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.
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 1 for August admission and by October 1 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.
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.
Advising Plans
Diplomas
Pre-requisites for Practical Nursing Program
Class
Credit hours
BIO 137 - Anatomy & Physiology I
4
AHS 115 - Medical Terminology
3
NAA 100 - State Certified Nurse Assistant or take NAA 100/pass certification exam
0-3
ENG 101 - Writing I
3
Total
10-13
First Semester (Fall)
Class
Credit hours
NPN 106 - Fundamentals of Nursing Care
6
NPN 107 - Pharmacology
5
NPN 125 - Mental Health
3
BIO 139 - Anatomy & Physiology II
(4)
Total
14-18
Second Semester (Spring)
Class
Credit hours
NPN 203 - Medical Surgical Nursing I
6
NPN 204 - Medical Surgical Nursing II
6
NPN 201 - Child Bearing Family
3
Total
15
Third Semester (Summer)
Class
Credit hours
NPN 210 - Practicum
4
NPN 225 - Nursing Leadership and Management
2
Total
6
Program totals: 45-53
Pre-requisites for the Practical Nursing Program
Class
Credit hours
BIO 137 - Anatomy & Physiology I
4
AHS 115 - Medical Terminology
3
NAA 100 - State Certified Nurse Assistant or take NAA 100/pass certification exam
0-3
ENG 101 - Writing I
3
Total
10-13
First Semester (Spring)
Class
Credit hours
NPN 106 - Fundamentals of Nursing Care
6
NPN 107 - Nursing Pharmacology
5
NPN 125 - Mental Health
3
BIO 139 - Anatomy & Physiology II
(4)
Total
14-18
Second Semester (Summer)
Class
Credit hours
NPN 203 - Medical Surgical Nursing I
6
Total
6
Third Semester (Fall)
Class
Credit hours
NPN 201 - Child Bearing Family
3
NPN 204 - Medical Surgical Nursing II
6
NPN 210 - Practicum
4
NPN 225 - Nursing Leadership and Management
2
Total
15
Program total: 45-53
Pre-requisites for Practical Nursing Program
Class
Credit hours
BIO 137 - Anatomy & Physiology I
4
BIO 139 - Anatomy & Physiology II
4
AHS 115 - Medical Terminology
3
NAA 100 - State Certified Nurse Assistant or take NAA 100/pass certification exam
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!
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time
status.
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.