Program Description
The Technical Diploma - Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare students to meet the licensure requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), as established by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE). The program progresses from simple to complex and consists of classroom instruction, lab practicum and supervised clinical activities in accredited hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare agencies. Students should note that some courses have prerequisites, which must be completed before enrolling in upper-level courses and continuing in the program. Articulated courses are determined at the discretion of the Practical Nurse Program Coordinator/Department Chair or Dean for Nursing, Allied Health & Safety and based upon individual evaluation as described in the 2005 Louisiana Nursing Education Articulation Model. Each course in the PN program must be completed with a minimum score of 80%. Upon graduation, the student is awarded a diploma and is eligible to apply for the National Council of State Boards Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
This is a limited enrollment program. Students must be admitted to the program to enroll in any of the PN courses. Applicants must meet or exceed the minimum standardized test scores established by the LSBPNE in order to apply.
Tests must have been taken within the three years of the start of PN classes. The SLCC Testing Center offers Accuplacer testing if updated scores are needed. Please visit the Testing Center for more information about Accuplacer testing at SLCC.
Type of test |
Mathematics |
Reading |
Language |
ACT (sub score) |
18-36 |
20-36 |
17-36 |
ACCUPLACER |
Elem. Alg. 48 |
65 |
Sentence Skills 74 |
COMPASS |
Pre-Algebra 55-100
Algebra 33-100 |
85-100 |
Writing 70-100 |
Students must demonstrate minimum test scores as required by LSBPNE. Students scoring below the scores noted above will be required to complete applicable developmental courses or pre-requisite courses prior to acceptance into the PN program - retesting may be required.
IMPORTANT Students should be advised that LSBPNE may change these requirements periodically and the PN Nursing Department should be contacted for most current requirements should this table not be updated.
Objectives
- To enable students to acquire the general education competencies expected of a Technical Diploma graduate
- To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for achieving licensure as an LPN by passing the NCLEX-PN exam
- To provide students with the necessary nursing knowledge and skills to function as LPNs in a variety of settings
Expected Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Technical Diploma - Practical Nursing will
- Utilize basic and advanced nursing & medical technology to provide direct care to assigned clients
- Apply and perform required skills necessary for entry-level LPNs.
- Employ professional behaviors consistent with expectations for entry-level LPNs.
Program Cycle
CAMPUS |
START |
Abbeville |
Spring 2019 |
Crowley |
Fall 2018 |
Lafayette |
Fall 2018 |
Morgan City |
Spring 2019 |
Opelousas |
Spring 2020 |
St. Martinville |
Fall 2019 |
Ville Platte |
Fall 2018 - Postponed Spring 2019 |
Applying for the Program
Applicants must read the complete packet for Applying to the SLCC Practical Nursing Program.