Practical Nurse
Certificate

47 Semester Hours

The three-semester program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to provide care to patients with predictable health care problems in well defined situations. Graduates of practical nurse programs are eligible to take the national examination (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed practical nurses.

As a member of the health care team, the licensed practical nurse (LPN) works under the direction of the licensed physician, dentist, or registered nurse. LPNs may choose to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long term care facilities/nursing homes, physicians' offices and home care settings. Employment opportunities in nursing are expected to increase well into the 21st century.

The curriculum for nursing is career-oriented and is accredited by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. The applicant must meet the following admission requirements:

1. Admission to John Wood Community College.
2. Admission to the LPN program.
3. A high school diploma or GED diploma.
4. Satisfactory assessment scores or completion of developmental course work.
5. One semester of science with a grade of “C” or better. This may include high school biology within the past five years OR a college science course.
6. Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

The TEAS test schedule is established each semester in the Nursing Office. Specific dates may be obtained by contacting the Nursing Office. Study materials are available in the College Bookstore and Library or at http://www.atitesting.com/onlinestore.

Nursing assistants with current state certification may receive articulation credit in the practical nursing program provided they meet admission requirements. Articulation credit will be determined on an individual basis. All practical nurse students will be eligible to receive a nursing assistant certificate after successful completion of the first semester nursing courses.

Advanced standing in the JWCC Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is possible for those LPN graduates who meet the admission requirements for the ADN program.

This program meets the College’s requirement for computer competency.

NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete.

REQUIRED COURSES