This 39-credit diploma prepares nurses to provide bedside care and interact closely with patients. Practical nurses care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. Tasks and activities for practical nurses may include: Administering medications; charting; dressing wounds; assisting in the delivery, care, and feeding of infants; sterilizing equipment and supplies; taking and recording patients’ vital signs.
Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN.
Accreditation
Northwest Technical College is a regionally accredited college by the Higher Learning Commission. The nursing program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The Northwest Technical College Practical Nursing diploma and Associate Degree Nursing programs are nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or ACEN.
Employment
Life as an LPN:
NTC proudly partners with Sanford Health for a Forgivable Loan Program available to students accepted into the PN program that contract to work for Sanford for at least two years after graduating from NTC. For additional information please contact Sanford at: 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org .
Find Career Information
Learn what occupations may be of interest to someone who has completed this program. Find information about wages and employment outlook.
Next Steps
Graduates of the Practical Nursing Diploma program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for the Practical Nurse to become an LPN. Graduates may also continue for an Associate of Science (AS) in nursing at Northwest Technical College.
College Readiness
A student may be required to enroll in college readiness courses in reading, writing and math. A student’s scores on the Accuplacer assessment will determine enrollment in college readiness courses. The purpose of college readiness courses is to prepare students for the demands of a college-level curriculum. Credits may vary.
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