- May take up to twenty-four (24) months to complete (depends on pre-requisite options and semester enrollment)
The Practical Nursing (PN) program is operated with the approval of the State Board of Nursing. The student will graduate with an Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC) and will be required to pass a state licensure examination, NCLEX-PN, to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Practical nurses are integral members of the health care team who care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Practical nurses assist in assessing clients for educational, physiological, psychosocial, comfort, and safety needs; assist in planning and coordinating care; and gathering data. They provide basic bedside care, take vital signs, do dressings and treatments, insert catheters, collect samples from clients for testing, perform routine lab tests, administer prescribed medications, and start intravenous fluids. Some experienced LPN’s supervise unlicensed assistive personnel.
All students enrolled in the Practical Nursing (PN) program or Registered Nursing (RN) program are required to complete required clinical hours in various clinical settings. Students must be of sound mind and physical strength to safely complete required hours. Due to clinical requirements, students are required to have a physical exam to verify their mental and physical well-being. Students will also be required to have yearly background checks to fulfill clinical requirements as well as other mandatory documents.
Prerequisite Entrance Requirements
- Meet all College admission requirements
- Placement test
- A limited number of students will be admitted each year.
Entrance Requirements
- Documentation of a current CNA certification
- A minimum individual composite score of sixty (60) or higher on the Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS V) exam*
- TEAS Exam may be taken a maximum of two (2) times each semester excluding Summer semester.
Applicants who complete all Prerequisite courses with a 77% (C+) or higher and have fulfilled all of the other entrance requirements are eligible to continue into the nursing program
- Students must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program to qualify.
- Completion of all admission requirements does not ensure acceptance into the professional program
- A limited number of applicants are accepted into the program twice each year, Fall and Spring semesters
- Candidates for admission are selected based on available space and completion of all prerequisites.
- Those not selected will be required to reapply the following application period In addition to the requirements for all health care programs, the applicant must have:
- Practical Nursing Application packet submitted by deadline
- Proof of immunizations will be required prior to final acceptance into the program.
- Background check done through the site approved by the College within 60 days prior to application deadline.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Patient-centered Care:
- Provide compassionate and culturally competent care as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team, including the patient and their support system.
Nursing Judgment:
- Utilize the nursing process, critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills, and current evidence=based practices to provide safe, quality care.
Professional Identity:
- Develop, internalize, and express personal and professional core values.
Active Learning:
- Implement various learning activities and concepts into patient-centered care.
Program Costs
In addition to the registration fees, a Practical Nursing student can expect to spend an approximate total of $5,000 on books, uniforms, supplies, testing fees, NCLEX application, and graduation. For further information refer to the nursing student handbook.
Program Continuation Requirements
- All program courses with an NRS or ARN prefix must be passed with a minimum of 77% (C+) and proficiency testing at a pre-determined level.
- Courses with an NRS prefix must be passed consecutively prior to continuing on to the next course.
Program Recommendations
For students planning to continue on for their RN and BSN:
A petition will need to be submitted for approval.
- Forty-two (42) Credits
- Financial Aid Eligible