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Career/Program Overview

The Practical Nursing major is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide direct nursing care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home and community based settings.   This educational program includes classroom theory, laboratory experience and supervised clinical experience in area hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and community health care agencies.  During the last semester of the program, the clinical rotation includes integrated clinical experience where students participate in eight-hour shifts to assist them in making the transition from student role to the role of graduate practical nurse.  Visit us at http://www.rctc.edu/program/pnm/.

Curriculum-at-a-Glance

Coursework for the Practical Nursing program includes 11-12 general education credit requirements and 27 core practical nursing credit requirements.  Core requirements include:  Nursing Skills and Concepts, Introduction to Pharmacology I and II, Adult Nursing, Integrated Clinical Application, Family and Mental Health Concepts, and Care of the Older Adult.

For more detailed program information, refer to RCTC’s program course requirements at  http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/programs/index.html.

Program/Degree Options

The Practical Nursing Diploma program is 38 - 39 credits in length.

RCTC can offer students a career path in nursing beginning with the Nursing Assistant program, then advancing to the Practical Nursing Diploma program and then completing an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (RN), and continuing on to a B.S. degree. 

The Nursing Assistant course is three credits in length and can be completed in approximately six weeks.  The Associate degree in Nursing (RN) is 64 credits and can be completed in as little as two years. 

Program Start Date(s)

Students can begin general education requirements any semester.  The general education courses can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.  In order to complete the Practical Nurse diploma program in one year, students must begin professional-related coursework fall semester on a full-time basis. 

Career Opportunities/Information

According to iseek (www.iseek.org) career information, Minnesota employment of licensed practical nurses is expected to grow through 2008.  Nationally, this trend is expected to continue through 2010.  Employment of LPNs in long term care facilities is expected to grow faster than average while growth in home health care services is expected to grow much faster than average.  Above average growth in employment of LPNs is also expected in doctors’ offices, clinics and emergency medical centers. 

Articulations/Accreditations

A graduate of the Practical Nursing program is eligible to apply to take the National Council for Licensing Exam – Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN).  This program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).  

Rochester Community and Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission:  A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

For additional information on the most current list of RCTC program articulations see us at: http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/articulations/index.html

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