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Academics & Training / Programs & Degrees / Fields of Interest / Health Sciences / Practical Nursing

Practical Nursing Technical Diploma

Program Code: 315431

As a Practical Nursing program graduate, you're eligible for careers in a variety of settings which could include an acute care hospital, long term care/rehab facility, physician's office, insurance provider, or home health agency. As a member of the health care team, the licensed practical nurse provides care to patients whose conditions are relatively stable and assists the registered nurse or health care provider in the care of the acutely ill patient. Why choose the Practical Nursing program at NWTC? Success - more than 92 percent of NWTC Practical Nursing graduates consistently pass their NCLEX-PN on their first attempt. Quality - many students are offered employment during their final clinical experience. Expertise- the Practical Nursing faculty are experts in the nursing profession who have completed graduate level nursing education. This program is approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing, Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and is accredited by the ACEN: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Graduates of this program, after obtaining licensure and completing additional coursework, may enter the Nursing-Associate Degree program.

Follow Your Path

All credits in this technical diploma apply toward the following associate degree(s):

Nursing - Associate Degree, 105431

Currently certified/practicing medical assistants may apply credit from prior education and work experience toward the Practical Nursing technical diploma.

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Program Costs & Financial Aid

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

  • Licensed Practical Nurse: administers care to individuals whose conditions are relatively stable; administers care to the acutely ill under the direct supervision of an RN or MD; teaches basic hygiene, nutrition, and aspects of good health; administers first aid; and assists with health assessment and basic health teaching in a variety of settings under the supervision of an RN or MD.
  • Health Insurance Claims Approver: processes insurance claims on a computer terminal.
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Requirements for Program Entry

  • REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION
  • Completed application.
  • High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
  • To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
  • One semester of college Chemistry with a "C" or better OR two semesters of high school Chemistry with a "C" or better. NWTC course that would fulfill Chemistry requirement; 10-806-134.
  • REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY
  • Attend mandatory program orientation.
  • All students must have completed General Anatomy & Physiology (10-806-177) with a "B" grade or better (prerequisite of Chemistry with a "C" grade or better).
  • Submit required immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.
  • Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.
  • Students are required to complete an American Heart Association BLS Provider course prior to clinical experiences. Students are required to maintain certification to comply with affiliating agency requirements. Must be completed to be accepted to the program
  • All students must successfully complete a DHS approved Nursing Assistant course prior to program entry.

Program Availability

A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more by contacting one of our Admissions Advisors.

Application Checklist

Alternative Delivery Options

Complete this program by following the full-time academic plan or the Medical Assistant to PN bridge program which gives you credit for your education and experience. For students in the Shawano area, you may choose to complete the program right in Shawano.

Medical Assistant to PN Bridge:

If you are a medical assistant looking to advance your career, apply your knowledge and work experience to the Practical Nursing program. You’ll take less classes and finish faster than if you took the PN program on its own. Learn more »

Shawano Center:

Complete the program at NWTC Shawano.

Shawano Application Checklist

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Curriculum
Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Practical Nursing technical diploma in the number of semesters shown. For alternate study plans, refer to the information in the Related Links area at the right of this page.
First Semester
Semester Total
8
Second Semester
Semester Total
12
Third Semester
Semester Total
13
Total Credits
33

Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "B" or higher in all 31-543-xxx and 10-806-xxx courses. A student must repeat the particular course with "B" or better final grade to continue in or graduate from this program. If the course is sequential, the successful retake must occur before continuing the sequence.

Individuals with criminal records may be ineligible for licensure. Individuals with abuse records may be ineligible for employment in nursing homes.

It is suggested that a Medical Terminology course (10-501-101) be taken prior to entering the program.

The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a C grade.

Flexible Learning Option

A part-time program format is available. This option is scheduled over five semesters including two summer semesters. Each semester has five to eight credits.

Program Outcomes

  • Implement one's role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving identity as a nurse committed to caring, advocacy, and quality care while adhering to evidence-based practice.
  • Demonstrate appropriate written, verbal, and nonverbal communication in a variety of clinical contexts.
  • Integrate knowledge of social, mathematical, and physical sciences, pharmacology, and disease processes while participating in clinical decision making.Provide patient centered care under supervision by participating in the nursing process across diverse populations and healthcare settings.
  • Provide patient centered care under supervision by participating in the nursing process across diverse populations and healthcare settings.
  • Minimize risk of harm to patients, members of the healthcare team, and self through safe individual performance and participation in system effectiveness.
  • Collaborate as an active member of the multidisciplinary health care team to provide effective patient care throughout the lifespan.
  • Use information and technology to communicate, manage data, mitigate error, and assist with decision-making.
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Accreditation

The Practical Nursing program is accredited by: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta GA 30326 (404) 975-5000 FAX: (404) 975-5020 The Practical Nursing program is approved by: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Dept. of Regulation & Licensing 1400 East Washington St. P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935 (608) 266-2112

Industry Credentials

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN Examination for licensure as a Licensed Practical (LPN). Practical Nursing graduates who successfully pass the NCLEX-PN can apply credits completed in an accredited Practical Nursing program to the NWTC ADN Bridge program.

Graduates of the Medical Assistant Technical Diploma who achieve status of “Certified Medical Assistant” or “Registered Medical Assistant” and work at least 3,000 hours in a Medical Assistant role may apply for admission to the Medical Assistant to Practical Nursing bridge program. Refer to the information for the Practical Nursing program on this website for required General Studies courses.

Clinical Experience

Students will be required to purchase a uniform, provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances, and participate in p.m. clinicals. | Students will be required to show proof of annual flu vaccine. Students may be required to complete drug testing by clinical agencies.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Studies staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor.

Defy expectations and follow your passion

Dream jobs have nothing to do with gender. Discover the benefits of nontraditional occupations.

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8 week icon

8-Week Advantage

This is an 8-Week Advantage program.

Median Starting Salary:

$35,862.00

Source: NWTC 2019 Grad Outcome Report. Learn more.

Graduate Employment

With 63% Employed in Field
Pathways badge - Courses in this program seamlessly transfer to the highest program in the pathway.

Nursing Student Program Handbook

Program Licensure and Certification Info

Accreditation Statement

Program Outcomes

Gainful Employment Disclosure

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