Practical Nursing

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Overview

  • Delivery: Daytime, Evening and Online Classes
  • Start: Fall or Spring Semester, Full- or Part-Time
  • Location: Rosemount Campus

Outcomes

Major Description

This program equips graduates with the knowledge and skill set to administer safe, ethical, client-focused nursing care in traditional and alternative health care settings. The LPN role in the nursing process is taught through classroom learning, simulated client care and instructor-supervised experiences in health care surroundings.

Work Environment

Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, provide direct client care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), advanced practice nurse (APN), physician assistant (PA) or physician (MD). Potential employers include hospitals, long-term care facilities, health care clinics, schools, home health agencies and homes for special populations.

Potential Job Titles

  • Clinic Nurse
  • Charge Nurse
  • Home Health Nurse
  • Nursing Technician
  • Office Nurse

Salary Data

  • Average Wage: $20.87/hour
  • Top Earners: $25.37/hour

Program Approval

The program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the licensing examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Professional Affiliations

In the U.S. and Canada, the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) is the professional organization for:

  • Licensed practical nurses
  • Licensed vocational nurses
  • Practical/vocational nursing students

Background Study Requirement

Background studies are required for health care providers with direct patient contact. All students must pass a background study prior to the clinical courses.

Admissions Requirements

Students interested in the Practical Nursing program must first complete the DCTC admissions process as a Pre-Nursing student, which includes supplying proof of high school diploma or GED. The Pre-Nursing program allows students to enroll in the following prerequisite courses:

  • Nursing Assistant
  • Medical Terminology
  • First Aid/CPR for Allied Health

Pre-Nursing students must complete the following to be admitted to the Practical Nursing program's core courses:

  • Complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program
  • Pass the state-approved National Nursing Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination
  • Be listed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry
  • All students, regardless of previous degrees, must take the ACCUPLACER test for Reading Comprehension, Sentence Skills and Arithmetic Skills.
    • Students who have completed a transfer-eligible, college-level writing course may be exempt from the sentence skils section of the test
    • Prior to admission to the program's core courses, students must score:
      • 80 in Reading Comprehension
      • 56 in Arithmetic Skills
    • Students who fail to achieve the above scores may take developmental courses and repeat the ACCUPLACER until the requirements are met.
  • Complete the Practical Nursing program's 11 to 12 required general education credits

Academic Advisor

Dean

  • Sherralyn Cox
    Dean of Design and Health/Human Services

Instructors

Carol Buttz 651-423-8467 carol.buttz@dctc.edu BIO
Jean Carson 651-423-8374 jean.carson@dctc.edu BIO
Laura Senn 651-423-8311 laura.senn@dctc.edu BIO
Patricia Kujala 651-423-8220 patricia.kujala@dctc.edu BIO

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