Although licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are not certified to manage the wide range of responsibilities of a registered nurse, they are critical members of the patient care team. In some settings, they can administer medications, develop patient care plans, and update patient records under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Other primary responsibilities include serving meals, checking vital signs, cleaning and managing instruments, and changing dressings. Practical nursing programs in colleges and technical and vocational schools and high schools prepare students for the licensure exam and employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, in-home care, and other medical facilities. The 12-month program also provides the foundational learning for many LPNs who go on to become registered nurses. The job outlook for practical nurses is positive – according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. With an annual salary of $43,250 and upwards – based on experience – many practical nurses remain in the profession and commit many years of service caring for patients and their families.
Savannah Technical College
The Practical Nursing program at Savannah Technical College prepares students for the NCLEX-PN for state licensure. Graduates are capable of administering competent nursing care. The curriculum includes academic and occupational courses to prepare students for the role. Course topics include fundamentals of English, foundations of mathematics, and basic psychology. Occupational courses include diet and nutrition, structures and functions of the human body, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, maternity nursing, nursing leadership, and clinical. There are 57 credits required to complete the program. The program includes several clinical experiences planned in such a way as to complement the theory. Applicants must be 17 years or older, take the placement test, and forward the high school transcript or GED and any college transcripts to the admission’s office. Once accepted, the student must complete the Health Care Assistant Technical Certificate, and provide documentation of Georgia Nurse Aide Certification and CPR and First Aid certification. A background check and drug screen may be required for clinical participation. The application fee is $25. Tuition for the program is $6,635. Books and supplies cost an additional $2,750.
- Website: http://www.savannahtech.edu/academics/all-programs/practical-nursing/
- Address: 5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, GA 31405
- Phone: (912) 443-5700
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 94.46%
Ogeechee Technical College
The Ogeechee Technical College’s Practical Nursing Program prepares students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program operates with full approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the licensure exam with approval from the Board. A person who has been convicted of a felony or any crime violating a federal or state law may not be eligible for a license. The course includes classroom and clinical training in the areas of anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing diet and nutrition, introduction to pharmacology, maternity nursing, and nursing leadership. The clinical experience emphasizes health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole. Students will spend a stipulated amount of hours in a supervised work setting. The clinical site preceptor will guide and evaluate students’ progress. Interest person must submit a completed application and fee, be 18 years or older, submit high school transcript or GED and any college transcripts, and obtain passing scores on the Accuplacer, Compass, SAT, or ACT assessment. Tuition for the program is $6,913. Books and supplies cost $2,500.
- Website: http://www.ogeecheetech.edu/practical-nursing-program
- Address: One Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd., Statesboro, GA 30458 USA
- Phone: (912) 681-5500
- Toll-Free: (800) 646-1316
- Email: info@ogeecheetech.edu
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 98.61%
Coastal Pines Technical College
The Practical Nursing program at Coastal Pine Technical College is approved by the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nurses. The curriculum includes lectures and hands-on learning experiences to prepare students for success on the NCLEX-PN for licensure as a practical nurse. Graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and are qualified to practice in an entry-level position. Course topics include fundamentals of English, foundations of mathematics, basic psychology, nursing fundamentals, diet and nutrition, medical- surgical nursing, introduction to pharmacology, body structure and function, nursing leadership, maternity nursing, and much more. Students must complete a minimum of 57 credits to complete the program. Admission requires students to obtain acceptable placement scores on the Accuplacer exam. Tuition costs $87 per credit hour.
- Website: http://www.coastalpines.edu/catalog/practical-nursing-pn12.htm
- Address: 1777 West Cherry St., Jesup, Georgia 31545
- Phone: (912) 427-5800
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
Southeastern Technical College
The Practical Nursing program at Southeastern Technical College prepares students for success on the licensure exam for state certification. Students learn how to administer competent care including the administration of medications, monitoring patients, wound care, and collaborating with others members of the health care team. The curriculum includes general courses as well as core occupational courses to prepare students for entry-level employment. It requires students to complete 60 credit hours to receive a practical nursing diploma at the conclusion of the program. Course topics include medical-surgical nursing, maternity nursing, nursing leadership, nursing fundamentals, diet and nutrition, body structure and function, fundamentals of English, and basic psychology. Interested persons must be 18 years or older, submit official high school transcript or equivalent, pass the TEAS with a benchmark score of 50 percent or over, meet the placement testing requirements, and enroll in the Health Care Assistant course. Tuition for the program is $7,788. Books and supplies cost an additional $600.
- Website: https://www.southeasterntech.edu/programs/
- Address: 3001 E. First Street, Vidalia, GA 30474
- Phone: (912) 538-3100
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 95.34%
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.