Nursing - Licensed Practical Nursing

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What Is Practical Nursing?

The Practical Nursing program prepares individuals to practice within the legal scope of practical nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Use of the nursing process at the practical nursing level toward the maintenance of health and prevention of illness, the observation and nursing care of persons experiencing changes in their health processes, and the evaluation of health practices of patients are emphasized.

Classroom instruction in theory and basic nursing skills is provided on campus. Under the guidance of program faculty, students gain valuable experience in the care of all ages in a variety of health care settings and/or community agencies - hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and child care centers. (Transportation to the community agencies is the responsibility of each student.)

Acceptance in the Practical Nursing program is based on a selective admissions process.

What are my career options?

Nurses are employed in a variety of health care settings, such as: long term care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, clinics, schools, physician and dentist offices, industrial settings and rehabilitation agencies. Graduates of the program are eligible to continue their education and complete an associate degree in nursing at HCTC or other colleges. Additional general education courses may be required to apply. 

Length of Program

You can earn a diploma in Practical Nursing in 1 year if you follow the curriculum.
You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all diploma requirement.

What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?

Diploma

Practical Nursing

After receiving your practical nursing diploma, you can apply for a bridge program to attain an associate degree in registered nursing from HCTC or other colleges. Additional general education courses may be required to apply

Transferability

HCTC PN-RN Bridge Program Option

To be eligible: 

• The LPN must have graduated within the past 3 years from their LPN program or provide documentation that they have worked 1 year as an LPN within the past 3 years.
• They must meet program requirements and admission criteria. 
• Applicants who hold an unencumbered license in Kentucky as a LPN may receive credit for NSG 101 upon admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program. If a minimum score of 75 is achieved on the NLN-NACE Exam. 

Applicants are permitted to take the NLN -PAX and if benchmark is met, they may start in the first semester.

Hazard Community and Technical College Transfer Information Link

https://hazard.kctcs.edu/current-students/academic-resources/transfer-information/index.aspx 

Getting Started

Application Process

Acceptance into the Practical Nursing program is based on a selective admissions process. HCTC uses a rolling admission process for this selection. Beginning on the 15th of April for Fall admission, HCTC will review all completed application files. Students who complete their admission file after the 1st will still be considered based on space in the program and, when needed, the preference given categories described below.

Criteria for Admission

1. Application for admission to the college;
2. Official high school transcript indicating that the applicant has or will complete a high school course of study or a passing GED official score report.
3. Official transcripts of postsecondary work completed at other institutions;
4. Results of ACT or Compass (within the last 3 years) or Wonderlic; and
5. A pre-admission conference with the coordinator or the coordinator’s designee is required prior to an applicant’s consideration by the Practical Nursing Admissions Committee.
6. Results of the National League of Nursing- Pre-Admission Exam (PAX)
    

Preference for admission will be given to students who:

1. Demonstrated above average standing in high school or on the General Education Development Examination (GED).
2. Have PAX scores above 85
3. Have a GPA of 3.0 or better after 12 or more hours of credit from a regionally accredited college.

Pre-Admission Conference Dates