Courses & Programs

Nursing programs at Northwest Technical College all have specific admission requirements. These programs exercise a competitive process or admission. Program delivery follows a hybrid model.

Requirements by Program

Practical Nursing (Diploma): For students who have completed a Nursing Assistant training course and wish to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).  Nurse Assistant training can be obtained at NTC.

Nursing — Traditional RN Program Track (AS): For students who have completed a Nursing Assistant training course and wish to become a registered nurse (RN).  Nurse Assistant training can be obtained at NTC.

Nursing — LPN Step-In (AS): For licensed practical nurses (LPN) who wish to become registered nurses (RN).

 

Nursing Assistant

This 3-credit course prepares graduates to become a nursing assistant. Course completion is required for the Practical Nursing Diploma and the Associate of Science (AS) degree in Nursing — Traditionl RN Program Track. Students who complete the course are also eligible to take the state certification exam for the Minnesota Department of Health’s nursing assistant registry.

For more information, go to the Nursing Assistant page.

Diploma — Practical Nursing

This 39-credit diploma is a one-year program for students who are nursing assistants, or who have completed a nursing assistant course. The program prepares nurses to work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), providing bedside care and interacting closely with patients. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and they may continue for an AS in nursing at NTC. For more information about this credential, go to the Diploma — Practical Nursing page.

AS — Traditional RN Program Track

This 64-credit degree is offered as a two-year program for students who are nursing assistants, or who have completed a nursing assistant course. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). For more information about this credential, go to the AS — Traditional RN Program Track page.

AS — Nursing LPN Step-In Track

This 64-credit degree is a three-semester step-in program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). For more information about this credential, go to the AS — Nursing LPN Step-In Track page.