Our Practical Nursing (PN) program is designed for those eager to make a difference in patient care and who are seeking a quick entry into nursing. This intensive three-semester, direct entry program equips graduates with the skills to provide direct patient care under a doctor or registered nurse’s supervision. As vital members of the healthcare team, LPNs assess educational, physiological, psychosocial, comfort, and safety needs; and assist in care planning and coordination. Graduates work in diverse settings including long-term care facilities, physician offices, hospitals, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, and acute care hospital environments.
The Practical Nursing (PN) program is approved by the Idaho State Board of Nursing. Graduates earn an Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC) and must pass the NCLEX-PN and receive Idaho Board of Nursing approval to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
The curriculum includes basic and clinical foundations of nursing, including pharmacology, medical and surgical nursing, maternal/child nursing, mental health nursing, and leadership principles.
Students who wish to continue to the RN level should consult with their advisor for those program requirements. This program has a competitive admission process. See the CEI LPN website for application information.
Application Deadlines and Process
Deadlines for submitting your LPN program application are:
- March 1st for the fall semester (August start)
- October 1st for the spring semester (January start)
The program admits one group (cohort) of students each fall and spring semester.
An application guide is available on the CEI nursing webpage, alongside other necessary application forms & links. Please review the application guide to ensure you’ve met all requirements. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Submission of an application does not guarantee admission to the PN program.
Applications can be submitted online here: LPN Program Application.
Program Costs
- Tuition 46 Credits= $ 6,900 Tuition (based on in $150/credit for in-state, in-district students)
- Approximate Fees (includes ATI, textbooks and resources for nursing specific courses, simulation, supplies, malpractice, drug testing) = $3000
- Does not include fees/books for General Education courses, uniforms, stethoscope, and any other clinical supplies.
Additional Program Details
- If accepted, attendance at a mandatory orientation and new nursing student bootcamp session are required.
- Continuation in the program requires maintaining a grade of C+ (77%) or higher in all courses in the program (nursing and general education), as well as a 77% test average in all nursing courses.
- The program is academically demanding and includes comprehensive coursework and clinical requirements.
- Accepted students will fulfill clinical hours in various healthcare settings and must be physically and mentally prepared to safely complete these hours.
- Nursing students will encounter blood-borne pathogens and infectious diseases and must adhere to OSHA and CDC guidelines and standard precautions.
For Those Considering Further Education:
Students planning to advance to their Registered Nurse (RN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees are advised to take NUTR 239 instead of HCT 125 .
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrate compassionate and culturally competent patient-centered care in the Licensed Practical Nurse’s role of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
- Nursing Judgment: Utilize nursing judgment to participate in the development and assist in the implementation of safe, quality care.
- Active Learning: Actively seek quality information from current, reliable sources as appropriate at a Licensed Practical Nurse’s level, to maintain current best practices in nursing.
- Professional Identity: Exhibit professional values and attributes of a Licensed Practical Nurse.
- Forty-six (46) Credits
- Financial Aid Eligible
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