This one-year certificate program prepares the graduate to provide direct basic bedside care as a practical nurse under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed physician, dentist, optometrist or podiatrist.  The curriculum integrates classroom, campus laboratory, and clinical instruction for skills which the practical nurse performs to contribute to the nursing care of clients. Supervised clinical experiences are scheduled primarily in long-term care facilities and hospitals. The student must demonstrate technical knowledge, manual dexterity, interpersonal skills, caring behavior, and commitment to professional ethics.

The program has full approval of the Ohio Board of Nursing.  The graduate is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses.  Graduates are encouraged to continue their education through articulation into the Associate Degree Nursing Program.  The Practical Nursing Clinical Program admits a minimum of 40 qualified students each fall.  LPNs may also pursue an ATS option. 

Program Outcomes

The Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate Program exists within the Division of Nursing with the purpose of serving to change lives, build futures, and improve communities by providing an opportunity for students with diverse learning needs to obtain an affordable, quality nursing education, and thereby, meet the community’s need for licensed practical nurses.

According to the US Bureau of Labor, licensed practical nurses held about 749,000 jobs in 2006. About 26 percent of LPNs worked in hospitals, 26 percent in nursing care facilities, and another 12 percent in offices of physicians. Others worked for home health care services; employment services; residential care facilities; community care facilities for the elderly; outpatient care centers; and Federal, State, and local government agencies. About 19 percent worked part time.

Employment of LPNs is projected to grow faster than average. Overall job prospects are expected to be very good, but job outlook varies by industry. The best job opportunities will occur in nursing care facilities and home health care services, while applicants for jobs in hospitals may face competition.

The program has full approval of the Ohio Board of Nursing. The graduate is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses. Graduates are encouraged to continue their education through articulation into the Associate Degree Nursing Program.

Applicants must meet acceptance requirements 1-7 before their name will be placed on a qualified list. Names are listed on the qualified list, in order, using the date on which documentation was received, verifying that admission criteria have been met. In the event that two or more students qualify on the same day, the date of application to the college is used to rank order these students. Applicants who do not meet the qualifications should meet with an advisor in The Office of Advising to plan a course of study.

The program will continue to accept qualified students until the 40 seats are filled. All students must meet technical standards.

Acceptance Requirements

1. General college requirements (See General Admissions Procedures of the General Information section of the college catalog.)

2. COMPASS assessment and completion of recommended developmental courses in math (to level of MTH-045), English, and reading/reasoning, with a grade of “C” or higher.

3. CHM-096 Introductory Science with a grade of “C” or higher

4. Complete BIO-109 Concepts in Biology with a grade of “C” or higher

5. 0.5 unit of High School computer science completed with a grade of “C” or higher OR CPT-104 PC Microcomputer Lab

6. College GPA of 2.0 or higher for all previously completed applicable college courses.

7. Declaration of Practical Nursing as the major course of study.

8. Evidence of sufficient physical and mental health to engage in the practice of nursing.

9. Completed Health and Immunizations Form. A student may be admitted if the first injection of an immunization series has been received and is documented.

10. Current American Heart Association certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for the Healthcare Provider or other CPR certificate cards as approved by Dean or Chair.

11. Graduation from high school or equivalent.

12. Criminal background check is required.

13. Certificate of completion of state-approved nurse aide training course prior to enrollment in PNS-101.

14. Drug screen required.