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    Practical Nursing Certificate

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    Become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in just one year.

    During this one-year certificate program, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed for entry-level nursing practice.

    Through in-person and online academic coursework, lab activities and clinical experiences, you’ll be prepared to take the NCLEX-PN and provide compassionate care to patients.

    Graduates will have opportunities to work in many healthcare settings, including residential care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices and home healthcare settings.

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for licensed practical nurses in 2023 was $59,730. Employment of LPNs is projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, faster than average for all occupations.

    Practical Nursing Program Perk
    • The hybrid program allows you to balance a class schedule while working.
    • You’ll practice nursing skills in our state-of-the-art Nursing Arts Center, which features high-fidelity medical manikins that simulate real-life patient scenarios.
    • Gain real life experience through clinical experiences and service-learning.
    • The practical nursing certificate program can be completed in one year. You’ll become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) after successfully completing the NCLEX-PN.
    • One-on-one job coaching provides you with personalized advice when you’re ready to explore LPN jobs.
    • After completing the LPN program and meeting admissions requirements, you can progress to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (LPN to BSN).

    Accreditation & Licensure

    The practical nursing certificate program at Nebraska Methodist College is approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing.

    Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN exam and apply for licensure in the state of practice.

    Admissions Information

    LPN certificate - Fall 2025 update

    The application cycle for the LPN certificate program for Fall 2025 is now closed. This program has reached capacity and are no longer accepting applications or waitlist submissions.

    Applications for Fall 2026 will open in September 2025.
    Click here to be notified when the Fall 2026 application opens.

    If you’re still exploring your options, we encourage you to check out other NMC programs that are currently accepting applications for Fall 2025.

    Click here to view available programs.

    Our admissions team is here to help if you have any questions or would like guidance on alternative program options.

    Criteria

    In order to be eligible for admission into our practical nursing certificate program, you must meet the following criteria:

    • A minimum GPA of 2.25 on a 4.0 scale.
    • Ability to meet the technical standards of nursing practice.
    • Completion of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course and CPR certification.
    • Prerequisite courses: English Composition I, and Anatomy and Physiology I and II

    Requirements

    To apply, the following items must be submitted to the admissions office:

    • NMC undergraduate application.
    • Program/career questionnaire.
    • Official high school transcripts.
    • Official GED test scores, if applicable.
    • Officials transcripts from all colleges attended.
    • Health and safety requirements

    Deadlines

    Prospective students may apply anytime and are accepted from deadlines throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and students will be notified of their acceptance by postal mail, email or phone.

    Costs & Financial Aid

    NMC is committed to helping you find every avenue to finance your education. View the Tuition by Program & Degree page for a comprehensive list of all fees.

    Cost Per Credit Hour

    $350

    Cost of Attendance

    Private Student Loans

    The Financial Aid Office can help facilitate this process for you. Check out our private education loans to find out how to make an informed choice when selecting a lender.

    Student Grants or Loans

    Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about what's available and how to apply.

    Employee Education Benefits

    Employees of Methodist Health System can find details on the MHS Intranet.

    External Scholarships

    Visit our Scholarships page to learn more.

    Calculate Your Net Price

    Nebraska Methodist College Net Price Calculator.

    Curriculum

    The program requires a minimum of 39 credit hours. All students are required to complete specific coursework. Syllabus and course schedule are provided to the student on the first day of the course. Clinical opportunities are subject to availability.

    Students are required to complete a certified nursing assistant (CNA) course, CPR certification, English composition I, and anatomy and physiology I and II prior to beginning the PN program.

    Medical terminology and college algebra are recommended, but not required.

    First year - First Semester

    LPN 100
    Health Assessment
    DETAILS
    Students will gain familiarity with conducting both routine and abnormal health evaluations across diverse age groups. Through the application of diagnostic principles, analytical thinking, and critical reasoning, students will develop skills to interpret health assessment findings applicable to practical nursing practice. In non-clinical settings, students will analyze, record, and report data obtained from comprehensive health assessments, covering a wide spectrum of factors including health history, physical examination, laboratory results, wellness levels, environmental factors, health behaviors, psychosocial factors, mental health indicators, nutritional patterns, and cultural considerations.

    Prerequisites:  COM 101, BIO 225, BIO 226
    Corequisites:  LPN 101, LPN 102

    LPN 101
    PN Foundational Concepts
    DETAILS
    Students will learn the fundamental concepts necessary for providing safe, patient-centered nursing care to a diverse patient population across the lifespan. Critical thinking, clinical judgment, and clinical skills will be introduced to ensure compassionate and culturally respectful nursing care. 

    Prerequisites:  COM 101, BIO 225, BIO 226
    Corequisites:  LPN 100, LPN 102

    LPN 101C
    PN Foundational Concepts Clinical
    DETAILS
    Students will learn the fundamental concepts necessary for providing safe, patient-centered nursing care to a diverse patient population across the lifespan. Critical thinking, clinical judgment, and clinical skills will be introduced to ensure compassionate and culturally respectful nursing care. 

    Prerequisites:  COM 101, BIO 225, BIO 226
    Corequisites:  LPN 100, LPN 102

    LPN 102
    PN Psychosocial Nursing Concepts
    DETAILS
    Students will learn the essential knowledge and skills to provide competent and compassionate care for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. It covers data collection, nursing interventions, and the management of various psychiatric disorders, emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care. Students will learn therapeutic and interdisciplinary communication concepts and the management of clients with normal psychosocial functioning and common psychiatric and behavioral conditions while maintaining diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds.

    Prerequisites:  COM 101, BIO 225, BIO 226
    Corequisites:  LPN 100, LPN 101

    First year - Second Semester

    LPN 201
    Practical Nursing I
    DETAILS
    Students will learn commonly occurring acute and chronic medical-surgical conditions requiring nursing intervention. Emphasis is placed on the nursing process, nutrition, communication, cultural competence, and the development of clinical judgment. In the clinical setting, students will apply nursing skills, administer medications, and provide patient-centered care under supervision in structured healthcare environments.

    Prerequisites:  LPN 100, LPN 101, LPN 102
    Corequisites:  LPN 202, LPN 203

    LPN 201C
    Practical Nursing Clinical I
    DETAILS
    Students will learn commonly occurring acute and chronic medical-surgical conditions requiring nursing intervention. Emphasis is placed on the nursing process, nutrition, communication, cultural competence, and the development of clinical judgment. In the clinical setting, students will apply nursing skills, administer medications, and provide patient-centered care under supervision in structured healthcare environments.

    Prerequisites:  LPN 100, LPN 101, LPN 102
    Corequisites:  LPN 202, LPN 203

    LPN 202
    Maternal/Child Practical Nursing
    DETAILS
    Students will learn to provide competent and compassionate care to mothers, infants, children, and families across diverse healthcare settings. Topics include prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, pediatric health promotion, and family-centered care. Students will explore the physiological, psychosocial, and cultural factors influencing maternal and child health, emphasizing holistic care practices and patient advocacy.

    Prerequisites:  LPN 100, LPN 101, LPN 102
    Corequisites:  LPN 201, LPN 203

    LPN 203
    PN Pharmacology I
    DETAILS
    Students will be introduced to pharmacology and essential nursing skills for medication administration, including dosage calculation. Course content covers major drug classifications, their uses, common adverse reactions, contraindications, and precautions, with a focus on nursing interventions related to medication administration.

    Prerequisites:  LPN 100, LPN 101, LPN 102
    Corequisites:  LPN 201, LPN 202

    First year - Third Semester

    LPN 301
    Practical Nursing II
    DETAILS
    Students will build upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in Practical Nursing I, focusing on advanced concepts and practices in nursing care. This course prepares students to confidently address a broader range of medical-surgical conditions and healthcare scenarios. Through theoretical study and practical application, students will deepen their understanding of nursing processes, enhancing their clinical judgment and critical thinking skills to manage complex health issues effectively in diverse healthcare settings.

    Prerequisites:  LPN 201, LPN 202, LPN 203
    Corequisites:  LPN 302, LPN 303

    LPN 301C
    Practical Nursing Clinical II
    DETAILS
    Students will build upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in Practical Nursing I, focusing on advanced concepts and practices in nursing care. This course prepares students to confidently address a broader range of medical-surgical conditions and healthcare scenarios. Through theoretical study and practical application, students will deepen their understanding of nursing processes, enhancing their clinical judgment and critical thinking skills to manage complex health issues effectively in diverse healthcare settings.

    Prerequisites:  LPN 201, LPN 202, LPN 203
    Corequisites:  LPN 302, LPN 303

    LPN 302
    PN Preparation for Practice
    DETAILS
    Students will deepen their understanding of ethical principles and legal frameworks that guide safe, patient-centered nursing care within the LPN scope of practice. The course explores healthcare delivery systems, organizational structures, and foundational strategies for quality improvement and risk management. Students will examine the role of the practical nurse in disaster preparedness and emergency response within diverse healthcare settings.

    Emphasis is placed on applying the nursing code of ethics while developing professional behaviors in areas such as leadership, safety, informatics, and performance improvement. Students will also begin focused preparation for the NCLEX-PN exam, integrating core nursing knowledge with critical thinking and clinical decision-making. This course supports the transition from student to entry-level practical nurse, promoting competence, accountability, and collaboration as essential components of practice.

    Prerequisites:  LPN 201, LPN 202, LPN 203
    Corequisites:  LPN 301, LPN 303

    LPN 303
    PN Pharmacology II
    DETAILS
    Students will build on the foundation established in PN Pharmacology I, students to expand their understanding of pharmacology and essential nursing skills required for medication administration, including dosage calculation. The course will deepen their knowledge of major drug classifications, their therapeutic uses, common adverse reactions, contraindications, and precautions. Special emphasis will be placed on nursing interventions associated with medication administration, further developing the principles introduced in PN Pharmacology I.

    Prerequisites:  LPN 201, LPN 202, LPN 203
    Corequisites:  LPN 301, LPN 302

    Meet the Faculty

    Our nursing faculty are highly experienced and credentialed in their own fields, giving you constant real-world insight you can use. While any instructor can recite from a textbook, ours go a step further and draw from vast personal and professional experiences. Instructors here care as deeply about their students as they do the subject matter and it shows.

    Meet the Faculty