Program Costs*
Practical Nursing
Register today for a virtual Practical Nursing Info Session. All virtual sessions begin at 5 p.m. Check Session Dates and Register Now!
| Awards | Credits | Course Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing - Diploma | 43 cr. | On Campus |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Practical Nursing Data Sheet | ||
The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skill set to administer safe, ethical, patient-centered nursing care in traditional and alternative health care settings. The Practical Nurse (PN) role within the nursing process is taught through classroom learning, simulated client care, and instructor-supervised clinical experiences in health care settings.
Employment in this field typically requires successful completion of the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.
The mission of the Dakota County Technical College Practical Nursing Program is to provide a program of theory and practice in a supportive environment in which students will develop knowledge, skills and behavior essential for success as a licensed practical nurse.
The Dakota County Technical College Practical Nursing Program believes that Practical Nursing is grounded in the biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual sciences practiced under the supervision of a registered nurse or other qualified health care professional. Nursing is devoted to promoting, maintaining, and restoring the health of individuals as well as promoting a peaceful, dignified death. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s) care for diverse individuals across the lifespan in a variety of inpatient and community based settings by providing safe, culturally sensitive, individualized patient/relationship centered care and by participating as a member of the health care team.
LPN’s recognize that teamwork and interprofessional collaboration among health care professionals is critical to delivering safe, quality patient care. Ongoing quality improvement activities are performed in concert with other members of the health care team. Implementing established evidence based care, skills in informatics, and patient care technology is essential to the delivery of quality, safe, patient-centered care.
Professional values guide interactions with individuals, families and the health care team. LPN’s demonstrate professional behaviors by exhibiting accountability for their actions, meeting the health care needs of patients, and assuming legal responsibility for the care they provide. LPN’s demonstrate professional identity by upholding their commitment to the public and by adhering to an established code of ethics.
The major roles of the LPN includes providing nursing care and participating as a member of the nursing profession. As providers of care, LPN’s contribute to the promotion of wellness; use nursing judgment in the identification of current and emerging patient problems and function as advocates for individual patients. In addition, LPN’s manage care of the individual patient through the use of established protocols and evidence based care incorporating the nursing process and caring as essential tools. LPN’s work ithin an established plan of care to assign other LPN’s and assign and monitor unlicensed assistive personnel tasks/activities to provide safe, quality patient care. LPN’s provide health care information and reinforce education provided by other members of the health care team to achieve positive clinical outcomes.
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.
The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
Background studies are required for health care providers with direct patient contact. All students must pass a background study prior to the clinical courses.
To be considered for admissions into our Pre-Nursing or Practical Nursing Diploma programs, students must complete the TEAS Exam and have a college cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher (those with no prior college coursework will be considered as a Pre-Nursing student with the expectation that a 2.50 GPA or higher will be achieved).
Complete the TEAS Exam
In addition to meeting the Admissions Qualifications listed above, students must complete the DCTC admissions process. Visit Admissions for full details and necessary forms.
The following pre-requisites must be met and proof submitted in order for a student to move from Pre-Nursing to a student in the Practical Nursing Diploma program:
In the U.S. and Canada, the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) is the professional organization for:
| Practical Nursing Diploma • 43 credits |
|
|---|---|
| Tuition | $231.65/cr. |
| Fees | $22/cr. |
| Textbooks | $1,200 |
| Supplies | $330 |
| Other | $330 |
| Personal Property Fee | $200 |
| Grand Total | $12,966.95 |
Each year, Dakota County Technical College and the DCTC Foundation make more than $200,000 in scholarships available to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
Students looking for ways to help finance their college education can find part-time jobs on campus with various DCTC departments and programs. Deliver your completed Work-Study Application to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and search for openings on Handshake. For more information, you can review Work Study Procedure.
Step 1: Apply now for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
DCTC's Federal School Code: 010402
Step 2: After receiving an official award letter from DCTC, you may apply online for a Federal Stafford Student Loan. Visit the Loans page for more information.
Graduates of the Practical Nurse program must pass the NCLEX examination to become licensed. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), provide direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), advanced practice nurse (APN), physician’s 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.
According to CAREERwise Education, Minnesota's career, education and job resource, licensed practical nurses are in very high demand. There will be a need for about 12,178 new Licensed Practical Nurses to meet market demand between 2020-2030. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
How to Become a Home Healthcare Nurse | HomeCare.org
If you are looking to bring in any college credit, visit our Transfer To DCTC Resource Page and DCTC will help you through the process.
If you are looking to transfer to a 4-year institution after completing your degree, DCTC can help you through the process! Check out our Transfer From DCTC Resource Page.
Transferology is used to find out how your courses might transfer to DCTC and any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account for free and create a plan now!
The Practical Nursing program at DCTC is active throughout the year and makes headlines in college publications. Read about student successes and the accomplishments of our health care instructors.
As a student in DCTC's Practical Nursing program, you have many opportunities to make connections in the health care industry through your involvement in professional clubs and organizations.
DCTC features active student clubs and organizations for Practical Nursing students, providing networking and professional development opportunities right on campus.
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (PTK)
Phi Theta Kappa is recognized as the official honor society for community colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges. PTK provides many leadership and civic engagement opportunities for students. To be eligible for membership, you must have completed a minimum of 12 hours of coursework at DCTC with a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Invitations to join the society are mailed to eligible students at the end of each term.
Multicultural Student Leadership Association
Did you know that more than 20 different cultures are represented in DCTC's student body? As members of the Multicultural Student Leadership Association, we believe in the importance of not only recognizing our differences, but also embracing and learning from them. MSLA gives students from all cultures the chance to learn, belong and grow by experiencing the rich world of people that visits our campus everyday.
Webpage updated: 03/23/2023
