lpn program coursework

• What is an LPN?
• How to Become an LPN
• LPN Job Description
• LPN Work Environment
• LPN Job Outlook
• Average LPN Salary
• LPN Career Advancement
• Get Started
• Requirements
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• Online LPN Programs
• LPN Bridge Programs
• How to Get an LPN License
• Reinstatement
• Verification
• LPN Job Hunting Tips
• LPN Resume Writing Tips
• LPN Cover Letter Writing Tips
• LPN Interview Tips
• Following Up On Interview
• First Day on Job
• Coping with Stress
• Find LPN Programs

LPN Program Curriculum

There are many advantages to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN. In addition to having relatively affordable and simple training requirements , even brand-new LPNs enjoy competitive compensation. Before you can apply for LPN jobs, you have to take and pass the NCLEX-PN . To be eligible to sit for that exam, you'll have to complete a board-approved and accredited LPN training program. It's normal to feel intimidated at the prospect. One way to cut down on that anxiety is by educating yourself about such programs. Knowing what to expect from the curriculum is sure to help, so keep reading.

Prerequisites and Previous Education

Typical courses required during lpn training, clinical training requirements of lpn training programs.

Your previous education may impact the exact curriculum that you complete during your LPN training. Many programs expect students to already have completed certain core classes, or prerequisites. If you haven't completed them, your curriculum will have to include them, or you will have to complete them elsewhere and then enroll in the program later. On the other hand, if you fulfill certain requirements because of your previous education, you may be able to skip taking certain classes and in turn have an easier curriculum.

No two LPN training programs are exactly alike. However, they all must cover certain topics, and they all have to be accredited and approved by the State Board of Nursing . As you investigate LPN programs, you will find that very few of them have the same exact curricula. However, certain core classes are likely to appear in the schedule regardless of where you complete your training. They may be called something different, but you will most likely have to complete the following courses while undergoing LPN training:

• Anatomy and Physiology - As an LPN, you will be expected to have a basic understanding of the human body, including its various parts and how they work together. This means having to learn a lot of new terminology, and it means a lot of intense studying. Human anatomy and physiology is the course that is usually taken to fulfill this requirement. Some programs split these up into two different courses, but most bundle them together. At the LPN level, the anatomy and physiology requirements are fairly simple. If you progress further in your career, you'll take many additional anatomy and physiology classes later.
• Nutrition - Unlike RNs, most LPNs work in nursing homes and other elder care settings. Whether they are working in hospitals, nursing homes or other facilities, however, LPNs need a strong understanding of basic nutrition to provide the best possible care. As a result, LPN students are almost always required to take at least one course covering the topic of nutrition. This type of class explains the basic nutrients that the human body needs, and it provides information about healthy dietary choices for seniors who suffer from ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.
• Human Health and Diseases - As an LPN, you won't be making diagnoses. Why then must you learn about common health issues and diseases? Mostly, courses like these are required to ensure that incoming LPNs at least know the very basics about some of the most common diseases and health problems suffered by senior citizens in particular. This type of class explains how various diseases spread and how they are contracted. It also covers important information about germs and about maintaining sterility in healthcare settings. The information that is learned from this class will serve you well throughout your career.
• Practical Nursing - In most cases, LPN students must complete several levels of practical nursing during their training. These are typically called Practical Nursing I, Practical Nursing II and so on. This class is where students really learn about the day-to-day reality of working as LPNs. It provides in-depth information about what these professionals do and about their typical duties . Most of the time, this course is completed in conjunction with clinical training experiences that allow students to put what they have learned to work in the real world. Most LPN students are excited to take practical nursing courses, as these are often among the first that are clearly nursing related.

The courses highlighted above are just the tip of the iceberg. While completing the standard LPN training program, you will complete many additional courses. What's more is that not all of your training will occur in the classroom. All LPN programs have a clinical training requirement. Students typically must complete a minimum number of hours of clinical training at local healthcare facilities to pass. Campus-based programs usually have training opportunities picked out for students. Online or hybrid programs sometimes allow students to select their own training locations. Find out before enrolling so that you know what to expect.

Most of the time, clinical training experiences are designed to dovetail with whatever you happen to be learning in the classroom. That way, you can learn the theory behind various nursing practices before going out there and putting those skills to work in the real world. Training is done this way because students tend to do a better job when they understand the exact purpose of the work that they do. During your training, you might learn about taking vital signs in class one day and then practice doing so in a lab simulation. You may then be asked to put that knowledge to work during your clinical training at a local facility. In this way, the things that you learn in class are put to real-life use, allowing you to tie it all together.

A lot of ground has to be covered during LPN training. Not surprisingly, then, this often means that LPN program curricula tend to be intimidating to prospective students. Don't worry, though. Before you know it, you will have completed your training and will be ready to take the licensing exam.

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The Best LPN Programs Online

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are nursing professionals who deliver direct patient care across the lifespan in a wide variety of settings. They administer medications; record patient data; and perform procedures, treatments, and other duties, usually under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor.

Online LPN and LVN programs are flexible, affordable, and comparatively short diploma-based non-degree pathways to an entry-level nursing career. Many LPNs eventually choose to further their career by earning an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s in nursing at a later date.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online LPN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Keep reading to learn more about LPN online programs, or go straight to our list of the best online LPN programs .

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Can You Do as an LPN?

LPNs are also known as LVNs in California and Texas, but the training, scope of practice, and skills of both are identical. Rather than a college degree, LPNs earn a diploma, although some programs are housed within community colleges.

LPNs can perform many duties, including wound care, assessing vital signs, taking patient histories and documenting patient information, administering tests, and giving medications. LPNs are allowed to start and monitor IVs, but they cannot administer IV or IV push medications. Overall, LPNs’ scope of practice is limited in comparison to that of RNs.

LPNs generally have much less autonomy than RNs. In most clinical situations, they work under the supervision of registered nurses. Both LPNs and RNs can supervise Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), who perform patient care tasks, such as feeding, bathing, dressing, and toileting, also known as activities of daily living (ADLs). LPNs are frequently employed by skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, memory care facilities, and home health agencies.

An LPN program can serve as a fast-track into the nursing field, since most programs can be completed in as little as 12 months.

Why Attend an Online LPN Program

An online LPN program offers the flexibility to study on your own schedule. You will, of course, also need to attend in-person clinical assignments and skills training labs. Once you’re working as an LPN, you can consider transitioning from LPN-to-RN in order to increase your earning power and marketability. Bridge programs allow LPNs to apply their prior education to requirements of an associate degree in nursing. Since online LPN-to-RN and LPN-to-BSN programs offer flexibility and part-time options, LPNs seeking to become RNs can complete their education while working as an LPN. With some employers covering the cost of education, this can be an excellent avenue for advancing your nursing career.

Average Salary as an LPN

LPNs can earn a promising salary after a comparatively short course of study. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LPNs earn a median annual salary of $54,620, or a median hourly wage of $26.26.

The highest-earning states for LPNs, by average salary, are:

• Washington: $69,950
• California: $69,930
• Massachusetts: $68,170
• Rhode Island: $66,770
• Alaska: $66,710

In comparison, the BLS reports that RNs, who must undertake a much longer and more costly education, earn a median annual salary of $89,010 and a median hourly wage of $42.80. As you can see, advancing from LPN to RN can significantly increase your earning power.

What to Look for in an Online LPN Program

With so many online LPN programs to choose from, you should carefully research different schools to find the right fit for your personal needs and career goals.

Before enrolling in an LPN program, explore these key signs of academic quality.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements explain what you need to submit when applying to a program. Schools may require proof of high school graduation or GED completion.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum offered by different LPN programs may influence which program you choose. Read the descriptions carefully and choose a program that appeals to what you’re looking for in an LPN education.

Accreditation

Accreditation is extremely important since some employers may only hire nurses from accredited programs. If you want to continue your education and earn your associate , bachelor’s, or master’s degree, the accreditation of the programs you have attended will be examined very closely.

Program Retention Rate

The retention rate of an LPN program can give you a sense of what students think of the program and whether they feel it is worth their while to complete their education. An LPN program with a low student retention rate should be a red flag that perhaps the quality of the education may be lacking.

Online Learning Format and Requirements

If you’re going to be attending online classes, the format of online courses and the technical requirements for attending will be very important. Online education generally requires that you own a laptop computer. You will also likely need a webcam, as well as a relatively fast and reliable internet connection.

Why Is Online LPN Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is the method by which educational programs are monitored and approved by objective third- party organizations for the quality of the education they provide. When a student attends an accredited program, future employers and educational degree programs can be assured of the quality of education that the candidate has received. If you attend an unaccredited program, you run the risk of an employer or college not accepting the education that you’ve received, potentially causing you to be rejected from either a job or a college-level nursing program you wish to attend. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits LPN programs, and their website allows visitors to search a database for accredited programs. The state board of nursing handles licensing and discipline issues.

Top Online LPN Programs

Applying to online lpn programs.

Prospective LPNs need a high school diploma or a GED certificate before they apply to a nursing program. Because LPN certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs vary by course requirements, completion times, and cost, carefully research your options available at vocational schools and community colleges.

Admission Materials

Gpa requirement, other requirement, paying for online lpn programs.

The cost of LPN online training depends on several factors. Taking LPN classes online rather than on campus may save money on housing and transportation costs, but you still must budget for tuition, distance learning fees, and books.

Public schools may offer more affordable tuition than private schools. However, some programs charge higher tuition rates for out-of-state students. If you plan on working while taking online LPN courses, consider if the program offers enough flexibility to set your own schedule.

You can apply for financial aid opportunities for nursing students to help offset the cost of a nursing education. Begin your search by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see if you qualify for federal loans or grants.

In addition to government-sponsored programs, you may consider private loans or nursing scholarships and grants from private foundations, professional nursing associations , and schools.

Some scholarships provide funding for specific nursing specialties. Scholarships for minorities are typically based on race, ethnicity, or gender. If you are working, find out if your employer participates in a tuition reimbursement plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online LPN Programs

How long does it take to become an lpn.

Most online LPN programs take 12 months to complete full time, although completion times vary. Attending part time is more likely to take approximately 24 months.

Do online LPN programs have in-person requirements?

All LPN programs, including those offered online, require clinical hours and lab experiences, although the specific number of hours varies by school and state requirements. Your program will place you in a supervised clinical experience at a hospital, clinic, nursing home, or other healthcare facility.

Some schools can help you find placements close to your home.

What career advancement opportunities are available to LPNs?

The BLS projects the employment of LPNs to grow by 5% from 2022-2032, adding over 60,000 jobs each year. For those interested in becoming registered nurses (RNs), getting LPN experience can provide a competitive edge when applying to associate or bachelor of science in nursing bridge programs .

What’s the difference between an LPN and an RN?

Although LPNs work as nursing professionals, they do not take on the same duties as RNs. LPNs provide basic care to patients, such as checking blood pressure and making sure patients are comfortable.

Because LPNs do not have the same responsibilities as RNs , they do not need to graduate with a nursing degree. Instead, they can get certification after completing an LPN program.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

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Best Online LPN Programs

Online LPN Programs: More Flexibility For Success

Career opportunities for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years, so now is a great time to start your nursing career. Consider an online or hybrid LPN program if you’re looking for a more flexible way to earn your degree. Here’s what you need to know about LPN programs online.

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Overview of LVN/LPN Online Schools

What is an online lpn program.

An LPN course online is a distance learning program that allows you to complete most of your coursework online. These programs are designed for working adults and other students who need more flexibility than traditional brick-and-mortar programs.

The average salary for an LPN is $48,000 per year . After completing an accredited program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn your LPN license.

Online programs typically offer the same coursework as traditional programs, but they provide different ways to learn and earn your degree. For example, you might take online courses, participate in online discussions, and complete clinical rotations in your local community.

Some online LPN classes are hybrid programs, combining online and on-campus coursework. These programs offer the best of both worlds: the flexibility of online learning with the benefits of face-to-face instruction.

LPN Programs Online

Here’s a list of some of the best online LPN programs in the country:

Ashland Community and Technical College

Are you looking for an LPN online program that’s flexible and fits your schedule? Look no further than Ashland Community and Technical College. 

With both in-person and online classes, the school offers various learning styles to fit your needs. And with a one-year program, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam in no time.

Tuition: $10,846-12,616 for entire program

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate.

Contact Information : 

Address : 1400 College Drive, Ashland, KY 41101 Phone: (606) 326-2000 Website: https://ashland.kctcs.edu/

Holmes Community College

Holmes Community College is a superb choice if you’re looking for a program online with a hybrid option. The school offers online and on-campus classes, so you can take advantage of the flexibility of online learning while completing clinical rotations and other hands-on training on campus.

Tuition: $255 per credit hour

Accreditation:   Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Requirements : High school diploma or GED certificate.

Address: 1 Hill St, Goodman, MS 39079 Phone: (662) 472-2312 Website: https://holmescc.edu/

Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University offers a convenient LPN class online that can be completed in as little as 15 months. The school’s small class sizes ensure you’ll get the individualized attention you need to succeed. 

And with several start dates throughout the year, you can begin the program when it’s most convenient for you.

Tuition: $10,935 *estimated for total cost of program

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Address: 385 Douglas Ave Suite #1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Phone: (407) 635-8200 Website: https://www.rasmussen.edu/

Lake Area Technical Institute

With a highly respected online LPN school, Lake Area Technical Institute is an excellent choice for students who want the flexibility of online learning. They can complete the program in as little as one year, and you’ll take advantage of the school’s state-of-the-art simulation lab.

Tuition: N/A

Contact Information :

Address: 1201 Arrow Ave NE, Watertown, SD 57201 Phone: (605) 882-5284 Website: https://www.lakeareatech.edu/

Northland Community and Technical College

Northland Community and Technical College offer an accredited LPN program online that can be completed in as little as one year. With small class sizes and experienced instructors, you’ll get the individualized attention you need to succeed.

Tuition: $11,142  total cost of program.

Address: 1101 State Hwy 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701

Phone: (218) 683-8800 Website: https://www.northlandcollege.edu/

North Central Texas College

With an accredited LPN online program, North Central Texas College is an excellent choice for students who want the convenience of online learning. They can complete the program in as little as one year, and you’ll take advantage of the school’s state-of-the-art simulation lab.

Tuition: $10,000 *estimated total cost

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Address: 1525 W California St, Gainesville, TX 76240 Phone: (940) 668-7731 Website: https://www.nctc.edu/

Do I Need to Have Experience as a CNA to Apply to an LPN School?

You don’t need to have experience as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) to apply to a program, but it can give you a leg up on the competition. Many programs require applicants to have at least a year of experience working as a CNA, and some even give preference to those with more experience. 

If you don’t have experience as a CNA, you can still apply to programs, but you may want to consider completing a CNA training program first.

What is an LPN?

An LPN is a licensed practical nurse. They provide primary nursing care and perform many duties as registered nurses (RNs), but an RN or a doctor supervises them.

LPNs have many job opportunities, such as:

• Senior care communities
• Long-term care locations
• Doctor’s offices
• Outpatient surgery centers’ 
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Home health care
• Immunization clinics
• Clinical call centers

An LPN also allows you to continue your education online with an RN or BSN degree. Many online nursing schools offer an LPN to RN or BSN program. 

Once you accomplish your LPN, you may find that you want to enhance your career by becoming an RN. With the experience from an LPN online program, you’ll be well to an RN or BSN degree.

What Is an LPN Program?

It is a one-year to two-year educational program that leads to a career as a licensed practical nurse. LPNs provide primary nursing care and perform tasks such as taking vital signs, administering injections, and dressing wounds.

Most LPN schools combine classroom instruction with clinical experience in a healthcare setting.

LPN classes typically cover human anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and pharmacology. You’ll also learn about the legal and ethical aspects of nursing and how to provide quality patient care.

Benefits of An LPN Online Course

Several advantages of online post-secondary education in nursing include:

• More flexible schedules
• No need to commute
• Ability to complete coursework on your own time
• Increased interaction with instructors and classmates

You’ll also get to network with other students from around the country, which can be helpful when you’re looking for a job after graduation.

Program Requirements

LPN schools have specific admission requirements, varying from school to school. Some standard requirements include a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses.

Some schools also require you to submit SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Be sure to check with your chosen school for specific requirements.

This course’s goal is to prepare you to take and pass the NCLEX-PN , a licensing exam required in all states. To be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, you must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass a background check.

After you earn your license, you’ll need to renew it every two years and complete continuing education courses to maintain your license. You can take most of these classes online, too.

Can You Take an Online LPN Program?

Yes, you can take a program over the internet. However, these programs are not for everyone and you will have to do your clinical experience in person eventually. If you’re not self-motivated or disciplined, you might find it challenging to complete an online program.

You should also consider your learning style when deciding if an online program is right for you. A traditional brick-and-mortar program might be better if you prefer face-to-face instruction or need more hands-on learning.

Another consideration is a hybrid online LPN. These programs offer the best of both worlds: 

• Online education for flexibility 
• On-campus learning opportunities

If you’re not sure an online program is right for you, a hybrid program might be an excellent option. You can take some of your courses online while completing other studies and clinical rotations on campus.

What to Consider in an LPN Program

There are many factors to consider when choosing a program. Start by thinking about your goals and objectives. Ask the following questions:

• Do you want to work in a hospital, nursing home, or doctor’s office? 
• What type of schedule do you need?
• Do you have the time to commit to a program?

It depends on your schedule and how much time you’re willing to commit to your education. Some programs can be completed in as little as one year, while others may take two years or more. You should also consider the cost of tuition and fees and the length of the program.

Finally, make sure a national or regional accrediting body accredits the program. This ensures that the program meets high standards and prepares you for the licensure exam.

The top agencies include:

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

You can verify a program’s accreditation status on the agency’s website.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll be ready to choose a program that’s right for you.

What is the Difference Between an LPN and an RN Program?

The significant difference between an LPN and an RN program is the length of time to complete the program. LPN programs can be completed in as little as one year, while RN programs typically take two years. 

LPNs have a more limited scope of practice than RNs, but they can still work in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.

What Are the Clinical Requirements for an Online LPN Course?

Clinical rotations allow you to put your knowledge into practice and gain hands-on experience working with patients. While programs online offer more flexibility than traditional on-campus programs, they still require students to complete clinical rotations. 

Most programs require students to complete their clinical rotations at a facility near their homes, but some programs may have arrangements with facilities in other states.

Is an Online LPN Program Right for Me?

An LPN class online is a good choice for students who want the convenience of online learning and the flexibility to complete the program at their own pace. Online programs also allow students to complete their clinical rotations at a facility near their homes. 

If you’re considering an online program, choose one that is accredited and offers the courses you need to meet your career goals.

If you’re considering it, choose one that is accredited and offers the courses you need to meet your career goals. A program online can be a great way to gain the skills and knowledge you need to work in the nursing field. 

With so many options available, it’s essential to do your research and find the right program for you.

Congratulations on your decision to pursue a career in nursing! You’re making the first step toward a rewarding and fulfilling career. Nursing is a challenging and demanding profession, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.

Your Guide to Become an LPN

LPN Curriculum and Course Descriptions

A career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can provide a lucrative future with a multitude of options for employment opportunities in 2014. With successful completion of a state approved LPN curriculum, you may earn your certificate in practical nursing in approximately three semesters.

• Steps to becoming an LPN
• Goals of a Practical Nursing program
• What to learn: a list of courses with descriptions
• A career as an LPN

Steps to Becoming an LPN

Although Licensed Practical Nursing program requirements vary by state, generally, the steps to achieving your LPN may include:

• A formal application for program admission selection
• Prerequisites designed to strengthen your aptitude in math and English
• An entry examination that measures your reasoning and communication abilities
• Completion of an LPN program approved by the State Board of Nursing

Goals of a Practical Nursing Program

A practical nursing program provides LPN courses that prepare you for the duties and responsibilities of a practical nurse (PN). LPNs provide nursing care for patients in their charge, promote health and provide preventative care. Your program of study empowers you with critical thinking skills and the diagnostic reasoning abilities required for a safe, successful nursing practice. The LPN course outline is designed to prepare you for a passing score on the NCLEX-PN state licensing examination in your state of practice.

What you can Learn in an LPN Program

The program length, cost and required courses may vary for your program; however, your LPN curriculum may generally include education courses that total a range of 39 to 58 credit hours. Typically, your curriculum may include classes that improve your professionalism and train you to perform as an LPN.

Non-Nursing Courses

Mathematic Application courses increase your ability to interpret medication orders and provide patients with the correct dosages in a timely manner. Basic math and Algebra courses are typically three to six credits as an essential course component for PN students.

English composition courses are vital to the role of the LPN. Nurses must possess superior communication skills to converse with physicians, advocate for patients and perform medical documentation in medical charting.

Nursing Courses

Biology courses focus on human anatomy and physiology and are provided in two or more classes during your program of study. An understanding of the function of the body is necessary for nurses to detect dysfunction or disease in their patients.

Nutrition classes provide you with vital knowledge to ensure your patients maintain a proper diet, fluid hydration and essential vitamins and minerals during their care.

Health assessment instruction provides you with the skills required of a nurse who examines and evaluates patients of all ages for abnormalities or disease conditions. Assessment skills are crucial for patient care and treatment.

Fundamentals of nursing generally instructs you on patient teaching skills, assessing patient knowledge levels, factors that affect learning and assessment of patient needs. Nursing care plans are constructed to meet the needs of a patient’s learning requirements and health experience.

Psychology courses are nursing related and provide insight and information on the treatment and assessment of patients who are challenged by mental health disorders.

Adult, maternal and child, and geriatric nursing provide the appropriate nursing actions required to provide care, health assessment and treatment for patients across the lifespan. This course also includes insight and information on nursing care for the family and diverse communities.

Pharmacology courses introduce you to the action, purpose and route of drug therapies for patients. Understanding the calculation of medication dosages, intravenous fluids and pediatric medicine is essential to student graduates in nursing.

A Career in Practical Nursing

As healthcare reform in 2013 continues to provide access to care for more individuals in years to come, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects LPN positions to grow 22 percent faster than other professions. If you are considering a career as a practical nurse, find out more information on the LPN curriculum, course requirements and prerequisites by reading the article Prerequisites for Practical Nursing Programs now.

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Diploma Program

Practical Nursing Program (LPN Prep) Madison, WI

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Earn your practical nursing diploma with Herzing University in Madison

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Madison campus.

Practical Nursing Diploma Program - Madison, WI

The Diploma in Practical Nursing is a 37-credit career diploma program which prepares you to begin your nursing career as a practical nurse. 

The Madison campus program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in medical-surgical nursing, growth and development, pharmacology for nurses, and practical hands-on experience.

Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

Flexible schedule

We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

Experienced faculty

Get face-to-face instruction from experienced and credentialed faculty with real-world success in the field.

Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

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Madison practical nursing program classes & curriculum details

Utilizing theoretical, academic and clinical instruction, our practical nursing program prepares you with the skills and knowledge need to sit for the NCLEX-PN and become an LPN. Over the course of the program, you will learn the basics of nursing procedures, measuring vital signs, administering medication, and develop communication skills necessary to collaborate with other healthcare providers.

The curriculum includes general education courses you can complete online, and required nursing courses you will complete at our campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

i. Average number of months for students to complete program

Required Nursing Courses

A minimum of 28.00 semester credit hours is required.

Required General Education Courses

Students enrolled in this practical nursing program must complete a minimum of 8.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines.

The following nursing support course must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better.  Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program.

Personal and Professional Development Courses

1.00 semester credit hours are required.

Requirements

Enrollment requirements

To be considered for admission into the Practical Nursing program, you must hold a high school diploma or equivalent (Diploma, HSED or GED) and meet the following criteria based on your cumulative GPA:

Discover career pathways in nursing

Licensed practical nurses provide basic nursing care under the direction of Registered Nurses (RN) and physicians in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and other types of healthcare facilities. Your duties include taking vital signs, changing bandages, updating patient records, keeping patients comfortable, and other tasks as permitted by the regulations in your state of practice.

LPN represents an excellent starting point for students looking to begin working as a nurse fast and build a strong foundation to pursue future career opportunities, including RN.

How can I go from LPN to RN? We offer multiple pathways for LPNs to bridge to RN, a career for which you need to earn either an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. You may go from LPN to BSN with Herzing University - Madison and decrease the time you need to earn an undergraduate nursing degree and qualify for the NCLEX-RN.

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , employment of licensed practical and vocational nurses (LPN/LVN) is expected to rise 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.*

Now is an excellent time to pursue a degree qualifying you for jobs in a growing field with numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Natalie Hassan Became Possible

Experienced PN program faculty helped Natalie both professionally and personally, changing her life for the better in many ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any accredited online pn programs.

No, there are no accredited PN programs that are 100% online. LPN programs describing themselves as “online” will offer a hybrid option where you can take some classes online to supplement your primary classroom coursework.

Students enrolled in the Herzing PN program may complete general education courses online—but the bulk of the coursework must be completed on campus.

Ultimately there is no replacement for real hands-on clinical experience, practice in simulation labs and direct in-person support from nursing instructors with real healthcare experience. Learning the skills required to become an LPN requires the live educational experience to become an excellent Licensed Practical Nurse.

Do I have to be a CNA before an LPN?

Potential employers may prefer a candidate with experience as a CNA, but it’s not necessarily a requirement for getting a job as an LPN (same goes for going from CNA to RN ).

You aren't required to go from CNA to LPN and there is no prerequisite to be a CNA before enrolling in the Herzing University PN program.

Is it worth the cost for LPN school?

Quite simply, yes! A PN diploma and a job as a LPN is a great way to quickly get involved in the nursing profession and get a better feel for what it means to be a nurse. Earning your diploma helps get you into a career with above average pay, and can springboard you into the next level of nursing education should you choose to continue advancing your education and career.

We can help you come to a better determination. Send us a request for more information and we can answer any questions you have about the PN program, and discuss how beneficial it can be for you to become a LPN.

How much does an LPN make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn an average salary of $55,860 per year ( $26.86 per hour).* Discover the average salary for a licensed practical nurse broken down by state.

Where can LPNs work besides nursing homes?

Although the majority of LPNs work in nursing homes, retirement communities or assisted living facilities, many LPNs work in:

• Physician's offices
• Insurance carriers
• Community food and housing

You can see a full industry profile for Licensed Practical Nurses from the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Are LPNs in demand? Or are they being phased out?

Because many hospitals are upping their educational requirements for nurses in general, the demand for LPNs in hospitals is falling relative to registered nurses with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

However, any claim they are being “phased out” isn’t accurate. LPNs remain in demand in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care and many other environments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job opportunities for LPNs will rise approximately 5% from 2022-2032 .*

The landscape is changing, but LPNs remain a vital contributor in the nursing community.

Considering a career as an LPN?

Your first step is to get a hands-on education to learn the fundamentals of nursing in a career-focused program. Herzing University's practical nursing program combines classwork with clinical experiences to help you earn your diploma and prepare you to become an LPN in as few as 12 months. Our program is available at several of our ground campuses:

• Akron, Ohio
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Kenosha, Wisconsin
• Brookfield, Wisconsin
• Madison, Wisconsin
• Orlando, Florida
• Tampa, Florida

How hard is the practical nursing program?

PN program coursework is meant to be challenging, but not impossible.  As a Herzing student you’ll find support every step of the way, from faculty, staff, instructors and other students enrolled in the program. You’re never alone—and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

Learn more about how hard nursing school is at Herzing University, and read some testimonials from former students describing their experience.

How can I become an LPN fast?

You may find some programs offering 6 month or 9 month paths to a PN diploma to become an LPN . Be mindful that accelerated diploma/degree programs aren’t for everyone and such a fast track can be overwhelming. If you’re considering a few months’ difference in time as a tipping point in your decision, remember the quality of your education is most important!

Herzing University’s 1-year PN diploma program gets you an excellent hands-on education in a short amount of time. You’ll learn the foundational concepts and skills in nursing needed to excel in your new career as an LPN.

What are the main differences between an LPN and RN?

While Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) often work together in collaboration in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, their roles and responsibilities are very different. Learn more about the biggest differences between practical nurses (LPN/LVN) and registered nurses (RN) .

Practical nursing vs. medical assisting: what's the difference?

While practical nurses (LPN) and medical assistants often perform similar tasks, there are a few key differences to be aware of, including:

• Educational requirements
• Average salary
• Scope of practice
• Ongoing career opportunities
• Future outlook for jobs

Learn more about the difference between practical nursing and medical assisting and how to go from MA to LPN .

Accreditations

Accreditations & Disclosures

The Diploma in Practical Nursing program at the Madison location is approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing (1400 East Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703, 608-266-2112,  https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/BoardsCouncils/Nursing/Default.aspx ).

Consequently, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-PN) licensing exam upon successful completion of the program. Passing the exam allows graduates to apply to the State Board of Nursing for licensure as a licensed practical nurse.

Effective January 24, 2023, this practical nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on January 24, 2025.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000; View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this candidate program at  http://www.acenursing.com/candidates/candidacy.asp . Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissions granting initial accreditation.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

Related Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Madison

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Online

Accelerated BSN Option - Madison

Schedule a visit to our campus in Madison to learn more about the program and what we’re all about. We’re located on the northeast side of Madison just east of I-90 off Hwy 151.

Herzing University - Madison

5218 E Terrace Dr Madison, Wisconsin 53178 (608) 807-1909

View all Madison nursing programs .

Related Blog Posts

• Scholarships
• Nursing Programs
• Campus Locations

Contact us to request more information

When do you want to start classes?

The program has an automatic transfer of credits, and allows you to transfer up to additional credits.

The program allows you to transfer up to credits.

The program allows you to transfer up to credit hours.

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

Closed school equalization scholarship amount: varies.

Available to applicants who attended a college or university that closed within the last 12 months and were attending within 120 days of the school closure date

Must be enrolled in a comparable program at Herzing University, submit a copy of an official transcript from the closed school, and complete the Closed School Discharge Disclosure

Crisis Support Grant Amount: Varies; maximum $500 per semester; $1000 lifetime

The Crisis Support Grant is an emergency grant for active students experiencing a financial crisis

GPA requirements must be met. All applicants must be actively enrolled in a degree-seeking program, have a record of good conduct, and financial standing with the university

Herzing University Board of Trustees Scholarship Amount: The amount awarded to the selected student(s) is determined annually when the recipient(s) is selected.

All Herzing University students are eligible to apply via the formal application process outlined below. Students must apply prior to the start of either semester in their last academic year before graduation. The application period is open during the summer semester.

An application including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and examples of community service is required. In addition, the scholarship review committee may review GPA and unmet financial need as part of eligibility criteria.

Herzing University Completion Grant Amount: Total tuition and fee amount that is unpaid after all other resources

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need and are unable to cover the cost of attendance with alternative resources in their final academic year

Must submit an application and have used all financial resources in the final academic year resulting in a gap in financial resources

Herzing University I'm possible Grant Amount: Total tuition and fee amount that is unpaid after all other resources

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need, who are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Must show financial need and are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Herzing University Strive Scholarship Amount: $2,000

Dean's List and President's list students

Must be enrolled in an Associate or Bachelor program, on the Dean's or President's list, and submit an application.

HRSA - Nurse Corps Scholarship Amount: Varies; the monthly stipend is awarded for tuition, eligible fees, and reasonable costs (includes books, clinical supplies, instruments, and uniforms).

This program designed to provide financial supprot to nursing students while in school that are williing to work in a critical shortage facility after graduation.

Must be a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized), a national, or a permanent resident; accepted or enrolled as a student in a nursing degree program at a United States accredited school of nursing; begin classes no later than September 30; do not have any federal overdue federal loan debt, judgment liens, or existing service commitment.

HU Lifelong Learning Alumni Scholarship Amount: 5% of tuition

Must be a Herzing graduate who has re-enrolled in a higher-level degree and remain enrolled in the desired program

Must be enrolled at least half-time for the duration of the program

International Grant and International Student Service Fee Scholarship Amount: Varies

Must be an international student attending HU through an agreement with a school/agency in your home country

Must either be attending a resident campus as F-1 student or enrolled in an online modality study through an established school partnership

Matching - Segal AmeriCorps Matching Scholarship Amount: $1,000/full-time semester or $500/half-time and 3/4-time semester

Must be an eligible AmeriCorps Alumni who is enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree seeking program

Must submit a payment request for an eligible institution through their individual account in 'My AmeriCorps'

Matching Scholarship - Yellow Ribbon Amount: Varies

Yellow ribbon may be given to veterans entitled to the maximum benefit rate for Post-911

100% CH 33 eligible

Military and First Responder's Appreciation Grant Amount: 10% total direct costs (tuition and all fees)

Honorably discharged veterans, severely injured servicemembers, family members of Active Duty Servicemembers and Severely Injured Servicemembers, active duty servicemembers in graduate-level programs, dependents of deceased servicemembers, public safety and first responder personnel

Proof of Veteran (DD-214), Active Duty, or injured status is required. 

Proof of active and current employment as public safety personnel or first responder

Military Appreciation Grant Amount: Tuition reduction to $250/credit plus the amount of the Learner Resource Fee and Enrollment Fee

Active Duty Servicemembers in undergraduate programs and National Guard or Reserves activated or actively training and drilling in preparation for potential activation

Proof of active duty status is required

Nurses Circle of Achievement Amount: 10% tuition reduction

ASN or BSN: Must have completed the TEAS Assessment with a score of 78+ MSN: must have a 3.8+ GPA upon entering the program.

Applicants in the ASN and BSN, must maintain a 3.0 GPA while enrolled. 

Applicants in the MSN program must maintain a 3.5 GPA.

Partnership Grant Amount: 10%-35% tuition reduction

Employees of a business participating in the Herzing Partnerships Program.

Proof of active and current employment or association with partner organization

WAICU - UPS Foundation Scholarship Amount: The scholarship will be awarded to one recipient in the amount of $3,000

Recipients must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program for the Fall with a Herzing University campus located within Wisconsin.

Applicant's background must reflect one or more of the components as determined by the UPS Foundation and CIC's First Opportunity Program: first generation student, low-income, minority; or new American student.

WAICU - Wisconsin Women in Government Amount: Varies; maximum $3,000

The program is designed to provide financial support for women that demonstrate leadership potential, initiative, and excellent communication skills and are pursuing a career or have an interest in public service, government, and/or the political process.

To be considered for this scholarship, an applicant must be actively enrolled as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student in good academic standing and plan to enroll in the Fall. In addition, an applicant must be a female resident of Wisconsin and have a financial need as determined by Herzing University based on eligibility for the Pell Grant.

WAICU Rath Scholarship Amount: Up to four recipients will be selected. Each recipient will receive a scholarship of $6,500.

Rath Distinguished Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, merit, and leadership.

Must be an actively enrolled student in good standing. If an entering first year student, the scholarship applicants must have graduated among the top 25 percent of their high school class. If a sophomore, junior, or senior, applicants must have demonstrated academic excellence by maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent). In addition, scholarship recipients are to demonstrate strong campus and community leadership. Applicants must be enrolled through the Fall semester. Scholars must be U.S. citizens; Wisconsin residents preferred.

To Contact a Financial Aid Advisor

Enrolled and active students.

Click here: MyHU Advising Team

Prospective students

Call (866) 508-0748 option 2 or Email [email protected]

Actual semesters to complete are dependent upon university approved transfer credits and program mapping.

Estimated program length, estimated number of semesters, and estimated program shown above are standard by program for each student based on: a student taking a full-time course load each semester, the student not having any transfer credits (from previous Herzing experiences or from other post-secondary institutions), and successful completion of each course.

Current tuition rates for all programs are effective through the Summer 2024 semester.

Online LPN Programs

Lpn programs.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also known as licensed vocational nurses, provide basic patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. LPNs can complete their nursing training in about a year, allowing them to enter the workforce quickly with less financial burden or time commitment than a four-year degree. Online LPN programs offer a convenient, flexible option for getting the credentials for entry-level nursing jobs. Students complete course requirements at their own pace to help maintain their work or family responsibilities. We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online LPN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. Keep reading to learn more about LPN online programs, or go straight to our list of the best online LPN programs.

What to Look for in an Online LPN Program

With so many online LPN programs to choose from, you should carefully research different schools to find the right fit for your personal needs and career goals. Before enrolling in an LPN program, explore these key signs of academic quality.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements can provide an indication of the academic quality a school expects of its students. Be wary of schools with “easy” admission standards, such as low GPA requirements.

Clinical Experience

Every LPN program requires clinical components. Online learners may complete some laboratory experiences as part of their coursework, although most programs require on-site placements. Some schools allow online students to complete their clinical rotations at their workplace or help them find placements near their homes.

Program Length

Most LPN programs require 40 credit hours and a minimum of 500 clinical hours. While most students complete training in 12-18 months, the total length of time varies by school and depends on how many credits students complete each semester.

School Graduation Rate 

Graduation rates can provide a strong indicator of a school’s commitment to student success. High graduation rates suggest that students receive the guidance and support they need throughout the program.

Program Curriculum

The LPN curriculum for most schools should offer basic courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, chemistry, and biology. The program should also allow students to choose other courses aligned with their interests.

Accreditation

Accreditation by an independent agency, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensures the quality of a nursing program’s curriculum and clinical experiences.

School NCLEX Pass Rate

The reported pass rates for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) can serve as a measure of a program’s overall quality. When choosing a school, consider how their pass rate compares with the NCLEX national pass rate for LPNs, which is just over 80% as of 2021.

Online Learning Format and Requirements

Determine what kind of online delivery format works best for your success. Are you a self-motivated learner, or do you require some structure? Some online LPN programs are asynchronistic which allow you to study at your own pace, while others use synchronistic models with classes scheduled on fixed days and times.

Applying to Online LPN Programs

High school diploma or GED certificate; criminal background; entrance exam

Admission Materials

Minimum 2.5 GPA

GPA Requirements

Recommendation letters; some may also require the Test of Essential Academic Skills or American College Test scores

Other Requirements

More information on LPN Programs

Why is online lpn program accreditation important, paying for online lpn programs, frequently asked questions about online lpn programs.

Many students complete their LPN training in one year of full-time coursework. However, several factors can affect this time frame. The number of required credits varies by program, from less than 40 to over 50. The clinical requirements can range between 500 and 750 hours, depending on the school or state regulations.

All LPN programs, including those offered online, require clinical hours and lab, although the specific number of hours varies by school and state requirements. Your program will place you in a supervised clinical experience at a hospital, clinic, nursing home, or other healthcare facility. Some schools can help you find placements close to your home.

The BLS projects the employment of LPNs to grow by 9% from 2020-2030, adding over 60,000 jobs each year. For those interested in becoming registered nurses (RNs), getting LPN experience can provide a competitive edge when applying to associate or bachelor of science in nursing bridge programs.

Although LPNs work as nursing professionals, they do not take on the same duties as RNs. LPNs provide basic care to patients, such as checking blood pressure and making sure patients are comfortable. Because LPNs do not have the same responsibilities as RNs, they do not need to graduate with a nursing degree. Instead, they can get certification after completing an LPN program.

What can you do as an lpn?

LPNs directly contribute to the care and comfort of their patients. Depending on the work setting, duties may include recording vital signs, giving medications, changing wound dressings, and bathing and feeding patients. Nursing care facilities, hospitals, mental health centers, home healthcare, and physicians’ offices rank among the most common workplaces for LPNs. LPN salaries vary by education level and type of employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LPNs earn a median annual salary of $48,820, with the highest-paid employees working in government agencies, nursing and residential care facilities, and home healthcare. While most LPNs have a nurse certificate, earning potential increases for those who earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or higher.

Explore ADN Programs

Licensed Practical Nurse Degree (PN): The Ultimate Guide

What Is an LVN Certification? Job Description and Career Guide

LPN to RN Programs: How To Bridge To A Registered Nurse

24-Month BS in Nursing for Non-Nurse College Graduates

• Tuition and Application Requirements

To become a nurse sooner, don't start over again––pick up where you left off.

Regis College's 24-month BS in Nursing degree blends fully online course work with face to face clinical and simulation lab experiences. This best of both worlds "hybrid" approach provide maximum flexibility empowering you to become a bachelor-level nurse in 24 months. Similar to our Accelerated 16-month BS in Nursing program , you can leverage your previous bachelor’s degree and jump right into the nursing curriculum!

What students who complete Regis's 24-month BS in Nursing program love:

• 12-week semesters designed to deliver longer breaks between semesters.
• The flexibility of 100% online course work.
• Hands-on experience in Boston area hospitals.
• Clinical preceptorship in the final semester.

We invite you to download our 24-month ABSN flyer to view a sample schedule, hear what a student has to say about their experience, and more!

Want to learn more about this program?

Become a Nurse

Our 24-month BS in Nursing for Non-Nurse College Graduates program is designed for career changers, new graduates and many others who want to get a second bachelor’s degree and become a nurse. We have customized a curriculum that uses the undergraduate courses you have already taken so that you can jump directly into your nursing courses in the accelerated nursing program.

Registered nurse currently ranks #12 on the Best job list according to the U.S. News and World Report .

Program Starts

• Fall - September

Application Deadlines

• Early Action Deadline: December 1
• Regular Action Deadline: March 1 with rolling admission after deadline on space-available basis.

Labs and Clinical Placements

You will enjoy clinical placements at Boston’s most elite research hospitals, as well as community hospitals. Clinical placements allow you to apply your classroom knowledge and experience directly in a healthcare setting. Learning hands-on and providing direct patient care in a variety of settings, will enable you to hit the ground running with an exceptional resume and confidence in your clinical skills.

Simulation labs will be completed at our state of the art facilities on our Weston, MA campus.

Quick Program Facts

* Does not include fees. Based on the academic year 2022-2023. Cost per credit and total cost subject to inflation.

Program Objectives

After graduating from Regis, one of the region's top nursing programs, you are fully prepared to sit for the NCLEX examination and work as a registered nurse.

Associate Director of Graduate Admission

Donna Papapietro

Curriculum | 24-Month BS in Nursing for Non-Nurse College Graduates

Sample curriculum for students starting the 24-Month BS in Nursing for Non-Nurse College Graduates in the fall.

Tuition and Application Requirements | 24-Month BS in Nursing for Non-Nurse College Graduates

Tuition and application requirements for the 24-Month BS in Nursing for Non-Nurse College Graduates program.

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Nursing Degree

Nurses function as caregivers and patient advocates in the promotion and restoration of health, and the prevention of disease. The practice of nursing requires substantial specialized knowledge, clinical reasoning abilities, and technical skills based on physiological and psycho-social sciences and the growing body of nursing concepts/knowledge. Nursing encompasses caring for a multicultural patient population across the life span of individuals in any setting where healthcare is needed.

Courses in the humanities contribute to the knowledge used when providing services to the whole person, in a caring, compassionate manner, while courses in the social, psychological, and biological sciences, give nurses a scientific basis for practice. BCCC’s Nursing programs provide individual attention and flexible scheduling, to meet the needs of a diverse group of students, including recent high school graduates, homemakers, and people already employed in other fields. To help students acquire and develop their skills, the programs provide a simulation laboratory, and a media center equipped with DVDs and interactive computer programs.

Before admission to any nursing course/program, all science courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better and be no more than five years old at the time of entry into the Nursing Program. The General Education Requirements may be taken in any order, as agreed upon by the student and his/her Program Adviser. Students have the opportunity to practice their nursing skills and apply their classroom-learned theory at a variety of local hospitals, clinics, daycare centers, and other community-based settings. During the course of study, students care for adult patients, patients with mental illnesses, children, and parents during child-bearing years. Students will be required to take nationally normed tests throughout the curriculum. In the last semester, students will be required to meet end of program completion requirements and achieve a satisfactory score on a comprehensive exam prior to taking the licensing exam.

Application for Admission

All interested applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent and meet/complete the following:

• All required developmental coursework (math, reading and writing sequence).
• PRE 100 - Preparation for Academic Achievement   .
• All students must meet the college’s computer literacy requirement.
• Completion of  BIO 202   , BIO 203   , and BIO 212   .
• A grade of “C” or better must be achieved in all science courses. Science courses must be completed within five (5) years of starting the nursing program. A science course can only be repeated once within 5 years.
• Minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 or greater.
• All students must have resident BCCC courses (minimum 6 credits).
• All students must take the current Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). The TEAS must be completed by the application deadline and be no more than one-year old.
• All students must attend a Nursing Information Session.

Note:  Because the Nursing programs have special entrance requirements, prospective applicants must meet with the Selective Admissions Counselor in the Office of Admissions, Recruitment and Orientation. Students must meet the entry requirements as published by the Nursing Program when applying for admission.

Eligibility for Licensure: Eligibility for admission to and continued enrollment in the Nursing programs is conditional upon an applicant’s eligibility for licensure by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Under Maryland law, the Maryland Board of Nursing may deny a license to any applicant for reasons that include, but are not limited to, an applicant’s conviction or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to a felony, or to a crime involving moral turpitude, whether or not any appeal or other proceeding is pending to have the conviction or plea set aside. The Maryland Board of Nursing mandates that new graduates submit to a criminal background check and fingerprinting prior to licensure.

All Nursing students must submit to a criminal background check. If an applicant for admission or an enrolled student has an unexpunged conviction or is convicted at any time prior to admission or enrollment into the Nursing programs, or during participation in the Nursing course sequence, the applicant or enrolled student must immediately notify the Nursing Department. Failure to disclose an arrest or conviction may result in ineligibility for admission to, or suspension or termination from Nursing programs.

Upon acceptance into the Program, students:

• Must complete an American Heart Association CPR course. A copy of both sides of the card must be provided on the first day of class.
• Are required to carry health insurance as long as they are enrolled in the program. Students are responsible for any charges that occur related to health and safety in the classrooms and clinical areas.
• Must show proof of currrent health status by physical exam less than a year old at the time of admission.
• The Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) must be done annually
• Rubella, Rubeola and Mumps titer and immunization, if necessary
• Varicella (chicken pox) titer and immunization, if necessary
• Hepatitis B screening, vaccine if necessary, or written waiver
• Seasonal flu and other immunization are required by the assigned clinical health care facility.
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Are required to have a criminal background check and a drug screen at their own expense. Information on how to obtain a criminal background check will be provided.
• Must maintain a minimum of “C” in each nursing and science course to progress through the course and semester sequence.

In addition students:

• Will incur expenses for books, tuition, uniforms and other media products etc.
• Are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical practicums.

The Associate of Science Degree prepares graduates to take the licensing examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses in the State of Maryland. The ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326.

Note:  BCCC reserves the right to modify the above regulations/requirements at any time in the student’s enrollment.

Suggested Sequence of Courses

** All BCCC students must meet the College’s Computer Literacy requirements in order to receive a degree or a certificate. All first-time, full- and part-time degree and certificate seeking students are required to complete the PRE 100    course within the first six credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

Utilize effective clinical decision skills to apply knowledge from the sciences, humanities, and nursing knowledge into nursing practice.   

Implement health promotion and disease prevention in providing health care interventions in culturally diverse populations. 

Utilize nursing knowledge and evidence-based practice to enhance health and well-being that are consistent with ethical, legal, and regulatory principles. 

Demonstrate usage of information management technology when communicating to interprofessionals in providing client care.   

Demonstrate professional, legal, and ethical accountability within the scope and standards of nursing practice. 

Pre-Program Entry

• PRE 100 - Preparation for Academic Achievement (1 credit)

Biology Placement Exam (Test out of BIO 101) (0 credits)

Computer Literacy Exam (0 credits)

• BIO 202 - Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits) Meets General Education requirement for this program
• BIO 203 - Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits) Meets General Education requirement for this program
• BIO 212 - Microbiology (4 credits) Meets General Education requirement for this program

Total Pre-Entry Credits 13

Complete Application to Nursing Program - see the “Nursing Program Selective Admission Criteria and Process” @  https://www.bccc.edu/Page/1255

1st Semester

• ENG 101 - English Writing (3 credits) Meets General Education requirement for this program
• NUR 111 - Calculation of Medications in Nursing (1 credit)
• NUR 120 - Introduction to Nursing Practice (8 credits)
• PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology (3 credits) Meets General Education requirement for this program

Total Semester Credits 15

2nd semester.

• NUR 122 - Medical-Surgical Nursing of Adults I (8 credits)
• PSY 104 - Developmental Psychology (3 credits) Meets General Education requirement for this program
• SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3 credits) Meets General Education requirement for this program

Total Semester Credits 14

3rd semester.

• NUR 218 - Maternal and Child Health Nursing (6 credits)
• NUR 222 - Care of the Client with Mental Health Problems (4 credits)
• SPE 101 - Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3 credits) Meets General Education requirement for this program

Total Semester Credits 13

4th semester.

• NUR 220 - Medical-Surgical Nursing of Adults II (8 credits)
• NUR 216 - Perspectives and Issues in Nursing (1 credit)
• MAT 107 - Modern Elementary Statistics (3 credits) Meets General Education requirement for this program
• ENG-Elective - General Education Requirements: Arts and Humanities   : Literature Elective (3 credits)

Program Total 70

RN and LPN Independent Study Refresher Courses

Refresh your knowledge.

This self-study refresher course was developed to assist the inactive nurse in updating knowledge and skills. It allows one to move with confidence into a nurse orientation program and return to practice.

The independent study refresher course is offered as a nursing continuing professional development distance education program and may be completed in one's home community at a pace and time that best meets the individual’s needs. The refresher course is not a college credit-granting program. This course is taken to pursue professional recertification of a nursing license or receive continuing education credit.

• Enroll in the Refresher Course Today!

number of theory hours (completed online)

Maximum time for course completion, minimum number of clinical hours, program fee, course structure.

The objectives of the course are to provide an opportunity for the participant to:

• Recognize current philosophy, objectives and social and cultural implications of nursing.
• Review selected nursing skills and identify their evidence base for practice.
• Recognize the role of the LPN/LVN/RN in assessing clients’ needs, planning and implementing individualized care.
• Review and identify therapies, procedures, current diagnostic and treatment measures and patient care needs for selected medical and surgical conditions.
• Demonstrate dosage calculation to selected client situations.

The program is ongoing. Participants may enroll at any time.

A desktop or laptop computer is required when taking exams. iPads, iPhones, tablets, etc. are not permissible. Chromebooks are not recommended. The system requirements are:

• Windows 10, 11.
• Mac OS 10.12 or higher.

It may not be possible to access exams when using a computer operating system that is not listed above.

All course materials and theory module exams are delivered online through Desire2Learn (D2L) and Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) supported modules. The participant will complete course review and exams at a time and location of their choosing. Participants are required to have camera access on their computer when taking a module exam in the D2L. This webcam may be included in the participant’s computer or an added accessory. A webcam is not provided by SDSU and will be an additional cost to the participant. When logging in to take an exam in the course delivery system D2L, the participant will initially download the safe and free software application Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser. This application will provide participant verification and testing security measures and video the participant while an exam is taken. Once an exam is accessed, the participant’s browser will be locked to prevent other software applications or web pages to run or be accessed.

Theory Component

The theory component is based on a textbook to help direct and reinforce learning. The theory portion has been organized into 10 major instructional modules with an examination after each module. ATI products are integrated in the theory modules and include Skills, Pharmacology Made Easy and Dosage Calculation – Dimensional Analysis, with a final medication calculation test. After successful completion, the RN refresher participant is awarded 160 theory hours. Completion of theory involves successful completion of all module tests, ATI skills, ATI pharmacology, ATI dimensional analysis modules and the final medication calculation test.

Modules one through nine contain multiple choice examinations. Each examination contains 25 questions in varying formats such as true/false, multiple choice or multiple select. Two opportunities are allowed to successfully complete each module post-test with a score of 76% or greater. If a score of less than 76% is attained on post-test A, the participant will re-enter test A submission to review incorrect answers, refer to textbook content as noted in rationale and review the module material again before completing post-test B. If a score of 76% or greater is not obtained on either posttest A or B, the participant will be dismissed from the program.

The 21 required ATI skills provide learning opportunities related to the requirements of a registered nurse in various clinical settings and are assigned in modules five through 10. The ATI skills provide in-depth information and visual cues for each learning experience and should be completed as assigned. ATI skills modules are designed with a pre-test, completion of learning modules, then followed by a posttest. The modules are self-paced and interactive, contain audio and video clips as well as step-by-step procedures. Case studies in the form of practice challenges are included in each module. The modules will support participant’s skill-building, apply the theoretical and evidence-based information and instill confidence in understanding of skills. Participants should allow time to complete the pretest, review the tutorial including the overview, step-by-step viewing, accepted practice components and posttest.

A post-test score of 76% or greater must be achieved on each of the 21 mandatory ATI Skills. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will retake the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved. Participants will document their test activities on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

Participants will also complete five virtual ATI Skill scenarios: HIPAA, nutrition, blood administration pain assessment and vital signs. The participant will document time spent and date completed on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

ATI Pharmacology Made Easy

There are 11 modules assigned in modules five through nine. Each pharmacology module includes a welcome/introductory, lessons, activities and case study. There is one module, Introduction to Pharmacology, that must be completed in its entirety followed by as posttest. The posttest contains 25 NCLEX-style questions to assess knowledge acquisition. Participants will receive immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices to reinforce learning. Participants must receive a score of 76% or greater on the test. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will retake the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved.

Module content will be reviewed for the other 10 pharmacology modules, with no posttest required. The participant will identify one medication from the module content that they are familiar with and document it on the provided form. Participants will document their test activity, familiar medication and date on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

Note: Review of two modules is optional – hematologic and immune system.

ATI Dosage Calculation

This ATI product is an interactive, media-rich, online tutorial that is designed to help participants learn the basics of safe medication administration. The dosage calculation series improves comprehension and critical-thinking skills in relation to safely calculating medication dosages. The seven modules include activity questions interspersed throughout the material to provide practice problems, in which the participant receives immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices along with equations to reinforce learning.

Participants must receive a 76% or greater score on each of the seven required module tests. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will re-take the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved. The participant will document their test activities on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

Final Medication Calculation

The participant will take a Medication Calculation Test in D2L at the end of theory in module ten, and before proceeding to clinical. The test includes 10 questions that require the participant to calculate and document their answer. A practice medication calculation test is available for the participants to help prepare for the final test and may be utilized as many times as needed.

Three opportunities are allowed to successfully complete the medication calculation test with a score of 100%. The participant will take test A. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test A, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. After review, the participant will take test B. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test B, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. When participant is ready for the final attempt, test C, the participant will email instructor the date and time they request to take test C. The instructor will open test C for participant completion. If a score of less than 100% is attained on medication calculation tests A, B and C, the participant will be dismissed from the program.

Theory Overview

Professional Concepts

• Unit A – The Profession of Nursing.
• Unit B – The Nurse’s Role In Health Care Quality and Patient Safety.
• Unit C – Values, Ethics and Legal Issues.
• Unit D – Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Care.
• Unit E – Nursing Process: Foundations for Clinical Judgement.

Nursing Process

• Unit A – Nursing Assessment.
• Unit B – Nursing Diagnosis.
• Unit C – Outcome Identification and Planning.
• Unit D – Implementation and Evaluation.
• Unit E – Healthcare Team Communication: Documenting and Reporting.
• Unit F – Focus Studies in Leadership and Management, Delegation, Informatics.

Healthcare Delivery Concepts

• Unit A – Health, Wellness and Integrative Healthcare.
• Unit B – Healthcare In the Community and Home.
• Unit C – Culture and Diversity.
• Unit D – Communication in the Nurse-Patient Relationship.
• Unit E – Patient Education and Health Promotion.
• Unit F – Caring for the Older Adult.

Psychosocial Concepts

• Unit A – Self-Concept.
• Unit B – Families and Their Relationships.
• Unit C – Cognitive Processes.
• Unit D – Sexuality.
• Unit E – Stress, Coping and Adaptation.
• Unit F – Loss and Grieving.
• Unit G – Spiritual Health.

Clinical Care Competencies - Part One

• Unit A – Safety.
• Unit B – Health Assessment.
• Unit C – Vital Signs.
• Unit D – Asepsis and Infection Control.

Concepts Involving Protection and Movement - Part One

• Unit A – Hygiene and Self-Care.
• Unti B – Skin Integrity and Wound Health.
• Unit C – Infection Prevention and Management.

Concepts Involving Protection and Movement - Part Two

• Unit A – Mobility.
• Unit B – Pain Management.
• Unit C – Sensory Perception.

Concepts Involving Homeostasis and Regulation - Part One

• Unit A – Nutrition.
• Unit B – Urinary Elimination.
• Unit C – Bowel Elimination.
• Unit D - Sleep.

Concepts Involving Homeostasis and Regulation - Part Two

• Unit A – Respiratory Function.
• · Unit B - Cardiac Function.
• · Unit C – Fluids, Electrolytes and Acid-Base.

Clinical Care Competencies - Part Two

• Unit A - Medication Administration.
• Unit B - Intravenous Therapy.

Integrated Material Throughout Modules

• Air-way Management.
• Blood Administration.
• Central Venous Access Devices.
• Closed-Chest Drainage.
• Concepts of Medication Administration.
• Diabetes Management.
• Enteral Tube Feedings.
• Infection Control.
• Injectable Medication Administration.
• Intravenous Therapy and Peripheral Access.
• IV Medication Administration.
• Nasogastric Intubation.
• Oral and Topical Medications.
• Oxygen Therapy.
• Pain Management.
• Physical Assessment – Adult.
• Surgical Asepsis.
• Urinary Elimination.
• Vital Signs.
• Introduction to Pharmacology.
• The Neurologic System Part 1 and 2.
• The Gastrointestinal System.
• The Reproductive and Genitourinary Systems.
• The Respiratory System.
• The Cardiovascular System.
• The Endocrine System.
• The Musculoskeletal System.
• Pain and Inflammation.
• Optional: The Hematologic System and The Immune System.

ATI Dosage Calculation - Dimensional Analysis

• Safe Dosage.
• Medication Administration.
• Oral Medications.
• Injectable Medications.
• Powdered Medications.
• Parenteral (IV) Medications.
• Dosage by Weight.
• Optional: Pediatric Medications and Critical Care Medications.

The online theory component of the LPN independent study refresher course utilizes a textbook and online interactive ATI products. The theory portion is arranged into 10 major modules in D2L, with an examination at the end of each module. ATI activities are assigned in modules five through 10 to augment the textbook learning. Three ATI products included with the course will focus on skills, pharmacology and dosage calculation. Completion of theory involves successful completion of all D2L and ATI module tests

Module 1 – Foundations and Settings.

Module 2 – Personal, Environmental Health and Safety.

Module 3 – Development Throughout the Life Cycle.

Module 4 – The Nursing Process and Focus Studies.

Module 5 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 1) and selected ATI pharmacology.

Module 6 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 2) and selected ATI pharmacology.

Module 7 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 3) and selected ATI pharmacology.

Module 8 – ATI Skills/Client Care (Part 1).

Module 9 – ATI Skills/Client Care (Part 2).

Module 10 – ATI Pharmacology and Dosage Calculation and Safe Medication Administration

Module Tests: A reading outline is provided for the participant to use to guide learning, for test preparation and may be used for testing. Modules one through nine contain multiple choice examinations. Each examination contains 25 questions in varying formats such as true/false, multiple choice or multiple select. Participants get two opportunities to successfully complete each module post-test with a score of 76% or greater . If a score of less than 76% is attained on posttest A, the participant will re-enter the test A submission to review incorrect answers, refer to textbook content as noted in rationale and review the module material again before completing posttest B. If a score of 76% or greater is not obtained on either posttest A or B, the participant will be dismissed from the program.

ATI Pharmacology Made Easy: There are eleven pharmacology modules are assigned in modules 5 through 7. Each pharmacology module includes a welcome/introductory, lessons, activities and case study. The posttest contains twenty-five NCLEX-style questions to assess knowledge acquisition.

ATI Dosage Calculation:  This ATI product is an interactive, media-rich, online tutorial that is designed to help participants learn the basics of safe medication administration. The dosage calculation series improves comprehension and critical-thinking skills in relation to safely calculating medication dosages. The seven modules include activity questions interspersed throughout the material to provide practice problems, in which the participant receives immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices along with equations to reinforce learning.

Final Medication Calculation: The participant will take a Medication Calculation Test in D2L at the end of theory in module ten, and before proceeding to clinical. The test includes 10 questions that require the participant to calculate and document their answer. A practice medication calculation test is available for the participants to help prepare for the final test and may be utilized as many times as needed.

ATI Skills: Nineteen required ATI Skills provide learning opportunities related to the requirements of a nurse in various clinical settings and are assigned in modules 8 through 10. The ATI Skills provide in-depth information and visual cues for each learning experience. ATI Skills are designed with a pretest, completion of learning modules, then followed by a posttest. Case studies in the form of practice challenges are included with each module. The modules will support the participant’s skill-building, apply the theoretical and evidence-based information and instill confidence in the understanding of skills. Participants will also complete four virtual ATI Skill scenarios: HIPAA, nutrition, pain assessment and vital signs.

Clinical Component

Arranging for the clinical experience is the responsibility of each prospective participant. Work to secure a verbal commitment from a clinical site is required prior to requesting enrollment in the course. The prospective participant must employ professionalism in all phone or email communication with the health care site.

Prospective participants will make the initial contact to request and secure that the facility can provide a clinical experience. After a verbal commitment is achieved, enrollment in the course can begin. SDSU staff will contact the clinical site to establish the required affiliation agreement after participant enrollment.

Clinical sites must be within the United States or on a U.S. Military base in a health care setting operated by medical staff licensed within the US. Examples of SDSU accepted clinical settings include but are not limited to hospitals, nursing homes, surgery centers, urgent care centers, rehabilitation centers, home health or hospice agencies.

Hours Required

A minimum of 80 clinical hours is required for course completion. If the respective state board of nursing requires more than 80 hours, this requirement will be adhered to during the clinical experience.

Where required, a limited license must be obtained from the state board of nursing during the clinical component of the refresher course. The limited license allows nursing practice under the direct personal supervision of a licensed registered nurse identified as the clinical preceptor. The limited license is only valid for a specific time period and may not be used for gainful employment.

Clinical Plan and Preclinical Requirements

When preparing for clinical, the participant will submit a completed Clinical Plan to SDSU. This one-page form is reviewed and may be approved after the following preclinical requirements are uploaded and approved in the participant’s CastleBranch account. When all preclinical requirements are met, the Clinical Plan is approved and a date range for clinical hours will be set. The start date for clinical will be a minimum of 10 business days after approval, or longer if work to complete a required affiliation agreement with the site is still underway.

Pre-Clinical Requirements

• Copy of government issued photo identification card (submitted with enrollment).
• FBI background check with fingerprinting (completed with enrollment application).
• Online background check (completed with enrollment application).
• Multi-waiver release form.
• Measles (rubeola) immunity.
• Mumps immunity.
• Rubella (German measles) immunity.
• Varicella immunity.
• Hepatitis B immunity or waiver.
• TB skin test.
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis immunity.
• Influenza vaccination – required during flu season October - March.
• COVID-19 vaccination (where required).
• CPR certification for the professional rescuer/health care provider.
• Proof of personal health insurance coverage.
• Professional liability insurance.
• Drug screening (10 panel – current within three months of beginning clinical).
• Temporary permit or limited license (where required).

Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the course will not open a CastleBranch account to obtain the above preadmission background checks or preclinical requirements. A copy of a government-issued identification card may be submitted with the enrollment application.

Successful Course Completion

The participant must successfully pass both the theory and clinical components to complete the refresher course. Upon successful completion, a certificate will be mailed to the participant. A copy of the certificate will be sent to the participant’s board of nursing to document successful completion of the course.

If a participant is unable to successfully complete either the theory or the clinical portion, this will result in failure of the refresher course. Appeals for the opportunity to retake course exams or the clinical experience are not guaranteed and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. No participant will be allowed more than two opportunities to successfully complete clinical. Any dismissal from the course for academic reasons is appealable pursuant to University Policy 2:4.

Completion Time Frame

The participant is permitted one year to successfully pass both the theory and clinical components to complete the refresher course. If the course is not completed within the one-year deadline, the participant may purchase a one-time extension for $500. The extension adds three months for course completion. A request to extend must be received within 30 days of the course end date. After this period, re-enrollment with payment of the full program fee and background checks is required.

Course Enrollment and Cost

Admission criteria.

The refresher course considers enrollment from prospective participants in the following circumstances:

• Formerly licensed LPN/RNs who wish to reactivate their nursing licensure.
• Currently licensed LPN/RNs who desire to refresh their knowledge or skills in the profession due to time away from practice.
• Unlicensed LPN/RNs that have successfully completed an education program, however, have not yet successfully completed the NCLEX exam. Admission for this participant is accompanied by the requirement that s/he must successfully complete the NCLEX exam prior to receiving approval to begin the clinical component of the course.

Conditional Admission

Applicants must answer all questions in full on the program application. Supplemental information or documents may be provided via email to the CNE office . Information provided will be reviewed by course leadership. Admission to the Independent Study Refresher Course may be denied if it is determined that SDSU Cannot fully support the applicants needs through distance education in any aspect of the program.

Admission to the clinical portion of the refresher course is conditioned on the results of the background checks completed through CastleBranch and acceptance into clinical placement determined by a health care agency.

If a prospective participant has been convicted, pled guilty or no contest to, or received a suspended imposition of sentence for a felony or other criminal offense or is under disciplinary action with their current or former Board of Nursing, the participant is advised it may not be possible to be accepted into the refresher course at SDSU. Participants may be denied reinstatement from their state Board of Nursing, from taking the required licensure exam, and/or may be prevented from gaining employment in the field of nursing.

Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the refresher course are not required to open a CastleBranch account to complete the background checks.

Technical Standards

CNE program participants must be able to independently, with or without reasonable accommodation, meet identified technical standards for enrollment in and successful progression through the refresher course program. These requirements pertain to participant conduct regardless of the setting (i.e. didactic, clinical, phone or email communication, etc.). Please review the identified technical standards .

See the enrollment for details.

• Full payment of the program fee is due when the participant is accepted for enrollment. Payment plans are not available. Payment may be made via check, money order or credit card. The accepted credit cards are MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover.
• All refresher course participants must establish an account with CastleBranch , the chosen vendor for document management. CastleBranch is endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and is the source to submit program preadmission and the aforementioned clinical requirements. The pre-enrollment package price for CastleBranch covers the two background checks. The post-enrollment package is required for clinical preparation. These are additional costs to the participant and will be paid directly to CastleBranch. The participant will experience variable expenses as they prepare for clinical. Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the course are not required to open a CastleBranch account to submit the background checks or preclinical requirements.
• RN Course: " Fundamentals of Nursing – Concepts and Competencies for Practice," 9th edition by Craven, Hirnle and Henshaw. ISBN-13: 978-1975120429. The textbook may be purchased locally.
• LPN Course: " Rosdahl's Textbook of Basic Nursing 12th edition by Caroline Rosdahl," ISBN 978-1975171339. The textbook may be purchased locally or online.
• If the participant receives the course materials and decides against continuing, s/he is allowed 30 days from the date of enrollment to notify the CNE office of their intent to withdraw and receive a refund of 70%. After 30 days, no refund will be granted. No refund will be extended to the participant if s/he is dismissed from the refresher course.
• Participants in this course will not be issued a 1098T from SDSU for qualified educational expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• A verbal commitment from the clinical site must be received by the participant before enrolling in the refresher course. This is a requirement of enrollment, and will not be waived.
• After enrollment, SDSU reaches out to the contact person from the clinical site and begins work to establish a needed affiliation agreement.
• When applying for enrollment, the participant must indicate if they are completing the clinical component of the course. A participant is not allowed to enroll and add the clinical component later.
• The clinical component will be completed at a health care provider of your choosing in your local area. We encourage prospective participants to consider what area of health care nursing they wish to return to, and pursue clinical in that direction. SDSU approves a wide variety of clinical settings, ranging from the hospital location and acute care, to long term care, home health and hospice, etc. Hands-on nursing practice is required. Each state Board of Nursing may define parameters for refresher course clinical practice.
• Communication with the desired clinical site should be in the same manner that one uses when seeking employment.  Professional communication via phone, email and in person is essential. Update a resume and have it available to reference former nursing experience. Discuss the desired direction of the next phase of a nursing career. Follow-up to an inquiry with patience and professionalism. Understand it is at the health care providers discretion if they are willing and able to accept a clinical student.
• Do not attempt to find a clinical site using Facebook or other social media platforms.

Participants experience expenses for the course at:

• Clinical preparation

Clinical Preparation

The expenses for clinical preparation vary per participant. Review the below list to identify what pieces you need, and determine a close estimate for the cost of this segment of the program.

On average, participants complete the refresher course in approximately seven to eight months. Consider that some participants will move more quickly, and some will take longer.

No. While the course is an independent study course, understand that there are multiple parties working together for the benefit of each participant. Not all progression through the course is at the complete control of the participant.

The drug screen is required prior to clinical, not prior to enrollment. The purchase of a 2nd package with Castle Branch is made when clinical preparation begins. This package includes the checklist of items needed for transition into clinical. At this time, the nearest Lab Corp or Quest Diagnostic testing laboratory is identified for the completion of the panel. The drug screen must be current within three months of beginning clinical.

All students and participants in a Nursing program at SDSU are required to utilize Castle Branch as their document manager. Castle Branch provides detailed instructions for completing each requirement, and reviews all documentation submitted. SDSU does not accept required documentation directly from each student.

SDSU does not place a time limit on the absence from the nursing field. We assist nurses that have been out of the field for 5-10-25 years.

• Please email Continuing Nursing Education department to request a ten-minute phone conference.
• Indicate your name, phone number, state in which you are calling from and a date/time during regular business hours that would work well for you. When the call is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email.

No. Full payment of the program fee can be made after all enrollment requirements are met, and prior to beginning your course.

"I loved the program. Linda and instructor Schardin did a great job and everything was explained well and thoroughly. I feel fully prepared to jump back into nursing." -Former RN refresher course participant, Washington

"This was a very good and challenging course. It has been 27 years since I first attended nursing school, completing this course has given me the confidence that I need to continue my nursing career." - Former LPN Refresher Course participant, Louisiana

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School of Nursing

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School of Nursing Bend Program

Join us in bend.

The OHSU School of Nursing, Portland campus, is expanding to Central Oregon to start a new Bend cohort for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program . The accelerated nursing program will take place on the Central Oregon Community College (COCC) campus.

Read more about this new partnership in the OHSU News announcement .

Why our Bend location

Bend is the largest city in Central Oregon but has small-town roots and charm. Bend offers its residents outdoor adventures, thoughtful dining choices, a haven for craft beer lovers, and a very active cultural life with multiple performing spaces both outdoors and indoors.

The Deschutes River runs right through the city's center, providing views and activities year-round; while Mt. Bachelor keeps watch from the near horizon. Bend’s proximity to multiple natural wonders means its residents can kayak, ski, or hike on the same day.

Student experience

This will primarily be a face-to-face program held at COCC; some courses will be delivered online.  Students will be required to do clinical hours; these will take place at St. Charles Hospital and community locations in Bend and surrounding areas, including Redmond, La Pine, Madras, Warm Springs, and Prineville.

Clinical sites

Clinical experiences will be offered in Bend and the surrounding area. A list of specific community health spaces will be added soon.

Student resources

Below are some commonly referenced resources by OHSU School of Nursing students:

• Learning and Writing Support 
• Registration
• Student Affairs
• Student government
• Student organizations

For specific questions related to the Bend cohort, please reach out to the Admissions team at [email protected] .

Scholarships available

OHSU offers a variety of scholarships that can help fund your education.

Explore scholarships

Program Description

The Nursing Program prepares graduates to provide direct client care in a safe, effective manner across multiple settings. The registered nurse (RN) is prepared to manage the care of clients in any setting to achieve an optimal state of health. The RN uses the nursing process to assess and analyze the health needs and/or problems of clients, plan and implement appropriate actions based upon nursing diagnosis or identified client needs, and evaluate the extent to which expected outcomes are achieved. Graduates of the Registered Nurse Program earn an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree and are eligible to sit for the RN licensure examination (NCLEX-RN).

The RN Program articulates with bachelor’s degree nursing programs allowing graduates to transfer or challenge credits.

The ratio of credit to clock hours is consistent throughout both nursing programs and both transition and is based on a 15-week semester. The credit-clock allocation in all NUR courses is as follows:

Lecture - one credit hour = one clock hour Campus Nursing Skills Laboratory - one credit hour = three clock hours Clinical Laboratory Experience - one credit hour = three clock hours

A grade of B or higher is required in all NUR courses. No NUR course may be repeated more than once. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required for continuation in the nursing course sequence in both nursing programs.

Both nursing programs are approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and the RN Program is accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (formerly National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, NLNAC), 3343 Peachtree Road, N.E., Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326; telephone 404-975-5000.

Students seeking admission to the Nursing (RN) Program should select this petitioner program for admission to the college.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Nursing (RN) A.S. will be able to:

• Prescribe nursing activities within an environment which reflects ethical and legal standards of nursing practice
• Manage the patient care environment in a variety of settings with regard to factors affecting safety across the lifespan
• Evaluate the patient’s adaptation to developmental changes across the lifespan
• Evaluate the patient’s ability for self-care and initiate activities that promote optimal functioning
• Develop a therapeutic plan for patients/family members/significant others with psychosocial health alterations in a variety of settings
• Evaluate the effects of culture, values, and the environment to develop a plan of care that facilitates coping of patients/family members/significant others
• Evaluate therapeutic nursing interventions to reduce risks of patients’ health alteration within a variety of settings
• Collaborate with member of the health care team to modify the plan of care and promote optimal physiologic function for patients within a variety of settings

General Education Courses

The list of general education courses appears in the General Education List   . Some programs recommend or require specific courses to fulfill general education requirements. Please check your program’s sequence of study for this information.

Sequence of Study - Nursing (RN) A.S.

Below are the required courses for your program arranged in a suggested sequence. Please note that the sequence does not include developmental coursework. See Chapter 6 for the developmental course sequence if applicable to you.

Required Courses (in expected order)

• PAS-1000 First Year Experience Credits: 1 (Institutional Requirement)
• EGL-1010 Composition I: Expository Writing Credits: 3 (English General Education Requirement)
• EGL-1340 Writing About Technical Topics Credits: 3 (English General Education Elective) or
• EGL-1020 Composition II: Writing About Literature Credits: 3 (English General Education Elective)
• MAT-1250 Applied College Algebra Credits: 3 (Mathematics General Education Requirement)
• COM-1090 Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3 (Arts/Humanities General Education Elective) or
• COM-1010 Foundations of Communication Credits: 3 (Arts/Humanities General Education Elective)
• BIO-2010 Microbiology Credits: 4 (Program Requirement)
• PSY-1010 General Psychology Credits: 3 (Social Science General Education Requirement)
• SOC-1010 Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3 (Social Science General Education Requirement)
• PHL-1330 Ethics Credits: 3 (General Education Elective) or
• PHL-1010 Introduction to Philosophy: The Art of Questioning Credits: 3 (General Education Elective)
• PSY-2070 Human Growth & Development Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
• BIO-2050 Human Anatomy & Physiology I Credits: 4 (Science w/ Lab General Education Requirement; Critical Course)
• BIO-2060 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4 (Science w/ Lab General Education Requirement; Critical Course)
• NUR-1010 Introduction to Nursing - RN Credits: 1 (Program Requirement; Critical Course)
• NUR-1020 Foundations of Nursing Practice Credits: 7 (Program Requirement; Critical Course)
• NUR-1030 Reproductive Health Nursing Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
• NUR-1040 Physiological Integrity I Credits: 5 (Program Requirement; Critical Course)
• NUR-2010 Nursing Care of Children and Families Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
• NUR-2020 Physiological Integrity II Credits: 5 (Program Requirement)
• NUR-2031 Psychosocial Integrity Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
• NUR-2032 Physiological Integrity III Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
• NUR-2040 Management of Care and Professional Issues Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)

Program Total: 70 Credits

Check BIO-2050    for eligibility requirements.

PSY-2070    is a corequisite to the Nursing Program requirements.

Transferability

Credit earned at any public institution in the state shall be transferable to any other institution if the:

• Credit is from a college or university parallel course or program;
• Grades in the block of courses transferred average 2.00 or higher; and
• Acceptance of the credit is consistent with the policies of the receiving institution governing students following the same program. Refer to ARTSYS at artweb.usmd.edu and the receiving institution’s catalog to select transferable courses.

For help selecting an academic program or courses, consider using Career Coach, available at www.pgcc.edu/go/careercoach .

SHU Relaunches Associate Degree in Nursing Program

• Academics  

Reimagined courses provide students with access to more resources and clinical experiences

To help meet the demand for nurses in Connecticut, Sacred Heart University is relaunching its associate degree in nursing (ADN) program within the Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing (DHCON).

SHU’s St. Vincent’s College, which houses health-related classes and associate degree programs, will close at the end of the academic year. Some of its programs moved to SHU’s other colleges, and University leaders decided to transfer the ADN to the DHCON because faculty and administrators realized the significant need for a two-year nursing program.

“The urgent need for well-educated nurses continues to be a priority across the state,” said Karen Daley, Ph.D., RN , DHCON dean. She said in this post-pandemic era, ADN nurses are the backbone of the acute-care workforce.

With the closure of St. Vincent’s College, Daley said the community and alumni can rest assured that St. Vincent’s and its history in the community will not be forgotten.

“Building on the legacy of the longstanding contributions of both the St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing and the St. Vincent College, and recognizing the 100 years of graduates who have been the foundation of the nursing workforce, the program will be relaunched within the DHCON,” Daley said. “This legacy will be preserved through the creation of a St. Vincent’s Scholars program, preservation of archival items, and the current history wall will remain on exhibit in the Academic Center’s hallway.”

St. Vincent’s 1977 alum, Martin Sbriglio, acknowledges the increasing complexities of the health-care landscape and hopes the transition is beneficial for everyone involved.

Virginia Day, ’64 is a graduate of the original St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing and former faculty member. Day said she has “gratitude for the education I received, the bonds of friendship that developed and the full professional life that nursing afforded me."

Day went on to say, “Now is the time and the opportunity for the DHCON to create an accelerated nursing program, in a superior health science setting, to address the nursing shortage and to provide a hopeful and rewarding future for its graduates.”

About the ADN Program

Susan L. Davis, RN, Ed.D., FACHE, SHU Board of Trustees member and one of the people for whom the DHCON is named, said students in the ADN program typically have a job and family, so they need a degree program with more flexibility. The ADN program is an option that works for them.

“As an associate degree graduate myself, I was thrilled to be able to complete my studies in two years and start my dream career as a nurse,” Davis said. “This program will give people living in southwestern Connecticut a unique opportunity to enter the health-care field while managing their other responsibilities.”

Daley agreed that the program fits the needs of many people hoping to pursue a nursing career. She recalled seeing ADN graduates at commencements who were beaming with joy. “For many, this degree means a better future for their families,” she said. “We are truly serving our community.”

They said the program also addresses the need for bedside nurses. “Nursing is vital to the well-being and quality of life of the people we care for in the health-care system. Having this program as part of the DHCON at Sacred Heart will add to the overall workforce and offer the students access to unique resources in Sacred Heart’s labs,” Davis said.

In the accelerated, 72-credit program, the revised curriculum will include experiences that had been unavailable to St. Vincent’s students. The program prepares students for the evolving demands of a nursing career through rigorous courses and hands-on experiences. The ADN students will also leverage the expansive clinical placement partnerships that DHCON faculty established. There will be more support and opportunity for faculty, as well, Daley said.

“Hartford HealthCare is delighted by the University’s relaunch of its associate degree in nursing program,” said MaryEllen (Mel) Kosturko, DNP, MAHSM, RN, CENP, and Hartford HealthCare’s executive vice president and system chief nursing officer. “Opportunities like this help fill a critical need for nurses in Connecticut, which is predicted to have a shortfall of about 1,000 registered nurses annually.”

She said Hartford HealthCare has excellent hospital facilities to provide clinical placement for students, such as nearby St. Vincent’s Medical Center. All seven of the system’s acute-care hospitals earned “A” scores from the health-care watchdog group Leapfrog for overall quality and safety.

Kosturko sees the associate degree program as a perfect gateway for nurses who want to later continue their nursing education. Sacred Heart offers a successful, highly rated RN to BSN online program . Students can get a job at a health-care organization while completing the program.

“Such pathway programs are important and rewarding, allowing individuals to move at a pace that matches their work and life needs,” she said.

“All of Connecticut’s hospitals and health systems need nursing students graduating from top academic institutions like SHU that provide a prepared and committed workforce,” Kosturko added. “This program will have a positive impact for years to come.”

To learn more, visit the ADN program webpage .  

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URI nursing, therapy students offer parents a 'short time to step away' with respite care

KINGSTON – Four hours can mean so much.

For a parent or parents of a special needs child, life can often be so busy, so demanding, that there's seemingly no time to get the chores done, or to calmly go grocery shopping, or to just take a walk. Some special needs parents will struggle to tell you the last time they were able to go out for lunch. Or just sit down and read a book.

Acutely aware of how important an occasional respite is for the mental, emotional and physical well being of these parents, Christine McCane, a nursing professor at the University of Rhode Island, has created a weekly respite program at the university's Department of Physical Therapies facilities in Independence Square, on the edge of campus, with plenty of parking and easy building access for those with disabilities.

The respite time lasts four hours, from noon to 4 p.m. To a special needs parent, four hours of freedom can feel like a week's vacation to the rest of us. Many such parents simply don't have anyone qualified and/or available to give them a break.

McGrane's staff includes URI students from the nursing, physical therapy, human development and family science programs. For the nursing and PT students, time worked in the respite program counts toward their clinical hours.

The children play with toys and sports equipment, and enjoy the outdoors when weather permits. There's a large video screen in the lecture hall.

It's all for free. About 20 children have been taking part in the program, which goes far beyond babysitting.

Who qualifies for respite care?

McGrane tries to maintain a 1-to-1 student-to-child ratio, with a 2-to-1 ratio for children with more complex needs. The children include those with autism (across the full spectrum), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and brain injuries.

“We provide direct care in a group setting, and families get some respite to step away and do whatever it is they feel they need to do to take care of themselves,” McGrane is quoted in saying on the school's website.

URI students get direct-care experience

She said the URI students learn from each other, with, for example, PT students guiding nursing students on getting a child in different positions to improve head control. Nursing students can help with tube feeding and other medical needs.

“The nice thing about having the students is they have expertise, and they learn from each other,” McGrane said.

A member of the Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island, McGrane said the goal is to expand the respite program.

McGrane's dissertation project for her recently completed Ph.D. in nursing explored whether respite care alleviated stress for parents of special needs children. Her research included pre- and post-program stress surveys for parents. She said she found a significant drop in stress levels when parents get even a “short time to step away.”

Any parents of children with special needs interested in applying for the respite care program can contact McGrane at  [email protected]  or 401-874-5347.

April 3, 2024

Motivational Interviewing | 2024

Current Status

FORMAT: Virtual Conference DATE: Tuesday | May 14th, 2024 LOCATION: Zoom

Conference description.

Jonnae uses examples, stories, and humor to create a personalized training day. The course is grounded in science with an intentional focus on implementation in day-to-day practice. The day will fly by as participants from all skill levels increase their understanding of Motivational Interviewing, watch and debrief M.I. demonstrations, and practice live. Jonnae uses participants’ questions and experiences to design activities in real time. Topics can include how to use M.I. in intake, follow-ups, remote appointments, goal setting, planning, phone calls, and team collaborative planning. All trainings include discussions about MI and trauma-informed care, and bridging diversity in healthcare.

  Learning Outcomes

• Recognize  barriers  unintentionally created in healthcare conversations.
• Listen for clients’ values, concerns, and beliefs as the foundation to  build effective treatment plans .
• Practice listening and understanding before responding with information or advice, thus avoiding ineffective “ping-pong-style” conversations.
• Identify  Change Talk  in written and recorded examples.
• Practice  Open-Ended Questions  and  Reflective Listening  to evoke Change Talk.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the  Spirit of M.I.
• Recognize the difference between  Affirmations  and Praise.
• Provide education and recommendations  in an effective style that keeps patients interacting.

  Previous Testimonies

• “I appreciated her expertise and humor. I learned so much about motivational interviewing that I can use in my daily practice.”
• “This was the most beneficial conference I have attended: it was very, very helpful to experience motivational interviewing and not just be lectured to.”
• “Jonnae was very knowledgeable about Motivational Interviewing. I have attended several trainings on this subject and this one was the most grounded in science and instructive on how to implement the technique in practice. She was a very dynamic speaker.”
• “Awesome class! I would recommend this class to all providers taking care of patients in all disciplines. I have recommended it to my entire team.”
• “I noticed an immediate difference in my interactions with patients. In the words of one of my patients, ‘Thanks for taking the time to work things out with me. I appreciated the back- and-forth dialogue, not just someone telling me what to do.'”

Jonnae Tillman, DNP, PMHNP

Jonnae Tillman is in her 21st year as a trainer, researcher, and consultant in Motivational Interviewing (M.I.). and is a member of  MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers) , an international organization committed to research, training, and practice. Jonnae has also written online C.E. courses for M.I. and Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care, and for national Head Start/Early Head Start programs.

Dr. Tillman is a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and earned degrees in psychology, addiction medicine, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Seattle University. Jonnae is the Director of the PMHNP program at Seattle University and has been on faculty for 11 years. In addition, she has trained and coached emergency department practitioners at NYU/Bellevue Hospital, Miami’s Jackson Memorial, and Massachusetts General in Boston. Jonnae is a former Clinical Director of Research at the University of Washington, where she provided M.I. training, supervision, and fidelity adherence.

For over ten years, Jonnae has designed and implanted MI trainings for organizations such as, Nurse Family Partnership, Washington State Department of Corrections, Migrant Head Start, and domestic violence prevention agencies. Jonnae regularly presents at national and international conferences, presenting on topics like “M.I. in ‘e-Health’ Interventions” at the ICME Research Conference in Venice, Italy and “M.I. in Healthcare: Brief Interventions” at the MINT conference in Sheffield, England.

On a Personal Note: Jonnae Tillman lives in the beautiful little beach town of Edmonds, Washington with her two muddy Labradors. She is a voracious reader and travels to NYC as much as possible for theatre. On her travel wish list is a visit to Lithuania.

Target Audience

For nurses, nurse practitioners , and other interested healthcare professionals in all settings including acute, ambulatory, home health, hospice, long-term, rehabilitation, and transitional care. Pharmacists, physician assistants, and dieticians.    

Program Schedule

Schedule | motivational interviewing 2024.

TIME     TOPIC

8:30        What is Motivational Interviewing and How Does it Work?

9:15          Break

9:25         A Nuts & Bolts Review of M.I. – Including U pdates from the New 2024 Edition!

10:10       Break

10:20      It’s Not About Being Nice: The Measurable and Observable Skills of M.I. (OARS)

11:05       Break

11:15       Demonstrations, Practice, & Debrief

12:00      Lunch

12:30      Strengthening Confidence: Praise vs. Affirmations

1:15         Break

2:00      Providing Information/Recommendations without Triggering Resistance

2:10       Break

2:20      M.I. and Diversity and Trauma-Informed Care

3:15       Evaluation and Adjourn

Course Information

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