Practical Nursing

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Program Description

Mission: To provide excellence in nursing education, preparing students for success in national licensure and practice as nurses serving the healthcare needs of a diverse community.

In HTC’s Practical Nursing program, you’ll gain the skills to be part of a health care team in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, long-term care facilities, transitional care facilities, and assisted living facilities.

To prepare you for success, your education includes courses ranging from basic nursing skills to psychosocial nursing, from pharmacology to actual patient care. It’s a blend of theory and hands-on experience that builds your nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The program is designed to meet the requirements of the Minnesota Board of Nursing for qualifying to take the practical nursing state board licensing examination (NCLEX-PN). Upon successful completion of the examination, you’ll be a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Each fall, a cohort of approximately 48 students will be admitted to the Brooklyn Park campus. Each spring, a cohort of approximately 48 students will be admitted to the Eden Prairie campus. For both campuses, classes are scheduled on a full time basis from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m three days per week, with another half day each week from 9:00 to 12:20. (note: clinical times could be approximately 6:00 am -  2:00 pm or 2:00pm - 10:00pm and possibly weekends). There is not a part time option offered at this time. The program is two semesters in length.

Due to accreditation requirements, all students will need to obtain the diploma. There is an option to obtain a degree, either at the same time or after graduating with the diploma. The diploma is required to take the licensure exam and for entry into practice; therefore the degree is an option in addition to the diploma. The AAS Degree option in Practical Nursing is designed for those who would like to fulfill some of the general education requirements to pursue a professional nursing degree. Students are encouraged to contact the program to which they wish to transfer for specific information about their requirements to ensure the student selects the appropriate courses.

Students must complete the "pre-nursing" coursework before being accepted into the program. This requires a separate Nursing Application which is obtained at an application session.  The dates of the application sessions can be found under the "Entry Requirements" below. If you are interested in starting the Practical Nursing program, please apply using the regular college application.

Program Information

• Overview
• Accreditation and Affiliations
• Awards and Certifications
• Faculty