Practical Nursing (NLPN-CC)

The School of Nursing and Allied Health Careers Practical Nursing Program offers an accelerated curriculum completed over four semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer). The curriculum with additional prerequisite courses combines foundational nursing concepts with hands-on clinical training in area healthcare facilities.

Graduates of the certificate in Practical Nursing are eligible to seek licensure as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Licensed Practical Nurseshave the opportunity to work in hospitals, long term care facilities, physician offices, outpatient centers, and residential care facilities. The curriculum is organized by concepts that guide students learning about the nursing profession, health and illness, health care systems and patients who are the recipients of nursing care. The PN program curriculum includes theory, hands-on-skills lab sessions and clinical experiences in long term and acute care facilities. The delivery of the curriculum is accomplished through a dynamic educational experience that involves active and diverse learning processes.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the CT State Community College Practical Nurse program, while providing basic nursing care to individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations within the health care system, the nursing graduate will:

1. Utilize contemporary information technology and effective communication strategies to promote accurate exchange of information, prevent and resolve conflict, and establish and maintain professional and therapeutic    relationships. (Informatics & Technology/ Communication)
2. Apply the nursing process to implement a patient-centered plan of care that is responsive to the patient’s physiological, pharmacological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual dimensions of health under the direction  and collaboration of the registered nurse or healthcare provider.(Patient Centered Care/Safety)
3. Integrates professionalism, accountability, and leadership attributes to nursing practice/care decisions that uphold established regulatory, civil, legal, and ethical principles into the provision of standard based nursing care and apply this knowledge to systems-based practice. (Professionalism/Leadership)
4. Collaborate with the interprofessional health care team utilizing the best current evidence to assist in managing and coordinating the provision of safe, quality, patient-centered care to support the clients’ ability to attain, retain, and maintain optimal wellness. (Teamwork & Collaboration) (Evidence Based Practice/Quality Improvement)

Pre-Admission Requirements

1. Satisfactory evidence of graduating from high school or having earned a GED.
2. TEAS: Unofficial TEAS scores and tests will not be accepted.
   • Tests taken within the last 3 years will only be accepted
   • ONLY the most recent TEAS score will be accepted
   • Official score results for the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam score of 55.4% or higher to be eligible to apply for admission
   • Information about the test content and resources to prepare for the exam can be found at https://www.atitesting.com/teas-prep
3. Proof of completion of the 4 pre-requisite courses outlined below with an achieved score of C or higher.
4. Provide documentation for being compliant with the immunization requirements specified by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Additional immunization requirements will be required for clinical experiences.

Key deadlines and further details about the Practical Nursing Program are found on the Selective Admissions Program page.