Turn your compassion for others into a career that offers personal satisfaction and job stability as a *Licensed Practical Nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) care for the sick, injured, convalescing and handicapped, under the direction of physicians and registered nurses (RNs).
As a Licensed Practical Nurse you will provide basic bedside care and monitor patients' vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration. LPNs also keep records, assist with patient-care planning, perform first aid and CPR, sterile and isolation procedures. In long term care facilities, they sometimes supervise nursing assistants.
LPNs may work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, patients' homes, educational institutions, camps, industries, government agencies, and correctional institutions. They generally work 35 to 40 hours per week. Evening, weekend and holiday hours are common and shifts may rotate.
MCC's Practical Nursing Program - First Year Nursing
This one-year certificate program combines classroom instruction, laboratory experience and clinical practice to prepare you to care for patients in a variety of settings.
*At the completion of the Practical Nursing program, all graduates are required to take the NCLEX-PN examination, often referred to as the "State Boards," to practice as an entry-level Licensed Practical Nurse in the United States. Licensure is required to practice in the state of Nebraska.
LPNs may continue their nursing education and earn their Associate of Science in Nursing degree to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Application Process and Requirements
Why Should You Attend MCC?
MCC’s affordable tuition rates, small class sizes and highly qualified instructors to maximize the value of your educational experience. Financial assistance and some scholarships are available. Get more information about financial aid and scholarships at the Financial Aid web site.
MCC’s Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing.
More Program Facts
- As of the June 1, 2011 application deadline pre-requisite general education and extra credit math and science courses applying to the PN application must have been taken within five years of the application deadline to be considered. Any math and science general education and extra credit courses older than five years must be retaken to be considered for application. A second option would be to do assessment testing. If the student tests at the required level, we can use the student's old course grade.
- All students admitted to the program must be current Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
- A new class starts every Fall and Spring. Application deadlines apply.
- The total estimated cost of the program is approximately $3500 with financial aid available to those who qualify. (Tuition costs subject to change.)
- Students must be able to make a commitment to attend classes, labs and clinicals up to three days each week during daytime, evening, and/or weekend hours.
- Students must be committed to an academically rigorous course of study.
- Dependable attendance is necessary to successfully complete the program. Some clinical experiences may start as early as 6:00 a.m. or end as late as 11 p.m.
- Students participate in clinical activities in many of the four-county service area health care agencies.
Career Facts
- Employment of Licensed Practical Nurses in nursing homes and in acute care is expected to grow quickly.
- Growth in units that provide specialized long-term rehabilitation for stroke and head injury patients or that treat Alzheimer’s victims will also increase employment opportunities.
Is a Career in Practical Nursing for You?
LPNs must:
- Be able to learn basic medical terminology and nursing techniques.
- Have good verbal skills for speaking and writing.
- Be able to relate well to a variety of people.
- Be able to carry out a variety of tasks and work calmly in stressful situations.
- Be able to work within set standards and do work accurately.
Individuals employed in the health professions use the senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell in addition to the sense of equilibrium and sufficient motor function to carry out activities required in the clinical practice of caring for patients including doing moderate lifting.
All students admitted to a Health Career Program may be required to submit a signed statement for criminal background check purposes, submit to routine drug screening, submit to a physical examination, and provide documentation of required immunizations. Details will be provided at the orientation session.
Many clinical agencies may require criminal background check prior to beginning a clinical rotation at their site. Students refused access to clinical sites based on criminal history may jeopardize their continuation in the program.
Individuals considering employment in the health professions must be aware of strict qualifications. Factors that may disqualify candidates from licensure and/or employment in the health professions include a history of abuse, neglect, theft, and fraud; a criminal record; a history of drug abuse; significant psychological/personality disorders; physiological disorders; neuromuscular dysfunction; dishonesty; etc. The Nebraska Health and Human Services System carefully scrutinizes candidates in order to select those who will maintain the public’s trust and confidence at all times.
Applicants with questions or concerns regarding this component should contact the program director.
Extra Costs, Tools and Equipment
Uniforms, equipment and certification testing involve some cost, but the student is advised to wait until acceptance into the program for more details.
Practical Nursing Faculty
All faculty offices are located at the South Omaha Campus, Mahoney Building, Room 513.
Nancy Pares npares
Director of Nursing Programs/RN Instructor
South Omaha Campus, Mahoney Building, Room 513.
Office 402-738-4787
Alex Winter awwinter
Assistant Director of Nursing
South Omaha Campus, Mahoney Building, Room 513.
Office 402-738-4784
MCC Staff Directory
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