Practical Nursing (LPN)

Program Description

The Practical Nursing program exposes students to a variety of classroom, clinical, and community experiences with the goal of preparing a student to become licensed and employable in acute and long-term healthcare settings caring for children, adults, and geriatric clients. Course work focuses on critical thinking, leadership, effective communication, body function and structure, pharmacology, and diseases and wellness of both the mind and body. Completion of this program confers eligibility to apply for state licensure by examination.

**Completion of PN 100, 200, 120, 250, 300, 400, 500, and 550 and achieving an appropriate score on the comprehensive predictor exam necessary for satisfactory completion of the Practical Nurse program makes the student eligible to apply to the Florida Board of Nursing as a candidate for the Practical Nursing licensure exam.**

Qualified Florida Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) who hold a valid credential and wish to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may apply for the Transition to Practical Nursing which provides the opportunity to receive advanced standing in the LPN program.

To qualify, the following admission criteria must be met:

• GED or high school diploma.
• Passing of at least 70 on the entrance exam “HESI Admission Assessment from Elsevier”.
• Transcripts of previous education as required for point of program admission.
• Proof of routine immunizations with current titers and vaccination including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, varicella, influenza, and hepatitis B.
• Level 2 state and federal criminal background check.
• Completed DIOT application.
• Completed enrollment agreement
• Government-issued proof of identification.
• Dean of Nursing approval

Students satisfying all admission criteria will be admitted into PN 100 Transition to Practical Nursing course. Upon successful completion of PN 100 with a grade of 75 or higher, the student will be awarded 120 hours for HWC courses.

This course is designed for students who are interested in the NCLEX-LPN, i.e. (National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nursing profession. The course will provide an overview of the NCLEX – LPN profession, including a review of NCLEX – LPN competencies, the legal and ethical responsibilities of the NCLEX – LPN, and a review of nursing theory.

The course includes both lectures and laboratory sessions that include hands-on activities and skills instruction. Students will learn how to complete skills assessment sheets, perform CPR, suture wounds, change bandages, take vital signs, administer medications and perform other basic nursing skills. Students will also learn how to care for their own health as well as that of patients.

As students progress through this program they will have opportunities to develop clinical competencies in a variety of clinical settings under supervision from licensed practical nurses who are experts in their field.

The Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program is a one-year, non-degree program that prepares students for employment in the health care industry. The course covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, microbiology, nutrition and dietetics.

This is a great introduction to the NCLEX – LPN program because it gives an overview of what students can expect to learn during their time in the programs.