Interested in Becoming an LPN?
Why Study Practical Nursing?
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a rewarding pathway into the health care field that can be completed in just four semesters through our 42-credit certificate program. Designed to prepare students for immediate career entry, this program equips you with the skills to provide high-quality, patient-centered nursing care to adults and children in long-term and subacute care facilities, outpatient settings, and acute care hospitals.
Through a rigorous blend of science, liberal arts, and nursing courses—complete with lectures, labs, and hands-on clinical experience—you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to succeed. Graduates can take the NCLEX PN licensure examination, opening doors to begin work as a licensed health care professional or to continue their studies in the Registered Nursing A.S. degree program.
Program Format
Curriculum Code: 0621 I Liberal Arts Credits: 12 I Program Credits: 42
This is designed to meet the educational needs of those who wish career entry as a licensed health care worker with the ability to provide high-quality, patient-centered nursing care to adults and children in long-term and subacute care facilities, outpatient settings, and acute care hospitals. The program consists of a rigorous combination of science, liberal arts, and nursing courses including lecture, labs, and clinicals over four terms (including summer). This program prepares students to take the NCLEX PN licensure examination to enter the workforce or continue their education in the Registered Nursing A.S. degree program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply concepts of caring, critical thinking, and critical reasoning to deliver patient centered care throughout the lifespan.
- Use evidence-based care to guide clinical decision making to provide safe nursing care.
- Collaborate effectively with all members of the healthcare team in an environment of respect, and open communication that ensures safety and quality patient care.
- Provide culturally competent nursing care to patients and families within diverse health care settings.
- Demonstrate ethical, legal, and leadership principles in all aspects of providing nursing care with a commitment to lifelong learning.
- Successfully prepare for and succeed in the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
| Course Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BI 112 | Human Biology I | 4 |
| PN 101 | Fundamentals of Practical Nursing | 9 |
| PN 102 | Medical Surgical Nursing I | 10 |
| PN 103 | Specialty Courses | 10 |
| PN 104 | Medical Surgical Nursing II | 9 |
| Liberal Arts Credits: | 30 | |
| EN 101 | Composition | 3 |
| PY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PY 102 | Lifespan Development | 3 |
| SO 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Program Credits: | 42 | |
| Minimum Credits: | 12 |
Career and Salary Outlook
LPNs are in steady demand across the Capital Region. Graduates can begin working in hospitals, long-term care, and outpatient settings in as little as four semesters, with opportunities to grow their careers or continue on to become Registered Nurses.