LPN Programs Wilson, NC

As a career path, nursing provides opportunities for growth and enrichment. The fact that the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics records an astounding figure of 17,810 practical nurses in North Carolina alone is a clear indication of the demand for these professionals. The growing senior population especially drives the need for LPNs in long-term care settings and home health care. There is no shortage of jobs for practical nurses. Individuals who successfully complete practical nursing programs will have a number of prospects in both acute and long-term care. LPNs work in physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and patients’ homes. The annual mean wage in North Carolina is $43,250.

Nursing is more than a well-paying career. For many adults, the profession is a call to serve. LPNs have an active role in the care of the aged, sick, or injured. Responding to the needs of others provides an opportunity to think outside of your fears and limitations and draw on inner strength and commitment to restore health and preserve life. Nursing requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Each day, nurses have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and stretch their limits to promote health. They learn from other professionals and can also seize opportunities to return to school to prepare for bigger and better opportunities within or outside of the clinical environment.

Wilson Community College

The Practical Nursing program at Wilson Community College leads to a Practical Nursing Diploma. The program facilitates the seamless transition to the Associate Degree in Nursing for graduates who plan to continue their studies. The program’s emphasis on safety and quality is geared to produce nurses whose commitment will be on meeting the needs of patients while acknowledging their rights and unique circumstances. The diploma requires completion of 45 credit hours of general education and core nursing courses. The content will include college student success, practical nursing, basic anatomy and physiology, general psychology, computer basics, writing and inquiry, pharmacology, practical nursing II, and practical nursing III. Students will participate in a clinical externship that will reinforce the academic principles covered in the classroom. The clinical hours vary with each semester. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure as a Practical Nurse.

Admission criteria:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • High school diploma, high school equivalency, or transcript
  • A valid picture ID – driver’s license or state ID
  • Social security card
  • Schedule an appointment to take the TEAS and achieve a 54% on the overall adjusted score – the test costs $55
  • Two TB skin tests – taken within nine months of the program start date
  • Proof of immunization – MMR, three Hepatitis B, Varicella, Tdap
  • Be actively listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I registry

The estimated cost of attendance is $6,564. The cost includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, uniforms, technology fee, and malpractice insurance.

Central Carolina Community College

Central Carolina Community College prepares practical nursing students with the knowledge and skills to care for patients across the lifespan. They will learn how to assist registered nurses with the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care. At the conclusion of the 3-semester program, graduates will receive a Practical Nursing Diploma and will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The training will include classroom theory, lab practice, and clinical experiences to help students fulfill the practical nursing role as a member of the nursing team. Students will learn how to promote, maintain, and restore optimal health for patients across the life span, provide basic nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse, and practice within the ethical, legal, and professional framework outlined for Licensed Practical Nurses. Students must complete 45 credits to graduate from the program. The core nursing courses Practical Nurse I, II, and III will cover informatics, decision making, caring interventions, evidence-based practice, ethical and legal issues, biophysical and psychosocial concepts, healthcare systems, health policy, and quality improvement.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the Admission and Enrollment Checklist
  • Attend an information session and the associated quiz
  • Meet with an Admissions Counselor to discuss requirements and develop an academic plan
  • Submit a letter that verifies good standing
  • Take the ATI TEAS Exam
  • Be listed active in the NC NA I Registry – must be current when applying to the program
  • Have a valid American Heart Association BLS Provider card
  • Meet with an Admissions Counselor for MAC Review
  • Submit a completed Health Sciences Application
  • Complete the general education courses – ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry, Success and Study Skills, General Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II
  • Provide evidence of up-to-date immunizations
  • Complete a physical exam conducted by a physician
  • Submit to a criminal background check and drug test – conducted by a third-party organization approved by the college

In-state tuition costs $3,241. Books and supplies cost an additional $4,741.

Durham Technical Community College

At Durham Technical Community College, practical nursing students will receive theory and practical instruction in preparation for a career as a licensed practical nurse. The program operates with the approval of the North Carolina Board of Nursing and has full approval from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Program graduates will receive a Practical Nursing Diploma and will be eligible to apply to take the Nurse Licensure Council Exam for Practical Nurses. The 44-credit program covers a broad range of coordinated theory and practical content including clinical decision-making, trends in nursing, legal issues, ethical principles, evidence-based practice, informatics, health policy, team collaboration, quality improvement, professional behaviors, and nursing trends. The clinical experiences will be conducted under the supervision of a registered nurse instructor and will give students the opportunity to apply the classroom principles in a real-world setting. Students can complete the program in just three semesters if the non-nursing courses are completed beforehand. The program is offered on a daytime only basis.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend an information session
  • Submit a completed application for admission to Durham Tech
  • Apply to the Nursing Department for admission to the Practical Nursing program
  • Take the placement evaluations
  • Request official high school transcripts and college transcripts to be sent to Durham Tech
  • Complete or have credit for Developmental Math and Developmental Reading and English
  • Complete the general prerequisites – ENG 111, PSY 150, and BIO 163
  • Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen

The estimated cost of tuition and fees per semester is $1,493 for students completing up to 12 credits per semester.

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.

Related posts:

LPN Programs Raleigh, NC
LPN to RN Requirements and Training Programs North Carolina
LPN Programs Greensboro, NC