Practical Nursing

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Program at a Glance

15 Month PN Diploma
48.5 Total Credits

No Pre-Requisites Required
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Practical Nursing Degree Overview

The Practical Nursing (PN) diploma program at ECPI University introduces nursing basics. Emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and theory, this diploma ensures comprehensive education for aspiring practical nurses. Through our accelerated year-round program, students can complete their program and earn their Practical Nursing diploma in just 15 months.

This program prepares students to become a valuable member of a healthcare team, working under the supervision of registered nurse, licensed physician, or other practitioner authorized by the state’s Board of Nursing.

Led by experienced faculty with a focus on hands-on learning through labs and simulations, our curriculum prepares you for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Once passed, the practical nurse is eligible to take licensure to become an LPN.

Knowledge and Skills

Graduates should grow in the following areas:

  • Nursing Foundations:
    This covers the legal, ethical, and regulatory aspects of healthcare, ensuring you provide safe and responsible patient care.
  • Patient Care Fundamentals:
    You'll learn hands-on skills like taking vital signs, assisting with daily living activities, medication administration, and wound care.
  • Assessment Techniques:
    The program educates you to ensure patients' physical and emotional well-being, identify potential problems, and report them to supervising nurses or doctors.

University Benefits

Graduate Faster

At ECPI University, we understand that your time is valuable. That's why we offer year-round accelerated degree programs that allow you to complete your nursing program in just 15-months.

Immersive Environment

This program provides a rich blend of collaborative learning, hands-on labs, and real-world simulations that prepare students to confidently enter the healthcare field.

Prerequisites

Our program enables you to take Arts & Sciences courses in conjunction with your Nursing courses. This allows you to complete your educational requirements simultaneously and begin your journey to becoming a nurse sooner.

PN Curriculum

We develop effective nursing professionals through training and practical experience.

Foundational Nursing

Practical Nursing graduates deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care through teamwork and cultural competence.

Medical Certification

ECPI University helps prepare Practical Nursing graduates to pass the NCLEX-PN and become licensed registered nurses.

Acute Nursing

Practical Nursing students learn to care for critically ill patients through medical-surgical, critical care, and emergency nursing training.

48.5 Total Credit Hours | View Complete Curriculum Information

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes, such as NCLEX-PN pass rates provide information about a nursing program's quality and effectiveness. This metric helps students assess a program's ability to prepare graduates for successful licensure and entry into the nursing field.

Practical Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates

Campus

2024 Pass %*

2023 Pass %*

2022 Pass %

2021 Pass %

2020 Pass %

Manassas

89.13

95.77

91.14

94

95.7

Newport News

93.44

86.89

82.14

87.9

86.4

Richmond

97.37

100

90.57

84.2

85.4

Roanoke

89.83

98.08

68.12

80.4

87.8

Virginia Beach

96.34

98.73

91.38

96.5

89.8

*NCLEX Pass Rates are tracked annually to provide a consistent measure of program performance.

Institutional Accreditation

ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. ECPI University also offers credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.

Questions about the accreditation of ECPI University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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