The licensed practical nursing workforce is nearing one million in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and about 35% work in hospitals. The Bureau projects an additional 65,700 new jobs will need to be added to meet growing health care needs. Licensed practical nurses work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Along with their RN supervisors and nursing assistants, they spend time caring for patients, administering medications, devising and executing patient care plans, and make critical decisions that impact patients’ health.
Nursing homes cannot function without their LPNs. The majority of them work in long-term care attending to the needs of seniors, assisting with mobility, rehabilitation, and daily living activities. Licensed practical nursing programs provide a fast-track to an exciting career in nursing. Full-time classes can be completed within 12 months and prepare students to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nursing, which is required to practice as an LPN in all states. LPNs can continue their education and prepare for licensure as a registered nurse through LPN-RN bridge programs which can be completed in an additional 12 months.
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology – Nashville
The Practical Nursing program at TCAT-Nashville is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. The program is offered in a traditional and hybrid format and leads to a Practical Nursing Diploma. The curriculum consists of 1296 contact hours of theory and practical instruction. Hands-on practice will commence in the simulated lab and applied during the supervised clinical experiences at approved health care facilities. Courses in the program include mental health, pharmacology, pediatrics, basic nursing fundamentals, worker characteristics, nursing fundamentals clinical, medical surgical nursing, administration of meds and basic IV therapy, and advanced PVR. Graduates will eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nursing and qualify for employment in long-term care facilities, doctors’ offices, hospitals, home health care, and outpatient clinics. Classes meet Monday and Tuesday from 6:30 am to 4:00 pm and Wednesday and Thursday from 7:45 am to 2:15 pm for 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Take and pass the prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology and Dosage Calculations
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Submit a completed application for enrollment online
- Submit sealed, official high school transcript/diploma and any college transcript
- Attend an information session
- Health insurance and satisfactory physical with all required immunizations are required for the clinical site
- Pass a drug screen
- Pass a background check
- Submit documentation of valid CPR certification
- Take and pass the HESI exam
The cost of tuition and fees is $6,544. Books and supplies cost an additional $2,608.
- Website: https://tcatnashville.edu/programs/practical-nursing
- Address: 100 White Bridge Road, Nashville, TN 37209
- Phone: (615) 425-5500
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 93%
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology – Shelbyville
The Practical Nursing Program at TCAT-Shelbyville is offered with full-time and part-time schedules. The curriculum, comprising of 1296 contact hours of instruction, provides students with theory and clinical experiences in the field in order to gain eligibility to take and pass the National Council License Exam (NCLEX) and practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Students will learn the role of the practical nurse as a member of the nursing team, how to practice safe nursing, and the importance of health as it relates to the individual, the family, and the community. Hands-on practice will seek to develop skills such as communication, administration of medication, measuring and recording vital signs, observation and reporting, and collaborating with the health care team to restore health. Courses in the program include mental health, pharmacology, pediatrics, basic nursing fundamentals, worker characteristics, nursing fundamentals clinical, medical surgical nursing, administration of meds and basic IV therapy, and advanced PVR. Full-time classes meet Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. (until clinical practice begins). Part-time classes meet Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (until clinical practice begins). The duration of the part-time program is 16 months.
Admission criteria:
- Select and complete the Special Industry/Supplemental Application Type for application to the Anatomy & Physiology and Math for Meds prerequisite courses
- Select and complete the New College Application for application to the Practical Nursing program
- Submit proof of high school completion or Equivalent/GED – official transcript required
- Provide proof of two MMR and Varicella vaccinations
- Complete the prerequisite courses Anatomy and Physiology and Math for Meds with a minimum grade of 80
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Health insurance and satisfactory physical with all required immunizations are required for the clinical site
- Pass a drug screen
- Pass a background check
- Submit documentation of valid CPR certification
- Take and pass the HESI exam
The cost of tuition and fees is $4,724. Books and supplies cost an additional $2,964.47.
- Website: https://tcatshelbyville.edu/programs/practical-nursing-%E2%80%93-part-time-evenings-main-campus
- Address: 925 Dinah Shore Blvd, Winchester, TN 37398
- Phone: 931-685-5013
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology McMinnville Campus
The student enrolled in the Practical Nursing at TCAT – McMinnville will obtain basic nursing skills to care for patients in long-term and acute health care settings. The program is offered in hybrid format with up to 49% of the content completed online. The theory will include studies in body structure and function, nutrition, medications, and conditions of illness. Supervised clinical experiences in approved health care facilities will cover nursing care of medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric patients. Graduates will meet the requirements to take State Board of Examination for Practical Nursing. The curriculum features 1296 hours of training and courses include Orientation/PVR, Nursing Principles and Skills, Medical Administration, IV Therapy, Nutrition, Mental Health Nursing, and much more.
Admission criteria:
- Take and pass the prerequisite courses – Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Dosage Calculations for Nurses
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Submit a completed application for enrollment online
- Submit sealed, official high school transcript/diploma and any college transcript
- Attend an information session
- Health insurance and satisfactory physical with all required immunizations are required for the clinical site
- Pass a drug screen
- Pass a background check
- Submit documentation of valid CPR certification
The cost of tuition and fees is $4,236. Books and supplies cost an additional $2,935.
- Website: https://tcatmcminnville.edu/programs/hybrid-practical-nursing
- Address: 241 Vo-Tech Drive, McMinnville, TN 37110
- Phone: 931-473-5587
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
South College
The Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program offered by South College leads to a Practical Nursing Certificate. Theory and practical instruction cover the skills and knowledge essential to assume the role of a practical nurse in the fast-paced healthcare environment. Course topics include Human Body in Health and Disease, Vocational Relations I, Fundamental Concepts & Skills for Practical Nurses I, Pharmacology, Geriatric Nursing & Issues at End of Life, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health & Pediatric Simulation, and Maternal Infant Nursing. The total curriculum covers 59 credits and emphasizes the application of knowledge and development of critical thinking and communication skills. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the LPN licensure examination (NCLEX-PN).
Admission criteria:
- Meet the requirements for general admission to South College – this does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing Program
- Submit an application to the School of Nursing by the published deadline
- Take and pass the ATI TEAS Assessment with the academic preparedness level of BASIC
- Take the required drug test before the first day of class
- Complete the background check application
- Provide proof of ability to perform the duties of a practical nurse
- Submit health history and physical exam report
- Provide proof of immunization – MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Hepatitis B, annual flu
- Complete an acceptable drug screen
- Must provide proof of health insurance coverage – must be maintained throughout the program
- Complete annual training on blood-borne pathogens
- Must have valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers Course
Tuition costs $5,500 per quarter for 10-20 credit hours. Fees; books, supplies, and uniforms must be added to the cost.
- Website: https://www.south.edu/programs/certificate-licensed-practical-nurse-lpn/
- Address: 616 Marriott Dr., Nashville, TN 37214
- Phone: (629) 802-3000
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 95%