LPN Programs Raleigh, NC

The Licensed Practical Nursing Diploma program can be completed in one year and serves as an entry-point for many nurses. The training offered at community colleges prepare students to get a license and into the workforce in less time than it takes to earn an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. The short-term program is a great way to test the waters before committing to more intensive study. Licensed practical nurses work in hospitals, but more often in home health care and senior care. In these settings, LPNs may monitor vital signs, administer and observe reactions to medications, provide personal care and wound care, and participate in restorative treatments under the supervision of a registered nurse. Changes in nursing education to meet the focus on population health have resulted in many LPNs being displaced from hospital settings and forced into long-term and home health care. Practical nurses who want to maintain or secure positions in acute care must take advantage of the nursing career ladder to complete the BSN as hospital systems place greater emphasis on the BSN. This noticeable preference for BSN nurses is a response to the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation to have 80 percent of the nursing workforce hold a minimum baccalaureate degree by 2020.

ECPI University

ECPI University’s College of Nursing facilitates a practical nursing program to prepare students to become an important part of the healthcare team. At the conclusion of the 15-month program, graduates will receive a Licensed Practical Nursing Diploma will be eligible to apply for the NCLEX-PN to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. They will also be able to care for clients and families, use critical thinking skills to safely and effectively perform their duties as a nurse, and communicate effectively with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team. The classroom theory is augmented with hands-on and interactive sessions in a simulated lab and direct patient care experiences in a real-world setting and under the direction of the course instructor. During the clinical experience, students will experience personal and professional growth and develop the critical thinking skills to apply nursing principles in the care of patients. Course content includes freshman orientation, anatomy and physiology, dosage calculations, foundations of nursing, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, acute care nursing, role transition, and normal life span. The entire curriculum covers 1,736 contact hours (48.5 semester credit hours).

Admission criteria:

  • Complete a personal admissions interview
  • Complete and submit an application for enrollment
  • Submit official high school transcripts or GED test scores
  • Achieve passing scores on the admissions assessment
  • Complete the health requirements
  • Have current CPR certification
  • Complete a background check and drug screen.

Tuition for full-time students is $8,964 per semester (12 to 18 credits).

  • Website: https://www.ecpi.edu/
  • Address: 4101 Doie Cope Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613
  • Phone: 919-283-5748
  • Toll-Free: 844-611-0718
  • Fax: 919-571-0780
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 92.21%

Durham Technical Community College

The Practical Nursing at Durham Technical Community College prepares students to deliver high-quality nursing care to meet the needs of patients. Experienced instructors emphasize safe and personalized nursing care and effective collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. The program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and includes classroom theory and hands-on laboratory in a broad range of nursing activities, and a supervised clinical experience in a healthcare facility. Course content includes clinical decision-making, professional behaviors, ethical principles, legal issues, informatics and evidence-based practice, caring interventions, collaboration, health policy, quality improvement, and trends in nursing. The clinical experience is a critical part of the program as it runs concurrently with the theory and gives students an opportunity to develop nursing skills under the instructor’s supervision. Students must complete a total of 41 to 44 credit hours to earn a Diploma in Practical Nursing. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. The day program may be completed in 3 semesters.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application
  • Attend a mandatory nursing information session
  • Submit official high school and college transcripts
  • Take the required placement tests
  • Complete the development courses – determined by the scores on the placement test
  • Complete the English Language Requirement Form
  • Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Complete the general prerequisite with a grade C or better – Eng Writing and Inquiry, General Psychology, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, and Math Measurement and Literacy

The estimated cost of tuition and fees per semester is $1,912.

Central Carolina Community College

The licensed practical nursing program at Central Carolina Community College prepares adults to provide high quality and safe nursing care to children and adults. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Diploma in Practical Nursing and will be eligible to apply for the NCLEX-PN to become a practical nurse. The duration of the program is 3 semesters and requires completion of 45 credits to graduate. The curriculum includes classroom lectures, practical experiences in a simulated lab, and a supervised clinical experience in a local medical facility. Applications for the program must be submitted before the end of January for admission in the fall. Applicants must meet all the minimum admissions criteria to be considered for the program, including attendance at the Online Information Session and schedule and meeting with an Admissions Specialist.

Admission criteria:

  • Meet the standards for general admission
  • Complete the place test – acceptable tests include SAT, ACT, Compass, or Accuplacer scores
  • Proof of current active listing on the NC DHHS –required for consideration at designated entry points
  • Criminal background check and drug screen
  • Completed medical forms and immunizations
  • BLS Provider CPR
  • Attend a mandatory acceptance session
  • Obtain malpractice insurance

The cost of the program is $5,941 for in-state students and $13,813 for out-of-state residents. It includes tuition, books, malpractice insurance, student fee, technology fee, lab fee, uniform package, and electronic resource.

  • Website: https://www.cccc.edu/
  • Address: 51 Red Mulberry Way, Lillington, NC 27546
  • Phone: (910) 814-8999
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 92.59%

Fayetteville Community College

The Practical Nursing program at Fayetteville Community College covers the knowledge and skills students need to integrate quality and safety in practice. The coursework includes theory and practical learning experiences on campus and a clinical experience at a medical facility. The curriculum builds on the domains of healthcare, nursing practical and the holistic individual and emphasizes safe nursing care and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team in the best interest of the patient. Students must complete 42 credits to graduate with a diploma in practical nursing. The requirements must be completed in 3 semesters. Day and evening programs are available.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade B or higher – 1 unit of Biology, 1 unit of Algebra, and 1 unit of chemistry
  • Must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA on prerequisite courses
  • Attend a program information session
  • Apply for admission to FCC
  • Submit a completed application to the nursing program by the published deadline – January 30th for Fall entry
  • Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Must have current CPR certification – BLS for Healthcare Providers
  • Submit documentation of immunization
  • Must maintain health insurance throughout the program

Tuition for the program is $2,280 for in-state students. Additional costs include fees, background check and drug screen, CPR certification, liability insurance, books, supplies, uniforms, immunizations, graduation pin, nursing licensure exam, and NCLEX RN review.

Sampson Community College

The Practical Nursing program at Sampson Community College prepares adults to meet the needs of patients to impact health and quality of life. Training will provide knowledge and skills that students will integrate into practice. The curriculum includes theory and practical instruction in practical nursing, anatomy and physiology, general psychology, pharmacology and others. Instructors will emphasize team work, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, informatics, safety in practice, and communication. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have current CPR (American Heart Association – Basic Life Support Provider) Certification
  • Must have current NC Nurse Aide Certification listed on the NC Nurse Aide Registry
  • Complete the ATI TEAS – proficient, exemplary or advanced level
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Complete the prerequisite courses before admission – Chemistry, Biology, Algebra, English
  • Applicants who have completed courses within the program must have a grade C or higher
  • Must have a cumulative GPA or 2.0 or higher
  • Submit a background check and drug screen

Tuition costs $1,216 per semester. Books, supplies, and fees must be added to the cost. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Wayne Community College

The Practical Nursing program at Wayne Community College prepares students with knowledge and skills provide entry-level nursing care in acute and long-term care settings. They will learn how to integrate safety and quality care into nursing and provide nursing care to adults and children. Instructors will cover assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care through classroom lectures, laboratory skills sessions, and clinical practice. Students must complete 42 credit hours to graduate with the Practical Nursing Diploma. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) that is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete high school or college chemistry with a grade C or better
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must present evidence of good physical and mental health including required immunization and health screening
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Submit to a drug screening
  • Provide evidence of current certification in an American Health Association Basic Life Support CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for Healthcare Professionals

Tuition and fees for in-state students cost $2,391 and $5,463 for out-of-state students. Books, supplies, uniforms, insurance, and NCLEX exam fee must be added to the cost.

  • Website: https://www.waynecc.edu/
  • Address: 3000 Wayne Memorial Dr., Goldsboro, NC 27534
  • Phone: 919-735-5151
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 86.67%

 

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.