Practical Nursing General Info
If you are a people person and enjoy caring for others, Practical Nursing could be the field for you.
The Practical Nursing program prepares you to provide comprehensive care for clients’ physical and psychosocial needs. Nursing courses provide basic knowledge and skills in the medical-surgical, geriatric, maternity, pediatric, and mental health nursing areas. Courses also focus on care giving, communication, teaching, professional, and managerial roles. Local health facilities provide the opportunity to participate in supervised clinical/preceptor experience.
Your acceptance to the Practical Nursing program is contingent upon successful completion of prerequisite courses and the program entrance assessment, HESI A2. In addition, you must have a high school diploma (with a 2.0 grade point average) or a High School Equivalency Diploma. You must complete prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher. You also need three years of science completed at the high school or post high school level (with a grade of “C” or better). An academic background in life sciences is recommended.
You must hold a 76-hour Certified Nurse Aide Certificate prior to taking Fundamentals of Nursing, PNN659.
A health assessment, current immunization records, child and dependent adult abuse, criminal background check, and the CPR for healthcare providers course is required before you can begin clinical practice. To become a Licensed Practical Nurse, you must pass the NCLEX (license) exam. Practical Nursing graduates have exceptional pass rates for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Future Ready Iowa Scholarships
FREE TUITION / IOWA LAST-DOLLAR SCHOLARSHIP
THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES. Iowa needs people like you to fill exciting jobs in growing industries. To help keep Iowa moving forward, you can get free tuition for programs that lead to high-demand jobs and good-paying careers. Earn a one-year or two-year degree—all with free tuition. For specific details of the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship (including how to apply) and for a full list of every NCC program that qualifies – click here. Contact NCC’s Financial Aid Office at 712-324-5061 or finaid@nwicc.edu for more information.
Award
- Diploma
Length
- Two Semesters
- Fall semester entry
Student Profile
- Good people skills
- Genuine desire to care for people
- Communication skills
- Possess background in math & science
Program Location
- This program is available on campus. General education courses are available online.
Contact Admissions
-
712-301-2573 | 712-301-1401 |
712-301-7033 - 800-352-4907
- Email Admissions
Student Story CHRISTINA ARROYOS
“My mom’s a nurse and she said I was born to be a nurse. I love helping people. The instructors are great and really care that you succeed!”
Nursing student
Bloomfield, NE
Requirements for this program
| Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PREQUISITES | 9 | |
| BIO165-A | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| BIO167-A | Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| HSC113-E | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| Elective | Math* | 3 |
| FALL SEMESTER | 16 | |
| BIO170-A | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| BIO172-A | Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| ENG105-A | Composition I | 3 |
| PNN647-C | Nursing Concepts I | 1 |
| PNN659-C | Fundamentals of Nursing | 8 |
| SPRING SEMESTER | 20 | |
| BIO151-A | Nutrition | 3 |
| PNN650-C | Nursing Concepts IIA | 1 |
| PINN654-C | Nursing Concepts IIB | 1 |
| PNN670-C | Practical Nursing IA | 4 |
| PNN671-C | Practical Nursing IA Clinical | 2 |
| PNN672-C | Practical Nursing IB | 4 |
| PNN673-C | Practical Nursing IB Preceptor | 2 |
| PSY121-A | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 45 |
*You may select any math course with a suffix of A.
NOTE: To advance or graduate in the Practical Nursing Program you must receive a “C” or above in all coursework.
Nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person:
a. Who has been denied licensure by the board
b. Whose license is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in any United States jurisdiction
c. Whose license/registration is currently suspended, surrendered, or revoked in another country due to disciplinary action
More Information
- Cost
- Students will take courses from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- Nursing Student Handbook
- Placement Report
- Computer
- Nursing Application Packet '24-'25
- Take a virtual tour of NCC’s Health Sciences Building
Frequently Asked Questions
The salary range in northwest Iowa is $18.50–$28/hour.
Northwest Iowa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Nursing Programs (PN, Extended PN, ADN, Extended ADN) are approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.
