Practical Nursing

Nursing

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 logo

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.

 

Want to learn more about our Practical Nursing program?

Request your free information packet now

Take a tour of our Health Sciences Building

Take a virtual tour!

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

Contact 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

CHRISTINA ARROYOS

Requirements for this program

Course #TitleCredits
PREQUISITES9
BIO165-AHuman Anatomy and Physiology I3
BIO167-AHuman Anatomy and Physiology I Lab1
HSC113-EMedical Terminology2
ElectiveMath*3
FALL SEMESTER16
BIO170-AHuman Anatomy and Physiology II3
BIO172-AHuman Anatomy and Physiology II Lab1
ENG105-AComposition I3
PNN647-CNursing Concepts I1
PNN659-CFundamentals of Nursing8
SPRING SEMESTER20
BIO151-ANutrition3
PNN650-CNursing Concepts IIA1
PINN654-CNursing Concepts IIB1
PNN670-CPractical Nursing IA4
PNN671-CPractical Nursing IA Clinical2
PNN672-CPractical Nursing IB4
PNN673-CPractical Nursing IB Preceptor2
PSY121-ADevelopmental Psychology3
Total Credits45

*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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home healthcare, wellness centers, schools, and insurance companies.

The salary range in northwest Iowa is $18.50–$28/hour.

You will have a combination of Theory, Lab, Clinical, and Preceptor Hours.
NCC graduates have consistently scored at or above the national and state average on the NCLEX exam.

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.

Your Instructors

Kim Karhoff

Kim Karhoff
Director – Nursing

Nancy Popkes

Nancy Popkes
Instructor – Nursing

Laura De Kruyf
Instructor – Nursing​

Angie Shilling
Instructor – Nursing

Rebecca Stofferan

Rebecca Stofferan
Instructor – Nursing

Kelsie Rieck

Kelsie Rieck
Simulation Coordinator

Vicki Schrock

Vicki Schrock
Simulation Coordinator