop | $350 | $350 | |||
| Screening for Clinical (physical) | $120 | $120 | |||
| Clinical Requirements (immunization/titers, drug screen, background check, TB screening) | $250 | $150 | $400 | ||
| CPR | $15 | $15 | |||
| Uniforms/Supplies | $200 | $200 | |||
| Liability Insurance | $11 | $11 | $11 | $11 | $44 |
| KBN Application and Fees | $200 | $200 | |||
| NCLEX–PN Fee | $200 | $200 | |||
| ATI Virtual Review | $450 | $450 | |||
| Pinning Cost (pinning uniform, pin, cap/stripe) | $100 | $100 | |||
| Total | $4,935 | $3,300 | $4,100 | $3,750 | $16,085 |
| FIRST YEAR | Transition Course | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees: | ||||
| Resident ($195/credit hour) | $585 | $2,535 | $2,535 | $5,655 |
| Credit Hour Fee ($8/credit hour) | $24 | $104 | $104 | $232 |
| Miscellaneous: | ||||
| Books/Required Materials (Book Bundle, ATI, Lab Kit, ExamSoft) | $50 | $1,300 | $100 | $1,450 |
| Laptop | $350 | $350 | ||
| Screening for Clinical (physical) | $120 | $120 | ||
| Clinical Requirements (immunization/titers, drug screen, background check, TB screening) | $250 | $250 | ||
| CPR | $15 | $15 | ||
| Uniforms/Supplies | $200 | $200 | ||
| Liability Insurance | $11 | $11 | $22 | |
| KBN Application and Fees | $200 | $200 | ||
| NCLEX–PN Fee | $200 | $200 | ||
| ATI Virtual Review | $500 | $500 | ||
| Pinning Cost (pinning uniform, pin, cap/stripe) | $100 | $100 | ||
| Total | $1,594 | $3,950 | $3,750 | $9,294 |
Expenses: In addition to tuition, students are responsible for transportation to and from the various clinical sites, purchasing liability insurance, books, uniforms, and other supplies.
Technical Standards
Nursing at the technical level involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions. All students should possess sufficient:
-
Nursing at the technical level involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions. All students should possess sufficient:
-
auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, IV infusion pumps, Doptones, fire alarms, etc.; and
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gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment required in meeting health needs; and
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physical strength and endurance to be able to access patients as well as provide patient care for extended periods of time. This may include transporting patients and equipment within a facility, standing or being mobile for 8-12 or more hours, constant standing and walking, lifting up to 50 pounds; and
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communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the individual’s interest; according to KAR 314.051 (1) (c) An applicant is able to understandably speak and write the English language and to read the English language with comprehension; and
-
intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.
In addition to the other qualifications, the college will, in compliance with KCTCS regulations and in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, endeavor to provide opportunities to all students in order to promote diversity among the student population in the Practical Nursing Program.
Nursing at the technical level involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions. All students should possess:
-
sufficient visual acuity, such as is needed in preparation and administration of medications, and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and nursing care;
-
sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, IV infusion pumps, Doptones, fire alarms, ;
-
sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment required in meeting health needs;
-
sufficient communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and
-
sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for
Student Learning Outcomes
- Promote the human dignity, integrity, self-determination, and personal growth of patients,
oneself, and members of the health care team (human flourishing).
- Contribute in developing, implementing, and evaluating culturally competent, individualized plans of care focusing on services and activities that promote health and independence, maintain or restore health, or support a peaceful death and advocate for access and quality of care for patients.
- Reinforce teaching/learning processes to facilitate the patients informed decision-making to achieve positive outcomes and support the patient’s functional patterns that demonstrate respect for diverse patients.
- Provide a rationale for judgments used in the provision of safe, quality care and
for decisions that promote the health of patients within a family context (nursing
judgment).
- Utilize the nursing process as a basis for clinical judgment to optimize outcomes of care for the patient, family, and community.
- Establish and maintain effective/therapeutic communication in collaboration with patients, families, significant others, and members of the health care team;
- Provide nursing care through effective organizational skills and appropriate delegation within the scope of practice.
- Assess how one’s personal strengths and values affect one’s identity as a nurse and
one’s contributions as a member of the health care team (professional identity).
- Use principles of advocacy, quality and safety, and caring to assist in improving healthcare outcomes.
- Exhibit professional behaviors/practice as defined by the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of nursing.
- Employ ethical and responsible use of technology to locate, use, and communicate information to improve the quality and safety of patient care and the life and employability of graduates.
- Question the basis for nursing actions, considering research, evidence, tradition,
and patient preferences (spirit of inquiry).
- Consider evidence-based literature/research for use in nursing practice.
- Recognize need for continuous learning within the nursing profession.
- Advocate for patients and families in ways that promote their self-determination,
integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings (human flourishing).
- Incorporate culturally competent, individualized plans of care focusing on services and activities that promote independence, maintain or restore health, or support a peaceful death and advocate for access and quality of care for patients.
- Formulate teaching/learning processes to facilitate patients’ informed decision-making to support and achieve positive outcomes that demonstrates respect for diverse patients.
- Formulate judgments in practice, substantiated with evidence, that integrate nursing
science in the provision of safe, quality-care and promote the health of patients
within a family and community context (nursing judgment).
- Utilize the nursing process as a basis for clinical judgment to optimize outcomes of care for the patient, family, and community.
- Establish and maintain effective/therapeutic communication in collaboration with patients, families, significant others, and members of the health care team.
- Manage the direct provision of nursing care through effective organizational skills, appropriate delegation, and supervision within the scope of practice.
- Develop one’s role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical
practice and an evolving identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice,
caring, advocacy, and safe, quality care for diverse patients within a family and
community context (professional identity).
- Employ principles of advocacy, quality and safety, healthcare policy, and cost effectiveness to improve healthcare outcomes.
- Exhibit professional behaviors/practice as defined by the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of nursing.
- Incorporate the ability to ethically and responsibly integrate technology to skillfully locate, evaluate, use, create and communicate information to improve the quality and safety of patient care and the life and employability of graduates.
- Consider the evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice to challenge the status
quo, question underlying assumptions, and offer new insights to improve the quality
of care for patients, families, and communities (spirit of inquiry).
- Interpret evidence-based literature/research for use in nursing practice.
- Exhibit continuous learning within the nursing profession.
Program Outcomes
| Year | PN-Traditional (Glasgow) |
PN – Academic Career Mobility (Glasgow) |
PN – Academic Career Mobility (Bowling Green) |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Year | PN-Traditional (Glasgow) |
PN – Academic Career Mobility (Glasgow) |
PN – Academic Career Mobility (Bowling Green) |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 78% | 70% | 87% | 76% |
| Year | PN-Traditional (Glasgow) |
PN – Academic Career Mobility (Glasgow) |
PN – Academic Career Mobility (Bowling Green) |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Year | RN-Academic Career Mobility (Glasgow) |
LPN to RN – Academic Career Mobility (Glasgow) |
RN-Academic Career Mobility (Bowling Green) |
LPN to RN – Academic Career Mobility (Bowling Green) |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Year | RN-Academic Career Mobility (Glasgow) |
LPN to RN – Academic Career Mobility (Glasgow) |
RN-Academic Career Mobility (Bowling Green) |
LPN to RN – Academic Career Mobility (Bowling Green) |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | -- | -- | 79% | 95% | 83% |
| Year | RN-Academic Career Mobility (Glasgow) |
LPN to RN – Academic Career Mobility (Glasgow) |
RN-Academic Career Mobility (Bowling Green) |
LPN to RN – Academic Career Mobility (Bowling Green) |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | -- | -- | 97% | 100% | 97.5% |
Technology Requirement
To make sure you can complete your KCTCS assignments online, a newer model PC is best. In most cases, a Mac can work, but some courses use software that is not compatible. Chromebooks also are not compatible with many course requirements.
A mobile phone or tablet can be used to check your email and announcements, but these devices alone usually are not the best for completing most coursework.
If you plan to enroll in courses like CAD, GIS, 3D modeling, video editing, etc. we recommend that you have a computer with the minimum preferred specs (see below). If you’re unsure of the requirements, please contact your instructor or your college’s IT Department before purchasing a device.
Recommended Technology Specs1
| Hardware | Minimum | Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3 or higher | Intel Core i5 or higher |
| Memory | 8GB or higher | 16GB or higher |
| Disk | 256 GB Solid State | 256 GB Solid State or higher |
| Camera | Integrated or standalone webcam | Integrated or standalone webcam |
| Peripherals | Speakers and microphone2 | Speakers and microphone2 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 or MacOS3 | Windows 10 or MacOS3 |
| Network | Wireless (802.11g/n/ac) Gigabit Ethernet |
Wireless (802.11g/n/ac) Gigabit Ethernet |
| Internet Speed | Minimum 3.0 Mbps (up/down)4 | Minimum 5.0 Mbps (up/down)4 |
| Software | Microsoft Office 365 + any additional course required applications5 | Microsoft Office 365 + any additional course required applications5 |
1If purchasing a new computer, it is recommended that you verify the warranty provided is sufficient for your needs. Warranties vary from as little as 6 months to multi-year. It is recommended that a minimum of 1 year warranty be included with the computer.
2Built-in speakers and microphone are usually standard on newer laptops. Add-on earbuds or headsets with a microphone will produce a higher quality experience when participating in live or recorded classes and materials.
3The operating system should be kept up to date with the most recent updates for the best experience.
4These speeds are assuming a dedicated internet connection with no other devices in use, or streaming, on your network. If you are unsure of your current speed, you can visit a site such as https://fast.com to run a test while connected to your network.
5All KCTCS students are eligible for a free license of Microsoft Office 365 applications.
- For all nursing course testing for the nursing programs will be via ExamSoft which is a computer-based testing software. This software requires students to complete exams using Examplify on their personal device (laptop/ipad). Therefore, all students must have a personal electronic device that meets the minimum system requirements found at this link: https://examsoft.com/resources/examplify-minimum-system-requirements/
- Students will also need a computer with webcam and microphone for standardized testing completed in the program.
