LPN Programs Columbia, MD

The rising elderly population and the large number of retiring nurses leave plenty of opportunities for new nurses. With close to 4 million registered and licensed practical nurses across the nation, the profession is among the fastest growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of licensed practical nurses is expected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, a rate that is much faster than the average for all occupations. The occupational outlook creates concern that the current supply of nurses won’t be enough to keep up with the demand. The majority of licensed practical nurses work in long-term care. As the baby boomer generation explodes – to 55 million in 2020 – healthcare professionals will be needed to care for this growing demographic.

If you’re considering a career in nursing, the good news is that demand for nurses will explode as employers need to add at least 88,600 jobs by 2026. The prevalence of crhonic illnesses will drive demand for long-term care. You can take advantage of the projected surge in employment by preparing for a career as a licensed practical nurse. LPN training program prepare students to become an active member of the health care team by catering to the physical and emotional needs of patients.

Howard Community College

The Licensed Practical Nursing program at Howard Community College includes lectures, practice in a nursing skills lab, and supervised patient care experiences in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates are eligible to sit the NCLEX-PN licensure exam to function as a member of a healthcare team. The coursework covered in the program overlaps the Registered Nursing program (Associate Degree) to facilitate career mobility. The program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. At the conclusion of the certificate program, students will have completed a minimum of 43 credit hours. Course topics include fundamentals of microbiology, drug calculations, anatomy and physiology, foundations of nursing practice, general psychology, family centered nursing, medical-surgical nursing, lifespan development, and advanced concepts in practical nursing. Interested persons must complete the prerequisite courses, BIOL 107 and BIOL 203, with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a nursing information session
  • Submit an application for admission
  • Take the placement tests – may be exempt with proof of completing college-level courses
  • Take and pass the Nursing Admission Assessment with a minimum score of 70%
  • Complete the prerequisite courses and maintain the minimum overall GPA or higher
  • Submit official college transcripts of all college-level courses
  • Complete the supplemental application to be admitted to the LPN Certificate Program

Candidates must also complete a criminal background check and a drug screen to participate in the clinical practicum. Tuition for the 15-month program is $6,708.

Anne Arundel Community College

Anne Arundel Community College prepares practical nursing students to perform entry-level nursing tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse. The 41-credit program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and includes lectures and clinical experiences in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, home health and community health agencies, and outpatient psychiatric settings. The program is available as an evening and weekend program and takes one year to complete. Graduates are eligible to sit the National Council Licensure Examination-PN (NCLEX-PN) to be licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Certificate requirements include:

Fundamentals of Practical Nursing: (8 credit hours: 75 hours lecture and 90 hours of lab/clinical). Students will learn the role of the practical nurse, the concepts, principles, and skills to assess and provide basic care.

Adult and Child Health Concepts in Practical Nursing: (10 credit hours: 90 hours lecture, 48 hours lab, and 138 hours clinical). Students will learn the principles to care for adults and children with acute alterations in body systems.

Women, Newborns, Mental Health and Integration of Concepts in Practical Nursing: (9 credit hours: 90 hours lecture, 30 hours lab, and 105 hours of clinical practice). Students learn the principles of caring for these various groups and their roles as leaders and delegators.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a program information session
  • Submit a completed application before the deadline
  • Produce official high school transcripts or GED scores
  • Take an placement test
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C

Students accepted on a conditional basis must submit a Health Examination Record, completed by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioners, complete American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR, and complete a criminal background check and drug screen. Prerequisite courses include human biology, anatomy and physiology, and introduction to psychology. Tuition for the program is $5,357 for residents. Books and supplies cost an additional $2,159.

  • Website: https://www.aacc.edu/
  • Address: 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012-1895
  • Phone: 410-777-AACC (2222)
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%

Prince George’s Community College

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Prince George’s Community College prepares students to care for patients in a variety of settings. Program graduates will earn a certificate and that will confirm their eligibility to sit for the LPN licensure examination (NCLEX-PN). They will also qualify for advanced standing in associate’s degree RN programs. Course topics include introduction to practical nursing, foundations of nursing practice, reproductive health, physiology integrity, adaptation and practices, human anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, interpersonal communication, public speaking, and group communication and leadership.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a program information session
  • Submit a completed application before the deadline
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Take an placement test
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C

Upon conditional acceptance to the program, students will need to complete the health and immunization requirements, have current CPR certification, and complete a criminal background check and drug screen. Tuition for the 24-month program is $7,360 for residents. Books and supplies cost an additional $1,500.

Carroll Community College

The Carroll Community College Practical Nursing program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. The course of study, which includes theory and clinical experiences, will prepare students for the national licensure exam for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN). General education requirements include English, a biological and physical science, mathematics, and general psychology. Core course include human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, health assessment, medication administration, nursing concepts, practical nursing concepts, and human development through the life span.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a program information session
  • Submit a completed application before the deadline
  • Produce official high school transcripts or GED scores
  • Take an placement test
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C
  • Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Obtain CPR certification

Tuition for in-county students costs $162.80 per credit.