The Practical Nursing (PN) program prepares students for entry-level positions, to provide nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Physician. The first two semesters are identical in both the Practical Nursing (PN) program and the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, enabling students to finish the Practical Nursing program after the first summer, or to continue in the Associate Degree Nursing program. The Practical Nursing program will educate you for this career in concentrated classroom studies, along with extensive clinical work  based in a wide-range of health care settings.

Program Mission Statement: The Practical Nursing (PN) program is committed to providing quality nursing education to aid students to meet their diverse learning needs in preparing for a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Student Responsibilities: A medical health form, certification in basic cardiac life support, and other immunization requirements must be completed prior to starting the nursing courses. Transportation to the clinical site is the student’s responsibility. Uniforms are purchased by the students and worn to clinical. All nursing students must complete a Criminal Record/Child and Adult Abuse check prior to attending clinical. Any student with a felony conviction must notify the Iowa Board of Nursing after they have completed requirements for licensure including completion of a course of study and filing an application. Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).

Approval: The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements: This program is a selective, limited enrollment program. Students who would like to be considered for admission must complete an additional nursing application packet. Students must also be enrolled in, or have previously completed any pre-requisites of the program with a “C” or higher before they will be considered for the program. Students must submit proof of their enrollment in/or completion prior to the application deadline. The following criteria is required for applicants: minimum of a high school diploma (GPA 2.5) or equivalent (GED 550) or HiSET 15; minimum ASSET scores of 40 in writing and reading and 46 in math, ALEKS score of 20 or higher, and ACT scores of 18 in Reading and English, or Accucplacer Next Generation score of ≥ 250 (Reading), and WritePlacer score ≥ 5. For students who are non-native speaker of “American English” will be required to submit TOEFL scores of 17 or above in each section-Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. High School Biology, Algebra, English and Chemistry are highly recommended. All science courses are required to be completed within the past five years.

Enrollment Date: Fall and Spring Semester Fort Dodge; Fall Semester Storm Lake and Webster City
Minimum Required Credits: 41
Campus: Fort Dodge, Storm Lake, Webster City
Department: Health Science
CIP#: 51.16130100

Program Outcomes:

1. Develop beginning critical thinking skills using the nursing process to assist in planning priorities and implementing safe patient care.
2. Work in collaboration with other health team members within the work setting to meet the individuals’ needs.
3. Utilize communication skills to maintain effective and/or therapeutic relationships with individuals, families, and members of the health team.
4. Practice within the profession’s ethical and legal framework pertinent to the role of the registered nurse.
5. Develop beginning skills in working with computers and other technical equipment for both personal and nursing/professional activities.
6. Demonstrate personal responsibility and accountability in the practice of nursing.