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RN Diploma

RN Diploma

Initial Program Approval by the Missouri State Board of Nursing

*APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED AND WILL REOPEN IN DECEMBER*

PROGRAM DATES

Program Runs

September 2024 - June 2025

Classes designed as hybrid offerings. Dates to be present in classroom will be determined by Program Administrator and faculty

1004 Clock Hours - Diploma Program

Program completion dates for the 2024-2025 academic year are subject to change,

due to unforeseen circumstances and/or events.

Applications for the RN Diploma Program are now closed and will reopen in December for the 2025-2026 school year.

LOCATION OF PROGRAMS

 Classes are located at: 810 S. Wall Ave Joplin, MO 64801

HOW TO APPLY

Apply in Person at 810 S. Wall Ave Joplin, MO 64801

OR

Apply at the link "Application" below on this page

 You can also pay the application fee on the link "Pay Application Fee" below

To complete the first step of the application process,

you must complete and submit your application and pay your application fee.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

This program is WIOA approved. Please contact the MO Job Center at 417-629-3000, or www.wibswmo.com, or 730 S. Wall Ave, Joplin to apply.

To apply for Federal Student Aid, go to Student Aid and complete your FAFSA. 

For questions regarding Financial Aid, please contact our Financial Aid Coordinator at 417-680-0004. 

  • The Registered Nurse (RN) is a person who has graduated from a state-approved school of nursing, passed the National Council Licensure Examination (for) Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam and is licensed to practice by a state board of nursing to provide patient care.

     The RN is responsible for managing the individualized patient care by promoting and restoring patients’ health by utilizing the nursing process; collaborating with providers and multidisciplinary team members; providing physical and psychosocial support to patients, friends, and families; promoting preventative measures in the community; and supervising assigned team members.

     Approval and Accreditation: This program has initial program approval by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

     You may contact the Missouri State Board of Nursing at:

    P.O. Box 656, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656 – Telephone (573) 751-0080.

     The goal of the program is to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam which is scheduled by the candidate upon successful completion of the course. Graduation from the nursing program does not guarantee eligibility to take the licensure exam. The Missouri State Board of Nursing determines eligibility for taking the NCLEX-RN:

    State of Missouri Nursing Practice Act Issued by Missouri State Board of Nursing:
    Reference to Nursing Practice Act 335.066. Denial, revocation, or suspension of license, grounds for, civil immunity for providing information-complaint procedures. Excerpt:

    The board may refuse to issue or reinstate any certificate of registration or authority, permit or license required pursuant to chapter 335 for one of any combination of causes stated in subsection 2 of this section or the board may, as a condition to issuing or reinstating any such permit or license, require a person to submit himself or herself for identification, intervention, treatment, or rehabilitation by the impaired nurse program as provided in section 335.067. The board shall notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for the refusal and shall advise the applicant of his or her right to file a complaint with the administrative hearing commission as provided by chapter 621, RSMo.

    *Information technology proficiency is not required.

  • To be considered for acceptance into the RN Diploma program, interested individuals must:

    • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age upon entering program.
    • Submit application form and fee.
    • Submit official high school transcript or GED/HiSET certificate.
    • Be a graduate of the FTC PN Program.
    • Maintain a current, unencumbered LPN license.
    • Sign consent and complete drug and background screening.
    • Contact Financial Aid.
    • Submit two (2) work references.
    • Submit verification of required immunizations and immunization status.
    • Submit completed essay.
    • Complete scored interview.
    • Attend orientation session prior to first day of class. 
  • Admission Criteria:  Completion of an application with $50 non-refundable fee submitted; be a graduate of the FTC LPN program; have an active, unencumbered LPN license; provide an official copy of high school transcript, GED or HSE; apply for financial aid and meet with the Financial Aid Office; and complete the RN Diploma program admission packet.  (See admission packet)

     

    Advanced Placement:  The FTC RN Diploma program does not offer advanced placement and is only open to previous FTC Practical Nursing program graduates with a current LPN license. 

     

     Additional Admission Requirements: Applicants must present a current American Heart Association CPR card by Orientation. In addition, the applicant must present with a negative drug screen and an acceptable criminal background check and Missouri Disqualification List to be accepted into the program. 

     

    Once accepted into the program, the applicant must provide documentation for required immunizations and health screenings (Hepatitis B, Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Influenza and TB). 3 doses of Hep B & a positive titer, a Tdap within the last 10 years, 2 doses of MMR or a positive titer, 2 doses of Varicella or a positive titer. 2, 2-step TB skin tests or a TB blood test (TB Gold or T-spot), and Influenza vaccine in the fall.

     

    The COVID-19 vaccination is not required for entrance into the program. However, the vaccine may be required for specific clinical sites.  It may not be possible to complete the required clinical hours without the COVID-19 vaccination or clinical site approved exemption. See the FTC RN Diploma Immunization form. Please note: the FTC RN Diploma Immunization Form must be completed by a health care professional.

     

    Student Services:  A variety of student services are available to RN Diploma students including Financial Aid assistance and vocational guidance and placement.

     

    Tuition Withdrawal Policy:  RN Diploma students are subject to the FTC Tuition Withdrawal Policy section of the FTC Student Handbook which is located in the Forms section of the FTC website at franklintechnologycenter.com.

     

    Nondiscrimination Policy:  Franklin Technology Center endorses and practices the principle of equal education and employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age or non-job-related handicap or disability in the education programs, services or activities it operates.

     

    COMPETENCIES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

     

    Students who wish to qualify for admission and progression in the RN Diploma program must meet both academic and performance requirements.

     

    Academic requirements are described in the RN Diploma student handbook policies.  In addition, the student must satisfy performance standards.  These performance standards include motor skills, physical stamina, mobility, hearing, visual tactile, reading, arithmetic competence, emotional stability, analytical thinking, interpersonal skills, and communication skills.

     

    Students must satisfy the following competencies and performance standards:

     

    Motor skills:  Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.
    Examples:  
    Positioning clients, obtaining and processing specimens, calibrating and properly using equipment, insert catheters, administer injections, use a computer, twist or squeeze with fingers, stand and maintain balance, reach and bend, move within confined spaces.

     

    Physical strength and endurance: Physical stamina sufficient to perform full range of required client care activities for entire length of work role.
    Examples:  
    Sustain repetitive movements, maintain physical tolerance, lift, push and pull, support 25 pounds, move heavy objects weighing 10-50 pounds, defend self against combative client, carry equipment, use upper body strength.

     

    Mobility:  Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces. 
    Examples:  
    Twist, bend, stoop/squat, move quickly, climb and walk.

     

     Hearing:  Auditory ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in providing nursing care in a timely manner. 

    Examples:  Ability to detect auditory alarms, cries for help, and auscultatory sounds; ability to hear in situations when not able to see lips of speaker; ability to hear sounds of a normal or faint volume level.

     

    Visual:  Ability sufficient for accurate observation and assessment necessary for nursing care.
    Examples:
      Read graphs, scales, computer screens, electro cardiograms, distinguish colors and intensity, prepare and administer medications, observe client responses.

     

    Tactile:  Ability sufficient for physical monitoring and assessment of health care needs. 
    Examples:  
    Perform palpation, detect heat and cold, ability to perform functions of physical exam and/or those activities related to therapeutic interventions such as catheter insertion and IV insertion.

     

    Reading:  Ability to read and understand written documents. 
    Examples:
     Read and understand textbook, policies, procedures, patient charts and medication administration records (MARs).

     

    Arithmetic:  Ability to perform computations at a minimum of an eighth-grade level.  
    Examples:  
    Counting, measuring, and performing mathematical calculations.

     

    Emotional stability:  Able to assume responsibility and accountability for own actions. 
    Examples:  
    Establish therapeutic boundaries, provide client with emotional support, adapt to stress, deal with the unexpected, perform multiple responsibilities concurrently, handle strong emotion.

     

    Analytical thinking:  Reasoning skills sufficient to perform deductive/inductive thinking for nursing decisions. 
    Examples:  
    Process information, evaluate outcomes, problem-solve, prioritize tasks, use short- and long-term memory.

     

    Interpersonal skills:  Able to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
    Examples:  
    Negotiate interpersonal conflict, respect differences in clients, establish rapport with clients and co-workers, respect the cultural diversity of clients and co-workers.

     

    Communication:  Abilities sufficient for interaction with others in both verbal and written English; ability to operate information technology systems. 
    Examples:  
    Teach client and family, explain procedures, give oral reports, interact with others, speak on telephone, direct activities of others, convey information through writing.

     

    PLEASE REVIEW THE ABOVE COMPETENCIES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.  PLEASE DISCUSS ANY CONCERNS WITH THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR OR FACULTY.

  • Step 1

    Submit Application with fee to Franklin Technology Center

    In order to be considered for admission into RN Diploma program, the first step in the process is to receive an application packet and complete the following:

    • Read the program sheet
    • Review program cost sheet and keep a copy (Important: The school reserves the right to adjust program tuition and fees prior to the start of the program.)
    • Review Competencies & Performance Standards
    • Complete and sign application form
    • Return signed application form, consent forms, and the non-refundable $50 application fee to Franklin Technology Center 810 S Wall Ave. Joplin, MO 64801.

     

    Step 2

    Transcripts

    Once you have completed Step 1, you will be asked to provide the following:

    • Official high school or GED/HiSET transcripts. It is your responsibility to request your transcript from the High School you graduated from or the state you received your GED/HiSET from. Please have requested copies mailed to:

      Franklin Technology Center

      810 S Wall Ave

      Joplin, MO 64801

    • Franklin Technology Center-Adult Education Practical Nursing transcript. Go to Franklin Technology Center and click on ‘Student Information’ and then click on ‘Transcript Request.’ You must request an official copy of your transcript.

    Have your transcript sent to the program administrator at:

    Franklin Technology Center

    RN Diploma Program Admissions

    Attn: Program Administrator

     

    Step 3

    Financial Aid

    • FAFSA must be completed to be considered for the program.
    • The FAFSA must be completed online at studentaid.gov. You may call the financial aid coordinator at 417-680-0004, ext. 2062 if you need assistance completing the FAFSA.
    • If you have a previous loan that was in default status, but have completed the requirements to take care of the default status, you MUST provide the financial aid coordinator with a letter from the State Department of Education confirming that your loan is no longer in default status. Failure to do so will result in your name being removed from the applicant pool.
    • All applicants must make initial contact with the financial aid coordinator to be considered for the program, even if you are not planning to use financial aid monies to pay for the program. You can contact the financial aid coordinator at 417-680-0004, ext. 2062.

     

    Step 4

    Complete Program Admissions Packet

    • Submit two (2) work references (in the event of non-employed, may substitute a volunteer reference).
    • Submit verification of required immunizations and immunization status.
    • Submit completed essay answering all questions provided.

     

     Step 5

    Interview

    Following a paid application, the RN Diploma Program Administrator will contact you with information on scheduling a scored interview with the RN Diploma Program Administrator and other faculty member(s). Business casual dress is expected. A No-Call-No-Show to the interview is considered forfeiture of application to the program. A deduction of up to 5 points to the applicant’s overall score may occur with each instance of rescheduling the interview or arriving late to the interview.

     

    Step 6

    Provisional Acceptance

    The Nursing Committee will select the incoming class from the pool of applicants who have met the benchmark for the overall applicant score determined by the Nursing Committee and returned all required forms/documents by the deadline dates listed above. Students will be notified via e-mail regarding their admission status.

     

    All other applicants meeting the overall benchmark score will be placed on an alternate list by numerical ranking. These applicants will be notified via email that they have been selected for the alternate list.

     

    Step 7

    Screenings

    Upon provisional acceptance the RN Diploma Program Administrator will make contact via email in regard to the enrollment day and the orientation day.

     

    These days will include information in regard to completing the drug and background screening and program specifics.

     

    Step 8

    Enrollment & Orientation

    All students will be required to attend an enrollment day and an orientation day prior to the first day of class. Students will be contacted regarding program-specific enrollment and orientation date, time and location after acceptance via email.

     

    Please direct all correspondence and inquiries to:

    Franklin Technology Center

    810 S. Wall Avenue

    Joplin, MO 64801

    Telephone: 417-680-0004

    Fax: 417-680-0005

     

    *Disclaimer: The programs and courses require a minimum number of students in order for the classes to be offered.

  • Areas of study:

    • Nursing leadership and management
    • Nurse Practice Act
    • Scope of Practice
    • Professional nursing skills
    • Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing
    • Advanced Nursing Care for Obstetrics
    • Advanced Pediatric Nursing
    • Pharmacology integrated
    • Mental health integrated
    • Clinical Rotations (Hands-on Patient Care)
    1. Orientation to Professional Nursing
      1. Classes designed as hybrid offerings. Dates to be present in classroom will be determined by Program Administrator and faculty
      2. Courses
        1. 48 clock hours - Leadership and Management
        2. 160 clock hours - Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing
        3. 80 clock hours - Advanced Maternal Newborn Nursing
        4. 80 clock hours - Advanced Pediatric Nursing

        Total of 368 clock hours

      II. Clinical Practice
      1. Clinical hours summary
        1. 12 clinical hours - Leadership and Management with a charge nurse or nursing leader
        2. 576 clinical hours - Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing
        3. 24 clinical hours- Advanced Maternal Newborn Nursing
        4. 24 clock hours - NCLEX-RN Prep

                        Total of 636 clock hours
                                      
           
    2.  The total number of clock hours contained in the RN Diploma program is 1004, which includes 392 theory hours and 612 clinical hours.
  •  

    Jodi Stewart

    Jodi Stewart - RN Diploma Program Administrator/CNA Instructor

    Education: Fort Scott Community College- ADN

    MSSU- BSN

    Pittsburg State University- MSN

    Jodi Stewart has been a Registered Nurse since 2009.  Her experience in nursing includes Medical/Surgical, Ortho/Neuro, wound care, post-partum, home health and hospice, and most recently being a school nurse.  She discovered her love for teaching early in her nursing career after being asked to precept for nurses in clinical rotations and train new nurses to the facilities she worked. Jodi graduated with her ADN from Fort Scott Community College in 2009, with her BSN from MSSU in 2017, and with her MSN with education emphasis from Pittsburg State University in 2019. 

    Jodi and her husband have seven children between them and she loves spending time with their kids.  They enjoy traveling and exploring new places.  Their family moved to Joplin in 2015 from Southeast Kansas and continue to love it here.  Her hobbies include reading, dancing with the kids, and singing along to the radio.

    Sara Staples

    Sara Staples - RN Diploma Instructor/CNA Instructor

    Education: Pittsburg State University- BSN

    Western Governors University- MSN

    Sara Staples has been a Registered Nurse since 2015.  Her experience in nursing includes Geriatric, Ortho/Neuro, Medical/Surgical, Long Term Care, and Skilled Nursing.  She discovered her love for teaching quickly when helping other nursing students while in college and again with clinical nursing students on the floor she worked. Sara graduated with her BSN from PSU in 2015, and with her MSN with education emphasis from WGU in 2019. 

    Sara and her husband have 2 children who are active in soccer. They spend the weekends at games and enjoy traveling during the off season. They moved to Joplin in 2017 shortly after their youngest was born. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, dancing and watching her kids play sports.

  • Jodi Stewart: RN Diploma Program Administrator

    Phone: 417-680-0004 Ext. 2066

    Fax: 417-680-0005

    Email: jodistewart@joplinschools.org

  • Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy

     

    Franklin Technology Center adheres to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Students accepted into the program are required to follow the drug screening policy as stated below. 

    1. Use or suspected use of intoxicants or controlled substance and/or unlawful possession of any illegal or controlled substance during school or clinical hours or during school related/sponsored activity shall subject a student to dismissal from the program. The student must submit to a drug or alcohol screen according to the faculty instruction and within the time frame directed by the same. If the student refuses to complete a drug or alcohol screen, the student will be assumed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Failure to comply with required testing will result in dismissal from the program. Not providing a specimen within a timely manner, or submitting an altered, diluted or substituted specimen will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. 
    2. Franklin Technology Center reserves the right to perform unscheduled or random drug screens in order to comply with clinical site requirements and assure that students are not under the influence of intoxicants or illegal or controlled substances. 

    All offers of acceptance into Franklin Technology Center programs are made as conditional offers. The conditions will include a satisfactory background check and negative drug screen. Acceptance into the program will be denied if there is refusal to read and sign the drug screen consent form, if an applicant is found in possession of specimen altering devices, if applicant is unable to provide a specimen in a timely manner, or for submitting an altered/substituted specimen. 

    To ensure compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, students will be tested as a condition of admission, upon reasonable suspicion, and post-accident or post-injury. (See Franklin Technology Center Student Handbook for additional information.)

    Students must abide by the terms of the above policy and must report any conviction under a criminal drug statute for violations occurring on or off school premises. A conviction must be reported within five (5) days after the conviction. Students convicted of involvement in a criminal drug offense will be dismissed from the program. 

An application must be filled out AND the application fee must be paid in order to apply for this program.

Please click on the links below to access both of those items.

**tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are estimates only and are subject to change**

A NON-REFUNDABLE Application Fee of $50 is required prior to acceptance into program.

  • $13,000.00

  • $575

  • $2,851.00

  • $16,426.00

*Program information and cost subject to change.*