Each student who successfully completes all course requirements and meets all financial and other school obligations is awarded the diploma and pin of Heritage Valley Sewickley School of Nursing.
Prior to graduation, the student makes application to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and files for licensure within its own jurisdiction.
Upon successful completion of the requirements of the program, graduates schedule individual appointments for the examination. Satisfactory completion of this examination enables the graduate to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the state in which the examination was taken.
In order for a graduate to practice professional nursing in Pennsylvania between the time an approved nursing education program was completed until the results of the first licensing examination results are received, a Temporary Practice Permit (TPP) is required from the State Board of Nursing. A TPP expires in one year if the licensing exam is not taken.
According to “The Professional Nursing Law” of Pennsylvania, the State Board of Nursing shall not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by “The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act”, or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country; unless:
- at least ten (10) years have elapsed from the date of conviction.
- the applicant demonstrates to the Board that he has made significant progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of patients or the public or substantial risk of further criminal violations, and the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in or authorized by this act.
As used in this subsection, the term “convicted” shall include a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere. An applicant’s statement on the application declaring the absence of a conviction shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the absence of a conviction, unless the Board has some evidence of the contrary.
