Carl Sandburg College offers a certificate in Practical Nursing. The Practical Nursing program prepares the student for basic nursing practice per the scope of practice. As a member of the health care team, the Licensed Practical Nurse works under the direction of a registered professional nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse or as directed by a physician assistant, physician, dentist, or podiatric physician in a variety of health care settings. The LPN collaborates with assessing conditions and interventions, developing a plan of care, provides teaching and counseling to patients, provides bedside care with skills of taking vital signs, prepares and administers medication and treatments, and therapeutic communication.
Working Conditions
Most health care facilities provide a safe and comfortable working environment. Working hours may include various shifts; including 8 or 12 hours, weekends, and holidays. Schools, offices, and clinics may offer more traditional hours. The Licensed Practical Nurse provides direct patient care and must be able to obtain knowledge (cognitive function), skills (psychomotor function), and demonstrate professionalism (affective function). Please refer to the Essential Skills & Abilities of LPN to determine if you are able to meet these functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
Employment
Employment opportunities include, but are not limited to hospitals, long-term care/rehabilitation facilities, clinics and physician offices, schools, home health agencies, and dialysis centers. It is projected that employment of LPNs will grow 16% from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. There will be an increased need for LPNs in residential care facilities and in home health environments to care for older patients. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.
Accreditation/Approval
The Practical Nursing program holds full accreditation status by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. Illinois State Board of Nursing (ISBN) and Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has approved the Practical Nursing program.
Licensure
Graduates may apply to write for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-PN). Upon successful completion of this exam, the student is eligible to apply for Practical Nurse licensure. Graduates will need to complete a criminal background check at time of licensure application and will be evaluated by ISBN before licensure is granted or denied. Please be advised that the Illinois State Board of Nursing (ISBN) can deny nursing licensure and discipline those that are licensed. You can access all licensing and nursing scope of practice regulations at www.idfpr.com.
Admission to the Program: Selective
The Practical Nursing Program has limited enrollment and a selection process for admission into the program. Applicants need to refer to the Eligibility & Admission Requirements for this program to determine eligibility criteria and selection process. Students interested in this program must attend a Health Professions Informational Session prior to applying to the program. Students can apply online to the Practical Nursing Program October 1 - March 1. The application deadline date is March 1 for Fall enrollment. The applicant will be notified approximately two weeks after the application deadline date whether or not they have been accepted into the program. Applicants accepted into the Practical Nursing program must attend the program orientation session.
Students accepted will be required to possess Health Care Provider Basic Life Support CPR certification throughout the program, show proof of immunizations and required titers, TB test, physical examination, criminal background check, and drug screen. Students are responsible for all fees incurred, in addition to tuition. Please refer to the Practical Nursing Program Cost Sheet. Please note findings on the criminal background check and drug screen may void conditional admission and prevent entrance to the program. Findings on the physical examination and drug screen may prevent placement at the clinical sites.
Department of Health Professions
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309.341.5299
For Additional Information Contact:
The Welcome Center
Phone: 309.345.3500
welcomecenter@sandburg.edu
For Graduation Requirements:
See the graduation policies and procedures page for details.
Note: Students must apply for admission to this program. Please click here to view the program’s page for admission requirements including coursework and prerequisites prior to applying.
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