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Practical Nursing Certificate

Become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in just one year.

During this one-year certificate program, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed for entry-level nursing practice.

Through in-person and online academic coursework, lab activities and clinical experiences, you’ll be prepared to take the NCLEX-PN and provide compassionate care to patients.

Graduates will have opportunities to work in many healthcare settings, including residential care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices and home healthcare settings.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for licensed practical nurses in 2023 was $59,730. Employment of LPNs is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average for all occupations.

Practical Nursing Program Perk
  • The hybrid program allows you to balance a class schedule while working.
  • You’ll practice nursing skills in our state-of-the-art Nursing Arts Center, which features high-fidelity medical manikins that simulate real-life patient scenarios.
  • Gain real life experience through clinical experiences and service-learning.
  • The practical nursing certificate program can be completed in one year. You’ll become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) after successfully completing the NCLEX-PN.
  • One-on-one job coaching provides you with personalized advice when you’re ready to explore LPN jobs.
  • After completing the LPN program and meeting admissions requirements, you can progress to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (LPN to BSN).

Accreditation & Licensure

The practical nursing certificate program at Nebraska Methodist College is approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing.

Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN exam and apply for licensure in the state of practice.

Admissions Information

Criteria

In order to be eligible for admission into our practical nursing certificate program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • A minimum GPA of 2.25 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Ability to meet the technical standards of nursing practice.
  • Completion of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course and CPR certification.
  • Prerequisite courses: English Composition I, and Anatomy and Physiology I and II

Requirements

To apply, the following items must be submitted to the admissions office:

  • NMC undergraduate application.
  • Program/career questionnaire.
  • Official high school transcripts.
  • Official GED test scores, if applicable.
  • Officials transcripts from all colleges attended.

Deadlines

Prospective students may apply anytime and are accepted from deadlines throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and students will be notified of their acceptance by postal mail, email or phone.

Costs & Financial Aid

NMC is committed to helping you find every avenue to finance your education. View the Tuition by Program & Degree page for a comprehensive list of all fees.

Cost Per Credit Hour

$230

Private Student Loans

The Financial Aid Office can help facilitate this process for you. Check out our private education loans to find out how to make an informed choice when selecting a lender.

Student Grants or Loans

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about what's available and how to apply.

Employee Education Benefits

Employees of Methodist Health System can find details on the MHS Intranet.

External Scholarships

Visit our Scholarships page to learn more.

Calculate Your Net Price

Nebraska Methodist College Net Price Calculator.

Curriculum

The program requires a minimum of 39 credit hours. All students are required to complete specific coursework. Syllabus and course schedule are provided to the student on the first day of the course. Clinical opportunities are subject to availability.

Students are required to complete a certified nursing assistant (CNA) course, CPR certification, English composition I, and anatomy and physiology I and II prior to beginning the PN program.

Medical terminology and college algebra are recommended, but not required.

First year - First Semester

Health Assessment
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PN Foundational Concepts
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PN Foundational Concepts Clinical
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PN Psychosocial Nursing Concepts
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First year - Second Semester

PN Pharmacology I
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Practical Nursing I
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Practical Nursing Clinical I
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Maternal/Child Practical Nursing
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First year - Third Semester

Practical Nursing II
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PN Pharmacology II
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PN Preparation for Practice
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Practical Nursing Clinical II
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Meet the Faculty

Our nursing faculty are highly experienced and credentialed in their own fields, giving you constant real-world insight you can use. While any instructor can recite from a textbook, ours go a step further and draw from vast personal and professional experiences. Instructors here care as deeply about their students as they do the subject matter and it shows.

Meet the Faculty