Practical Nurse Certificate

Practical Nurse Certificate

The Practical Nursing 1-year certificate program provides students the academic and clinical preparation necessary to take the national licensure examination (NCLEX-PN) leading to supervised practice as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The purpose of the program is to graduate qualified individuals from rural communities and encourage them to practice practical nursing in a rural area.

Students who have completed the Practical Nursing 1-year certificate at KCC with a current LPN license have the opportunity to transfer to most AAS- Nursing programs that offer advance placement opportunities. KCC has an articulation agreement with Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon. Chemeketa Community College will accept credits and coursework from KCC for consideration of advanced placement into their AAS-Nursing degree program. Students who successfully graduate with an AAS- Nursing degree are qualified to take the national licensure examination (NLCEX-RN), leading to practice as a registered nurse (RN). KCC does not offer advanced placement into the AAS-Nursing degree program at this time.

The KCC Practical Nursing 1-year certificate program curriculum is designed with a concept-based approach to teaching and learning. The conceptual approach in nursing involves an examination of concepts that link to the delivery of patient care. The study of nursing concepts provides the learner with an understanding of essential components associated with nursing practice without becoming saturated and lost in the details for each area of clinical specialty. The philosophy behind concept teaching/learning is that as concepts are understood deeply, links can be made and applied in various areas of nursing practice.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Practice within the ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks and scope of practice for licensed practical nurses.
• Utilize critical thinking and information technology to plan and implement culturally appropriate patient care which is safe and holistic.
• Demonstrate therapeutic and professional communication skills with all members of the healthcare team including the patient/family to meet patient/family centered goals.
• Utilize a process of self-evaluation that fosters personal and professional growth and contributes to lifelong learning.
• Utilize evidence-based practices and quality improvement methods to facilitate the delivery of safe and appropriate patient care.
• Explain their role and responsibility in the larger system of healthcare.

Admission Process

Applicants must be physically and mentally able to cope with the rigors of the curriculum and the demanding nature of the health professions. Students must be able to: remain on their feet for extended periods; lift up to 35 pounds; distinguish heart and lung sounds; read fine print; identify skin tones such as pale, ashen, gray, or bluish.

Applications are accepted annually during winter term for traditional fall term entry. Advanced placement applications are not being accepted at this time. Deadlines and required documents are found on the KCC website.

Each applicant must complete the appropriate application for admission.  Only complete applications will move forward in the selection process. After the application deadline, eligible students will be contacted for the next phase of the admission process.

Traditional entry applicants can expect to participate in a national standardized pre-admission exam(s), word processed short answer essay questions, and an interview with a panel of select individuals.

To qualify as an applicant for traditional entry into the Practical Nursing program, the applicant must:

• Complete at minimum, 30 credits of prerequisite coursework with a letter grade of “C” or better and maintain a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher. All pre-requisite courses are required to be completed with a grade of C or above prior to starting the nursing program fall term, while maintaining an average of 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Submit an official copy of transcripts showing completion of the required prerequisite and support courses (or their equivalents).

Prior to entry into the program, accepted traditional students must be able to:

• Show evidence of a negative TB status (within six months prior to entry).
• Show proof of current immunity against rubella, measles, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus, varicella, and hepatitis B.
• Show a current CPR for healthcare providers card (issued by the American Heart Association). 
• Pass a background check. 
• Pass a drug screen.

Entry into the Practical Nursing Certificate program is competitive, and space is limited, so not all applicants will be admitted.