Practical Nursing

Career & Technical Certificate

Modes of Instruction

Click here to learn more about the modes of instruction offered at Kaskaskia College.

KC’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program has prepared over 1,296 LPNs since 1980 for a career in healthcare. In just 11 months, students can start their career in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care settings, doctor's offices, outpatient clinics, home health, or hospice. KC's program features:

New students admitted twice per year
State-of-the-art simulation lab
Board exam pass rates above state and national average

This is a three-semester program leading to a certificate. The graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Graduates who pass the exam may apply to become Licensed Practical Nurses. LPNs work in a variety of healthcare settings, providing direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.

The current 2023 NCLEX-PN pass rate is 100%.

What You Can Do

Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Vocational Nurse

To apply to the College, please click the Apply button below. To apply to this program, scroll to the bottom of the page and under “Additional Information”, choose the Allied Health Applications link.

Apply

How to Apply to the Program

1. Apply to Kaskaskia College (see link above).

2. Fill out the Allied Health Application. The link contains applications to all the Kaskaskia College Allied Health Programs

Questions? Learn more about the Nursing Program Application Process.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate individualized, evidence-based nursing care for clients according to the nursing process.
Develop open communication with clients and their support systems.
Organize client-centered care with other health care team members based on nursing judgment.
Recognize the need for a commitment to lifelong learning and quality improvement according to regulations of the nursing profession.

Program Details

PRNU_0525_CERT

Students must meet college English and Math requirements. Must have completed a medical terminology course and taken the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) test. All students accepted into the Practical Nursing Certificate Program must have a state-certified Nurse Assistant certificate. All students admitted to the program must have criminal background checks and a drug screening.

A fingerprint background check is required for all applicants for NCLEX.

Students enrolling in an Allied Health program should be aware that clinical facilities require criminal background checks and drug screening of those involved in client care. In some instances, such checks also will be needed to take licensure exams. Based on this, Kaskaskia College will require background checks and drug screening upon entry into the program. Students will not be allowed to participate in clinicals when their background check makes them ineligible for the work to be performed. The cost of such screening will be included in program fees.
The program includes theory and clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings, including acute care, community settings, long-term care, and physicians’ offices and clinics.

Curriculum

First Semester
PRNU-143	Human Structure and Function I	2.00
PRNU-145	Human Structure and Function II	2.00
PRNU-151	Fundamentals of Nursing I	4.00
PRNU-153	Fundamentals of Nursing II	4.00
PRNU-166	Mental Health Nursing	2.00
PSYH-100	Life Span Growth & Development	3.00
PRNU-154	Dosage Calculations	1.00
		18.00

Second Semester
PRNU-159	Medical Surgical Nursing I	7.00
PRNU-160	Medical Surgical Nursing II	7.00
PRNU-162	Community Health Nursing	1.00
PRNU-158	Medications	2.00
		17.00

Third Semester
PRNU-161	Personal & Vocational Relationships	1.00
PRNU-165	Geriatric Nursing	5.00
PRNU-131	Nursing Care of Women	3.00
		9.00

Cost

First Semester
tuition (18 credit hours)	$2448.00
student services fee (18 credit hours)	$432.00
lab fee	$998.00
books	$569.93
insurance	$45.00
clinical uniforms and shoes	$160.00
supplies (watch, scissors, stethoscope)	$105.00
CPR class	$55.00
physical exam and TB test	$100.00
	$4912.93

Second Semester
tuition (17 credit hours)	$2312.00
student services fee (17 credit hours)	$408.00
lab fee	$851.00
	$3571.00

Summer Semester
tuition (9 credit hours)	$1224.00
student services fee (9 credit hours)	$216.00
lab fee	$4.00
NCLEX testing and licensure fees	$200.00
background check	$55.00
	$1699.00

Associate Degree Nursing
Nurse Assistant Certificate
The Kaskaskia College Practical Nursing program meets licensure requirements in the state of Illinois.

Higher education institutions and the U.S. Department of Education share a common goal: to support students in educational programs that lead to state licensure, enabling them to fulfill the educational requirements necessary for employment in their chosen field. According to U.S. Department of Education regulations 34 CFR 668.14(b)(32), starting July 1, 2024, all institutions must disclose whether the curriculum for Title IV-eligible programs designed or advertised as leading to professional licensure or certification required for employment meets state educational requirements where a student is located. Disclosure is required regardless of a program's modality. Academic programs that provide a path to optional, national, or industry certifications do not require disclosure.

Kaskaskia College strives to ensure that information regarding educational requirements for licensure or certification is up to date; however, state requirements may change. Beyond educational requirements, state licensure boards may require applicants to complete professional examinations, background checks, years of professional experience, residency requirements, jurisprudence exams, and other training.

The new U.S. Department of Education regulations, 34 CFR 668.14(b)(32) require colleges to assign programs leading to licensure or certification to one of two categories; Yes, meets state requirements or No, does not meet state requirements.

Kaskaskia Colleges educational programs are designed to meet licensure requirements in the state of Illinois regardless of the modality of instruction. The programs listed below meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification for that occupation in Illinois:

Associate Degree Nursing

Cosmetology

Dental Assisting

Emergency Medical Technician

Nail Technology

Paramedicine

Physical Therapy Assistant

Practical Nursing

Radiologic Technology

Respiratory Therapy

Sonography

Kaskaskia College cannot guarantee licensure or certification in other states. State laws, regulations, and policies governing professional licensure may change at any time. The decision to grant a license or certification is the purview of the state. Only state licensing agencies or boards can determine whether an academic program meets or partially meets educational

requirements for licensure. Kaskaskia College cannot guarantee an individual's attainment of any professional licensure or certification, in any field, in any state. At this time, per regulations, the College must assign, No, does not meet requirements in states other than Illinois.

Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing authority directly to determine if Kaskaskia Colleges program meets the educational requirements for licensure before beginning the program. Many Kaskaskia College licensure and certification program graduates have successfully transferred into careers and obtained licensure or certification in states other than Illinois.