Practical Nursing Diploma

Program Overview

Major ID: 062D (621A)

Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring, or Summer - Preliminary courses only

Under the supervision of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses provide bedside care, monitor patients, gather information, evaluate patient needs and contribute to the patient’s care. Licensed practical nurses administer medications and perform treatments. Licensed practical nurses utilize observation, critical thinking, decision-making and communication skills in caring for patients.

The Practical Nursing Diploma is designed to meet the requirements to become licensed as a Practical Nurse.

Career Opportunities

Employment of LPNs is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations. The best opportunities will occur in nursing care facilities and home health care services. This is in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population.

Graduates may be employed in long-term care centers, clinics, home care agencies, hospice, hospitals and transitional care units. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Licensing or certification exams are independent of graduation requirements.

Program Outcomes

1. Licensure Examination. The program’s most recent annual NCLEX licensure examination pass rate will be at least 80% for all first time test-takers.
2. Program Completion. 50% of the students who begin the first nursing course will graduate from the nursing program within 100% of the timeframe allotted for the program.
3. Job Placement. 70% of students will be employed within one (1) year of graduation. 

Program Faculty 

Lynn Perkins
Lynn.perkins@saintpaul.edu 

Yewondwossen Tsegaw
yewondwossen.tsegaw@saintpaul.edu

Biniam Weldearegay
biniam.weldearegay@saintpaul.edu

Application Process 

Prior to submitting the Application to Practical Nursing Major form, an applicant must: 

1. Complete the ACCUPLACER assessment and meet Minimum Program Entry Requirements (see below).
2. Complete all pre-requisites prior to PRNS courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and a minimum “C” grade in each course. Final acceptance/enrollment in the program is conditional upon successful completion.
3. Submit official transcripts from ALL colleges attended outside of Saint Paul College (if applicable).
4. Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS VI) with minimum score of 53% or higher and a Reading minimum of 45% and English minimum of 45%.
5. Have obtained a Nursing Assistant certificate (NAST 1111  & NAST 1112 ) within the last five years or have an active Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.
6. Submit a record of the required immunizations prior to the start of your first PRNS course.
7. Final acceptance in the program is conditional upon successful completion of all pre-requisites and good academic standing.
8. If accepted, attend the required Practical Nursing Orientation. 

The nursing admissions committee will review each application and determine admission on the basis of overall academic performance, including all previous college course work, GPA, ACCUPLACER assessment scores and Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS VI) scores. Notification of acceptance into the Practical Nursing major will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks after the admissions committee has met

Required CPR course

Students are required to successfully complete a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course during the second semester of the nursing program. The nursing program is using the RQI system and when you graduate from the program, you will hold a CPR card that will be good for 2 years from the date of print.

Note that most PRNS theory courses are offered on campus during the day.

Clinical experiences are subject to clinical site availability and may be scheduled for day and/or evenings.

End of Program Outcomes

1. Provide safe, quality care that promotes the health of individual patients across the lifespan.
2. Recognize the patient or designee as the source of control and full partner in providing compassionate and coordinated care based on respect for patient’s preferences, values, and needs.
3. Demonstrate competency within Practical Nurse scope of practice to provide, safe, quality care for diverse patients in a caring environment.
4. Function effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care.
5. Demonstrate responsibility for own personal and professional growth as a selfmotivated, self -directed person who utilizes self-reflection and feedback from team members.
6. Utilize critical thinking and nursing judgment when prioritizing care, implementing evidence based interventions, and promoting the health of individual patients across the lifespan.