Practical Nursing

What is Practical Nursing?

The Practical Nursing program prepares individuals to practice within the legal scope of practical nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensing examination and practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in entry level staff positions.

• Can be completed in 11 months
• May lead to Associate Degree (AAS) with additional general education requirements.
• Practical Nursing Coursework
• Theory/Skills presented in lecture/lab format
• Clinical Component: Community Agencies providing nursing services
• Program admits every fourth semester
• Selective Admissions/Limited Enrollment
• Successful students can earn a Practical Nursing Diploma or an Associate of Applied Science Degree in General Occupational/Technical Studies.

What are my career options?

Licensed Practical Nurses are a vital part of the health care team and are employed in a variety of health care settings. LPN’s provide care for clients of all ages. In addition to providing routine bedside care, they evaluate client needs, plan, and implement quality care as well as supervise the care provided by Nursing Assistants. In offices and clinics, they may also make appointments, keep records, and perform other clinical duties. LPN’s who work in private homes may provide complex care and teach family members simple nursing tasks.

What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?

The Practical Nursing Program is excited to announce that we are changing to a ONE (1) year layout of the curriculum beginning in the fall 2019 semester. See the advising plans below.

Diplomas

If you would like a PDF copy of a program plan, please email the program coordinator.

Admission Process

NOTE: Prior to clinical attendance, students must complete a criminal background check and a drug screening.

The following materials must be on file in the PN Program Administrator's office by March 15 for August admission and by October 15 for January admission:

• Application for admission to SCC
• Official high school transcript indicating that the applicant has or will complete a high school course of study or a passing GED official score report
• Transcripts of post-secondary work completed at other institutions
• Results of ACT or equivalent on file in the Admissions Office
• A letter of intent completed at the Pre-Admission Conference. The letter should include the specific PN program, campus, and program year in which the applicant wishes to be considered for admission.
• A Pre-Admission Conference with the PN Program Administrator or his/her designee is required prior to an applicant’s consideration by the Practical Nursing Admissions Committee. YOU MUST ATTEND ONE CONFERENCE during each admission period (unless waived by the Practical Nursing Administrator). Attending a conference at another Community College will not be acceptable.
• Proof of active status on the Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry or successful completion of an equivalent nursing course.

Admission Criteria

Potential candidates are recommended to the President by the PN Admissions Committee: The Admissions Committee will make their recommendations based on the following:

• Preference may be given to applicants with an ACT composite score of 20 or above or its equivalent on a nationally-normed preadmission Practical Nursing Assessment.
• Preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate above average standing in high school or on the GED.
• Preference may be given to applicants who have completed 12 or more credit hours in the approved curriculum with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from any regionally accredited college.

View Pre-Admission Conference dates.

Accreditation

Effective July 17, 2024, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on July 17, 2026.

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 Search ACEN Programs.

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 Commissioners granting initial accreditation.

Additional Information

• Nursing Program Benchmark Data
• Admissions Point System
• Program Cost List
  
• Program Outcomes

Coordinator’s Notes

All General Education requirements may be completed prior to first semester of nursing classes.

BIO 137 and AHS 115 must be taken prior to enrollment in any NPN Course.
Student must show proof of completing a 75-hour Nursing Assistant course AND proof of active status on the KY Medicaid Nurse Aide Registry AND not listed on the Abuse Registry before enrolling in any NPN course.

Progression in the Practical Nursing Program is contingent upon achievement of a grade of “C” or better in each course and maintenance of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale.

Must submit proof of current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR certification.

Recognition

Somerset Community College has been ranked in the top 10 for best LPN programs in the state of Kentucky!

• PracticalNursing.org: Best LPN Programs in Kentucky

Length of Program

The LPN program can be completed in 11 months. The evening LPN program, which is a part-time program, can be completed in 18 months.

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.