LPN Certificate Program

Contact Information

Linda Millenbach, RN, PhD, Chairperson

Phone: (518) 438-3111, ext. 248

Email: lmillenbach@mariacollege.edu

Download: Nursing Student Handbook

The LPN Certificate (or Practical Nurse Certificate, PNC), a program within the Department of Nursing, is a 48-credit certificate program with up to 32 transferable nursing credits to the ADN program at Maria College. Upon successful completion of the required coursework, students are eligible to sit for the New York State National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Passing the licensure exam will make the graduate eligible for LPN positions in the health field.

The LPN Certificate Program is offered through Weekend College and can be completed within six semesters by the qualified applicant. The program consists of 47-48 credits (29 nursing and 18-19 liberal arts). It is recommended that at least 13-14 liberal arts credits be completed prior to the first nursing course. Admissions priority is given to those applicants who have successfully completed the science requirement.

To enter the LPN Certificate Program, the applicant must provide evidence of a completed high school program or the equivalent. Applicants who do not have previous college credit or do not meet SAT cutoff scores will be required to take a placement test to determine the appropriate level of mathematics and language arts. Those scoring below a cutoff score will be required to complete remedial course work before admittance into the program so that they will be prepared to complete the program. A complete physical examination, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification (CPR) are required before they will be allowed to take clinical courses.

To be admitted to the Practical Nurse Program, Human Biology and/or Anatomy and Physiology must be completed within 7 years and can be repeated only once. This includes transfer credits and withdrawal from course.

LPN Certificate Course Info

The PNC courses are offered only on the weekend and consist of a sequence of four sememsters or about 15 months. The first course, PNC 101, which begins in May of each year, has lecture and lab classes during the summer Weekend College, which is generally every other weekend. The college success seminar for PNC (PRD 103) must be taken concurrently with PNC 101.

The remaining Nursing courses (PNC 102, 103 and 104) are clincal courses and require student participation every weeekend from September through August of the next year. Lecture and lab classes are during Saturday and Sunday of Weekend College. Clinical experience is required off-site at a clinical facility during Saturday and Sunday or the opposite weekends.

A grade of “C” or better is required for all courses required in the PNC Program. Transition to Nur 240 must be within three years of graduating from the PNC Program. If out of the nursing program for more than three years, the LPN will need to take the PN-RN Transition Course. Those who wish to reenter the program after three years must start with PNC 101.

The PNC program is offered in two tracks:

Track One

Track One allows a student to complete the Certificate on a part-time basis during the weekend in 47 credits. Of those, 22 to 25 will transfer to the ADN Program at Maria College (15 Nursing and 9-12 Liberal Arts). This track is designed for the student whose interest is to begin working as an LPN after completing the Certificate.

Track Two

Track Two allows a student to complete the Certificate on a part-time basis during the weekend in 48 credits. Of those, 32 will transfer to the ADN Program at Maria College (15 Nursing and 17 Liberal Arts).

PNC Program Outcomes

NCLEX-PN results for 2010: 25 took the Licensing Exam and 92.00% passed.

Division

  1. PNC Program — Track 1

    First Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 7
    Bio 103 Introduction to Human Biology 4

    4 credit hours
    A study of body systems relating to structure and function at cell, tissue and organ levels. Laboratory session is required.

    Note: If this course is to be used as a prerequisite for Anatomy and Physiology and/or a health-related program, a grade of “C” or better is required.

    Eng 111 Composition I 3

    3 credit hours

    A study of the principles of effective written communication with an emphasis on the practical writing needed for academic and professional work. The course concentrates on the development of writing in terms of focus, content, organization, style and mechanics. Students will engage in writing and rewriting using instructor and student feedback. Summaries, short papers, quizzes and APA-style research papers are required.

    Second Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 6
    Psy 100 General Psychology 3

    3 credit hours

    An introduction to psychology as a science: a study of cognitive, biological and social processes in understanding the dynamics of human behavior.

    Soc Introduction to Sociology or Gerontology 3

    Choose between: 

    Soc 101: Introduction to Sociology

    3 credit hours 

    A study of human society and culture. Social groups, institutions and processes are analyzed to determine their impact on individuals and groups in today’s society. Social change and its impact on social order will be evaluated. 

    Soc 105: Introduction to Gerontology

    3 credit hours
    Cross listed as Grn 101 

    An interdisciplinary approach to the study of aging, designed to provide a basic understanding of the aging process and an overview of the major issues in gerontology.

    Third Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 9
    PNC 101 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing I 4

    4 credit hours (Summer)

    Familiarizes students with the historical development of nursing, the nursing process, nursing education, and the role and responsibilities of the LPN and  health care team. Students will be introduced to the role of the LPN and its impact on human body structure and function. Application throughout the life cycle, basic nutrition, infection control and legal ethical issues will be discussed. A structured campus laboratory setting assists students in learning and interpreting technical skills. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment.

    Prerequisite Track One: Bio 103 Corequisites Tracks Two & Three: AnP 105 & 107

    Psy 200 Developmental Psychology 3

    3 credit hours 

    The scientific study of the individual across the life span: a study and application of physical, cognitive and behavioral processes across contexts. 

    Prerequisite: Psy 100 with a grade of “C” or better

    PRD 103 College Success Seminar for PNC 2

    2 credit hours 

    This course is designed to provide students with strategies for successful learning in college and beyond. Course topics include strategies in reading, mathematics, learning styles, time management, goal setting, note taking, test taking, test anxiety, critical thinking, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on student achievement. By permission of instructor only. 

    Corequisite: PNC 101

    Fourth Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 9
    PNC 102 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing II 9

    9 credit hours (Fall)

    The nursing process will be utilized while focusing common health problems and the family across the life span. Basic clinical skills will be introduced and practiced in a laboratory. A clinical experience will be provided in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment and its impact on care.

    Prerequisites: Bio 103 or All AnP; PNC 101, Psy 100

    Fifth Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 8
    PNC 103 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing III 8

    8 credit hours (Spring)

    The nursing process will be utilized while focusing on more complex health care needs. Clinical applications in advanced medical surgical skills will be emphasized. Advanced psychomotor skills are practiced and evaluated in the laboratory. Clinical experiences will be provided in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment and its impact on client care.

    Prerequisites: Bio 103 or All AnP; PNC 102, Psy100 & 200, Eng111

    Sixth Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 8
    PNC 104 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing IV 8

    8 credit hours (Summer)

    The nursing process will continue to be utilized by focusing on mental health issues. Clinical applications on mental health nursing and therapeutic communication skills are emphasized. Critical thinking application and advanced psychomotor skills are practiced and evaluated in the laboratory. Clinical experiences will be provided in acute and long-term health care settings. Management skills and leadership as it relates to the LPN scope of practice will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment and its impact on client care.

    Prerequisites: PNC 103 and all required non-nursing courses
  2. PNC Program — Track 2

    First Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 7
    AnP 105 Anatomy & Physiology I 3

    3 credit hours (Fall-Spring)

    An introduction to the structure and function of the human body designed to provide the foundation for the study of pathological conditions. Topics include cells, tissues, fluid balance, the integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems, and nerve cell physiology. The processes by which the body maintains a stable internal environment are stressed throughout. Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

    AnP 107 Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory 1

    1 credit hour 

    Laboratory exercises selected to reinforce and complement the lecture material presented in AnP 105.

    Eng 111 Composition I 3

    3 credit hours

    A study of the principles of effective written communication with an emphasis on the practical writing needed for academic and professional work. The course concentrates on the development of writing in terms of focus, content, organization, style and mechanics. Students will engage in writing and rewriting using instructor and student feedback. Summaries, short papers, quizzes and APA-style research papers are required.

    Second Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 7
    AnP 106 Anatomy and Physiology II 3

    3 credit hours

    A continuation of AnP 105. Topics include the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems, metabolism and immunity. Prerequisite: AnP 105, 107 with a grade of C or better.

    AnP 108 Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory 1

    1 credit hour 

    Laboratory exercises selected to reinforce and complement the lecture material presented in AnP 106. 

    Prerequisite: AnP 105, 107 with a grade of C or better.

    Psy 100 General Psychology 3

    3 credit hours

    An introduction to psychology as a science: a study of cognitive, biological and social processes in understanding the dynamics of human behavior.

    Third Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 9
    PNC 101 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing I 4

    4 credit hours (Summer)

    Familiarizes students with the historical development of nursing, the nursing process, nursing education, and the role and responsibilities of the LPN and  health care team. Students will be introduced to the role of the LPN and its impact on human body structure and function. Application throughout the life cycle, basic nutrition, infection control and legal ethical issues will be discussed. A structured campus laboratory setting assists students in learning and interpreting technical skills. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment.

    Prerequisite Track One: Bio 103 Corequisites Tracks Two & Three: AnP 105 & 107

    Psy 200 Developmental Psychology 3

    3 credit hours 

    The scientific study of the individual across the life span: a study and application of physical, cognitive and behavioral processes across contexts. 

    Prerequisite: Psy 100 with a grade of “C” or better

    PRD 103 College Success Seminar for PNC 2

    2 credit hours 

    This course is designed to provide students with strategies for successful learning in college and beyond. Course topics include strategies in reading, mathematics, learning styles, time management, goal setting, note taking, test taking, test anxiety, critical thinking, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on student achievement. By permission of instructor only. 

    Corequisite: PNC 101

    Fourth Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 9
    PNC 102 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing II 9

    9 credit hours (Fall)

    The nursing process will be utilized while focusing common health problems and the family across the life span. Basic clinical skills will be introduced and practiced in a laboratory. A clinical experience will be provided in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment and its impact on care.

    Prerequisites: Bio 103 or All AnP; PNC 101, Psy 100

    Fifth Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 9
    PNC 103 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing III 9

    8 credit hours (Spring)

    The nursing process will be utilized while focusing on more complex health care needs. Clinical applications in advanced medical surgical skills will be emphasized. Advanced psychomotor skills are practiced and evaluated in the laboratory. Clinical experiences will be provided in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment and its impact on client care.

    Prerequisites: Bio 103 or All AnP; PNC 102, Psy100 & 200, Eng111

    Sixth Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 8
    PNC 104 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing IV 8

    8 credit hours (Summer)

    The nursing process will continue to be utilized by focusing on mental health issues. Clinical applications on mental health nursing and therapeutic communication skills are emphasized. Critical thinking application and advanced psychomotor skills are practiced and evaluated in the laboratory. Clinical experiences will be provided in acute and long-term health care settings. Management skills and leadership as it relates to the LPN scope of practice will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment and its impact on client care.

    Prerequisites: PNC 103 and all required non-nursing courses

  3. First Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 8
    AnP 105 Anatomy & Physiology I 3

    3 credit hours (Fall-Spring)

    An introduction to the structure and function of the human body designed to provide the foundation for the study of pathological conditions. Topics include cells, tissues, fluid balance, the integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems, and nerve cell physiology. The processes by which the body maintains a stable internal environment are stressed throughout. Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

    AnP 107 Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory 1

    1 credit hour 

    Laboratory exercises selected to reinforce and complement the lecture material presented in AnP 105.

    PNC 101 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing I 4

    4 credit hours (Summer)

    Familiarizes students with the historical development of nursing, the nursing process, nursing education, and the role and responsibilities of the LPN and  health care team. Students will be introduced to the role of the LPN and its impact on human body structure and function. Application throughout the life cycle, basic nutrition, infection control and legal ethical issues will be discussed. A structured campus laboratory setting assists students in learning and interpreting technical skills. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment.

    Prerequisite Track One: Bio 103 Corequisites Tracks Two & Three: AnP 105 & 107

    Second Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 13
    AnP 106 Anatomy and Physiology II 3

    3 credit hours

    A continuation of AnP 105. Topics include the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems, metabolism and immunity. Prerequisite: AnP 105, 107 with a grade of C or better.

    AnP 108 Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory 1

    1 credit hour 

    Laboratory exercises selected to reinforce and complement the lecture material presented in AnP 106. 

    Prerequisite: AnP 105, 107 with a grade of C or better.

    PNC 102 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing II 9

    9 credit hours (Fall)

    The nursing process will be utilized while focusing common health problems and the family across the life span. Basic clinical skills will be introduced and practiced in a laboratory. A clinical experience will be provided in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment and its impact on care.

    Prerequisites: Bio 103 or All AnP; PNC 101, Psy 100

    Third Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 15
    Eng 111 Composition I 3

    3 credit hours

    A study of the principles of effective written communication with an emphasis on the practical writing needed for academic and professional work. The course concentrates on the development of writing in terms of focus, content, organization, style and mechanics. Students will engage in writing and rewriting using instructor and student feedback. Summaries, short papers, quizzes and APA-style research papers are required.

    Psy 100 General Psychology 3

    3 credit hours

    An introduction to psychology as a science: a study of cognitive, biological and social processes in understanding the dynamics of human behavior.

    PNC 103 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing III 9

    8 credit hours (Spring)

    The nursing process will be utilized while focusing on more complex health care needs. Clinical applications in advanced medical surgical skills will be emphasized. Advanced psychomotor skills are practiced and evaluated in the laboratory. Clinical experiences will be provided in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment and its impact on client care.

    Prerequisites: Bio 103 or All AnP; PNC 102, Psy100 & 200, Eng111

    Fourth Term

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 11
    PNC 104 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing IV 8

    8 credit hours (Summer)

    The nursing process will continue to be utilized by focusing on mental health issues. Clinical applications on mental health nursing and therapeutic communication skills are emphasized. Critical thinking application and advanced psychomotor skills are practiced and evaluated in the laboratory. Clinical experiences will be provided in acute and long-term health care settings. Management skills and leadership as it relates to the LPN scope of practice will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the LPN in a caring environment and its impact on client care.

    Prerequisites: PNC 103 and all required non-nursing courses

    Psy 200 Developmental Psychology 3

    3 credit hours 

    The scientific study of the individual across the life span: a study and application of physical, cognitive and behavioral processes across contexts. 

    Prerequisite: Psy 100 with a grade of “C” or better

Gainful Employment Program Disclosure Information

  1. Practical Nurse (LPN Training)
    Program Name Practical Nurse (LPN Training)
    Program Length 47 Credit Hours
    CIP Program Code 51.3901
    CIP Program Description Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
    Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code 29-2061.00
    Related Occupations Department of Labor ONET
    Total tuition and required fees for completing the entire program in the normal time: $22,225
    (Based on 2011-2012 tuition and fee schedule)
    Total estimated cost for books and supplies for the entire program: $2,000
    Total annual room and board charges for living on campus: Not applicable. Maria College does not have on campus housing.
    Maria College Program Cost Information Tuition and Fees
    On-time graduation rate for students completing the program between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010: 91%
    Job placement rage for students completing the program between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2009: 82%
    Median Federal loan debt for students completing the program between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010: $15,344
    Median Federal loan debt for students completing the program between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010: $0
    Median institutional loan debt for students completing the program between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010: $0