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Admission Criteria
The Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate, Curriculum No 466, is an option for students accepted into the Kishwaukee College ADN program to earn their LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) credential and practice in Illinois, after successful completion of the NCLEX-PN exam. The certificate builds on previous knowledge gained through previous nursing courses and will focus on select topics related to adults, community, and mental health.
Admission Criteria
The Licensed Practical Nursing certificate program (LPN) admits up to 20 students each summer from students who have successfully completed the first two semesters of the Registered Nursing program, Curriculum 366.
Please see admission requirements under Nursing A.A.S., curriculum no. 366
Kishwaukee College does not have a “stand alone” LPN program; this program is designed for students admitted to the Nursing A.A.S. program.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes theory in communications, science, and behavioral sciences, as well as nursing. The concepts of holistic health, developmental stages, and basic needs provide the organizing framework for curriculum content. As part of the program, students will focus on the scope of practice of the LPN and understanding and preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam. A vital component of the curriculum is the supervised clinical experience provided in area hospitals and community agencies.
Retention
The NUR 206 Licensed Practical Nursing Essentials course must be completed within two years of admission to the Registered Nursing Program. Students who do not complete the nursing program within the specified time frame are required to repeat all nursing courses for credit. A 2.5000 GPA must be maintained in all Kishwaukee College courses once the student enters Kishwaukee College.
Curriculum No. 466
Licensed Practical Nursing is governed by the State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act of 2024. The program curriculum for NUR 466 Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate can be an endpoint for the student or can be utilized as the first year towards Registered Nursing, A.A.S. Degree at Kishwaukee College. Because of the nature of the Practical Nursing Certificate program, students interested in a Licensed Practical Nursing certificate must meet the admission and selection criteria and curriculum requirements for the first year of the Registered Nursing associate in applied science degree program. The additional six semester hours of course work (NUR 206 Practical Nursing Essentials) required for the Licensed Practical Nursing certificate will be offered in the summer.
Upon successful completion of NUR 206 Licensed Practical Nursing course work, the graduate is eligible to take the licensing examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The certificate program prepares the graduate to assume the two established functions of the licensed practical nurse: 1.) in non-complex nursing situations, 2.) in complex nursing situations, to assist the registered nursing in a close working relationship. The licensed practical nurse provides nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed physician.
46-47 credit hours is required for this certificate.