2010-2011 Quarters

Summer: June 30 - Aug. 24, 2010

Fall: Sept. 20 - Dec. 9, 2010
Winter: Jan. 3 - Mar. 24, 2011
Spring: April 4 - June 21, 2011

COMPASS Placement Test

 Who takes the COMPASS test?

 What is the purpose of the COMPASS test?
 How much time does it take to complete the COMPASS test?
 How do I arrange to take the test and what will I need?
 What subjects are included in the test?
 Is there a fee for the test?
 How can I prepare for the test?
 Am I allowed to retest to improve my scores?
 When will I receive my results?

WHO TAKES THE COMPASS TEST? 

Students whose first language is English, and non-native English speakers who read and write
English fluently, are required to take the COMPASS placement test prior to enrolling in a
degree or certificate program.

 Students with a college transcript showing successful completion of college level Math
and/or English may not be required to take the COMPASS exam.
 Students who have taken the COMPASS exam at another college within the last two years
may have their scores faxed from the originating institution to the Assessment Center at
425-739-8207.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE COMPASS TEST?

COMPASS is a computer-based test, designed to assist advisors in placing students in the

appropriate level of English and math courses for student success. Lake Washington
Technical College offers English and math courses for many levels of placement.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE COMPASS TEST?

COMPASS is not a timed test and students cannot fail. Total testing time is approximately
1.5 to 2 hours (each section takes 20-30 minutes). An additional 30 minutes may be spent at
the start of the exam answering questions regarding student's background and educational
plans.

HOW DO I ARRANGE TO TAKE THE TEST AND WHAT WILL I NEED?

 No appointment is necessary; you may test on a Monday and Wednesday 8:00am - 2:00pm,
Tuesday 8:00am - 3:30pm, or Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm, by coming to room W204 on the
second floor of the West building.
 You must have government-issued photo ID and an LWTC Student ID number to test
(available in W201).
 No dictionaries or electronic devices are allowed in the testing room.
 Calculators, pencils and scratch paper are provided by Assessment Center; personal
calculators, pens and pencils are not permitted.
 The test result is valid for up to two years.

WHAT SUBJECTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE TEST?

 Reading: This is a comprehension test, in which the student reads text and answers related
questions displayed on the screen.
 Writing: In this section the student edits text by finding and correcting grammatical and
organizational errors in essays. When an error has been found, the student's selected
revision will be inserted into the text.
 Math: The math section starts off with basic skills and gradually gets harder by including
content from pre-algebra/numerical skills, algebra, college algebra, geometry, calculus and
trigonometry.

IS THERE A FEE FOR THE TEST?

 The COMPASS test is free of charge.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE TEST?

We strongly encourage you to prepare for the COMPASS test to improve scores, and to
reduce the number of courses in Math and English required. Results are valid for two years
from original test date at LWTC. Retests require advisor permission.

 COMPASS Orientations 
 Sample questions are available online at samples. Please note that by using this link, you are
exiting the LWTC Web site.
 Math preparation websites include:
o The Math Forum @ http://www.mathforum.org/
o SOS Mathematics @ http://www.sosmath.com/
o Math.com @ http://www.math.com/
o Purplemath.com @ http://www.purplemath.com

AM I ALLOWED TO RETEST TO IMPROVE MY SCORES?

 Re-testing within the two-year period is allowed only under specific circumstances, with
advisor permission.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY RESULTS?

 Results are available immediately upon completion of the test.

Item Number CourseID Sec Course Title

2690 ENGL&101 L1 ENGLISH COMPOSITION I

3415 1000 MATH&107 W1 MATH IN SOCIETY

4185 3300 PSYC&100 W1 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY

3420 1000 MATH&107 W2 MATH IN SOCIETY

Practical Nursing
Certificate of Proficiency
68 Credits

The Practical Nursing certificate prepares students for employment as Practical Nurses in
hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home healthcare agencies, schools and doctor’s
offices. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the licensing examination to become
licensed practical nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Admission requirements: Completion of application for admission to the nursing program,

entrance test re-sults, 2 professional recommendations, and Washington state background
check.

Practical Nurse program graduates will:

 be prepared to obtain an entry-level position in their field

 be competent in skills and knowledge necessary for the nursing role
 demonstrate Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Communication, Global and Cultural
Awareness, and Technical and Information Literacy skills

It is the student’s responsibility to discuss sequencing and work out their individual schedule
with a counselor or adviser. Any developmental coursework a student may be required to
complete may increase the program length.

Admission Dates: fall, spring

Prerequisite recommendations

PSYC&100General Psychology5

Prerequisite requirements

Certified Nursing Assistant

BIOL& 241Human A & P I 6
BIOL& 242Human A & P II 6
ENGL
101English Composition I5
&
MATH 099Intermediate Algebra 5
PSYC& 200Lifespan Psychology 5
Total Program Credits 27

Program Requirements

NURS110 Pathophysiology 3
NURS111 Nursing Foundations 4
NURS112 Nursing Foundations Practicum 2
NURS113 Health Assessment &Promotion I 2
NURS116 Communication Processes in Nursing 2
NURS117 Skills Lab I 2
NURS121 Medical-Surgical Nursing I 4
NURS122 Medical-Surgical Nursing I Practicum 5
NURS128 Skills Lab II 2
NURS129 Health Assessment &Promotion II 2
NURS134 Pharmacology 3
NURS131 Medical-Surgical Nursing II 4
NURS132 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Practicum 5
NURS137 Mental Health Nursing I 6
NURS213Professional, Vocational Relationships 3
NURS214Nursing Practice & theFamily Unit 4
NURS215Nursing Practice & theFamily Unit Practicum2
NURS219Medical-Surgical Nursing PIII Preceptor ship 3

Academic Core Requirements**

CMST& Oral Communication5

NUTR&101Nutrition 5
Total Program Credits 68

See Academic Core for a list of all applicable courses for each of the categories listed above.

** All Academic Core courses are required to be completed prior to completion of the third
term of the Practical Nursing

My Operational Plan

Class Commencement: Winter

Winter Courses:

CoNo Co Title CrHr

PSYC 100: General Psychology 5
BIOL& 241 Human A & P I 6
MATH 099: Intermediate Algebra 5
ENGL 101 English Composition 5
Total 21

Spring Courses:

CoNo Co Title CrHr

BIOL& 242 Human A & P II 6
PSYC 200: Lifespan Psychology 5
ENGL 101 English Composition 5
Total 16