What is Practical Nursing?
The Practical Nursing program prepares individuals to practice within the legal scope of practical nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensing examination and practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in entry level staff positions.
- Can be completed in 11 months
- May lead to Associate Degree (AAS) with additional general education requirements.
- Practical Nursing Coursework
- Theory/Skills presented in lecture/lab format
- Clinical Component: Community Agencies providing nursing services
- Program admits every fourth semester
- Selective Admissions/Limited Enrollment
- Successful students can earn a Practical Nursing Diploma or an Associate of Applied Science Degree in General Occupational/Technical Studies.
What are my career options?
Licensed Practical Nurses are a vital part of the health care team and are employed in a variety of health care settings. LPN’s provide care for clients of all ages. In addition to providing routine bedside care, they evaluate client needs, plan, and implement quality care as well as supervise the care provided by Nursing Assistants. In offices and clinics, they may also make appointments, keep records, and perform other clinical duties. LPN’s who work in private homes may provide complex care and teach family members simple nursing tasks.
Admission Process
NOTE: Prior to clinical attendance, students must complete a criminal background check and a drug screening.
The following materials must be on file in the PN Program Administrator's office by March 1 for August admission and by October 1 for January admission:
- Application for admission to SCC
- Official high school transcript indicating that the applicant has or will complete a high school course of study or a passing GED official score report
- Transcripts of post-secondary work completed at other institutions
- Results of ACT or equivalent on file in the Admissions Office
- A letter of intent completed at the Pre-Admission Conference. The letter should include the specific PN program, campus, and program year in which the applicant wishes to be considered for admission.
- A Pre-Admission Conference with the PN Program Administrator or his/her designee is required prior to an applicant’s consideration by the Practical Nursing Admissions Committee. YOU MUST ATTEND ONE CONFERENCE during each admission period (unless waived by the Practical Nursing Administrator). Attending a conference at another Community College will not be acceptable.
- Proof of active status on the Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry or successful completion of an equivalent nursing course.
Admission Criteria
Potential candidates are recommended to the President by the PN Admissions Committee: The Admissions Committee will make their recommendations based on the following:
- Preference may be given to applicants with an ACT composite score of 20 or above or its equivalent on a nationally-normed preadmission Practical Nursing Assessment.
- Preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate above average standing in high school or on the GED.
- Preference may be given to applicants who have completed 12 or more credit hours in the approved curriculum with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from any regionally accredited college.
View Pre-Admission Conference dates.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
The Practical Nursing Program is excited to announce that we are changing to a ONE (1) year layout of the curriculum beginning in the fall 2019 semester. See the advising plans below.
Advising Plans
Diplomas
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| BIO 137 - Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| AHS 115 - Medical Terminology | 3 |
| NAA 100 - State Certified Nurse Assistant or take NAA 100/pass certification exam | 0-3 |
| ENG 101 - Writing I | 3 |
| Total | 10-13 |
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| NPN 106 - Fundamentals of Nursing Care | 6 |
| NPN 107 - Pharmacology | 5 |
| NPN 125 - Mental Health | 3 |
| BIO 139 - Anatomy & Physiology II | (4) |
| Total | 14-18 |
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| NPN 203 - Medical Surgical Nursing I | 6 |
| NPN 204 - Medical Surgical Nursing II | 6 |
| NPN 201 - Child Bearing Family | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| NPN 210 - Practicum | 4 |
| NPN 225 - Nursing Leadership and Management | 2 |
| Total | 6 |
Program totals: 45-53
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| BIO 137 - Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| AHS 115 - Medical Terminology | 3 |
| NAA 100 - State Certified Nurse Assistant or take NAA 100/pass certification exam | 0-3 |
| ENG 101 - Writing I | 3 |
| Total | 10-13 |
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| NPN 106 - Fundamentals of Nursing Care | 6 |
| NPN 107 - Nursing Pharmacology | 5 |
| NPN 125 - Mental Health | 3 |
| BIO 139 - Anatomy & Physiology II | (4) |
| Total | 14-18 |
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| NPN 203 - Medical Surgical Nursing I | 6 |
| Total | 6 |
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| NPN 201 - Child Bearing Family | 3 |
| NPN 204 - Medical Surgical Nursing II | 6 |
| NPN 210 - Practicum | 4 |
| NPN 225 - Nursing Leadership and Management | 2 |
| Total | 15 |
Program total: 45-53
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| BIO 137 - Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO 139 - Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| AHS 115 - Medical Terminology | 3 |
| NAA 100 - State Certified Nurse Assistant or take NAA 100/pass certification exam | 0-3 |
| ENG 101 - Writing I | 3 |
| Total | 14-17 |
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| NPN 106 - Fundamentals of Nursing Care | 6 |
| NPN 107 - Nursing Pharmacology | 5 |
| Total | 11 |
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| NPN 125 - Mental Health | 3 |
| NPN 203 - Medical Surgical I | 6 |
| NPN 201 - Child Bearing Family | 3 |
| Total | 12 |
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| NPN 204 - Medical Surgical Nursing II | 6 |
| NPN 210 - Practicum | 4 |
| NPN 225 - Nursing Leadership and Management | 2 |
| Total | 12 |
Program totals: 45-53
Additional Information
Following completion of the Practical Nursing Program the graduate will:
- Promote the human dignity, integrity, self-determination, and personal growth of patients,
oneself, and members of the health care team (human flourishing).
- Contribute to developing, implementing, and evaluating culturally competent, individualized plans of care focusing on services and activities that promote health and independence, maintain or restore health, or support a peaceful death and advocate for access and quality of care for patients.
- Reinforce teaching/learning processes to facilitate the patients informed decision-making to support and achieve positive outcomes that demonstrates respect for diverse patients.
- Provide a rationale for judgments used in the provision of safe, quality care and
for decisions that promote the health of patients within a family context (nursing
judgment).
- Utilize the nursing process and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a basis for clinical judgment to optimize outcomes of care for the patient, family, and community.
- Establish and maintain effective/therapeutic communication in collaboration with patients, families, significant others, and members of the health care team;
- Provide nursing care through effective organizational skills and appropriate delegation within the scope of practice.
- Assess how one's personal strengths and values affect one's identity as a nurse and
one's contributions as a member of the health care team (professional identity).
- Use principles of advocacy, quality, and safety, and caring to assist in improving healthcare outcomes.
- Exhibit professional behaviors/practice as defined by the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of nursing.
- Employ ethical and responsible use of technology to locate, use, and communicate information to improve the quality and safety of patient care and the life and employability of graduates.
- Question the basis for nursing actions, considering research, evidence, tradition,
and patient preferences (spirit of inquiry).
- Consider evidence-based literature/research for use in nursing practice.
- Recognize need for continuous learning within the nursing profession.
Coordinator’s Notes
All General Education requirements may be completed prior to first semester of nursing
classes.
BIO 137 and AHS 115 must be taken prior to enrollment in any NPN Course.
Student must show proof of completing a 75-hour Nursing Assistant course AND proof
of active status on the KY Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry AND not listed on the Abuse
Registry before enrolling in any NPN course.
Progression in the Practical Nursing Program is contingent upon achievement of a grade
of “C” or better in each course and maintenance of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average
or better on a 4.0 scale.
Must submit proof of current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR certification.
Recognition
Somerset Community College has been ranked in the top 10 for best LPN programs in
the state of Kentucky!
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
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