Overview
The Cincinnati State Practical Nursing Certificate program offers classes at the Clifton Campus. The program is structured to be completed in three continuous semesters of study.
Licensed practical nurses share in the responsibility for patient care within the established guidelines of the Ohio Nurse Practice Act. The Practical Nursing Certificate prepares students through concurrent classroom education and clinical practice in the areas of basic nursing skills, maternal and infant care, adult and child health, gerontological nursing, mental health concepts, and community health.
Program graduates are eligible to take the national standardized NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as a Practical Nurse. Passing a nationally standardized comprehensive exam is part of the requirements for the final course in the certificate program.
Admission to the Practical Nursing Certificate program requires completion of Selective Admission requirements. Interested students should speak to an advisor and attend an information session.
Enrollment requirements include:
- Submit written proof of current registration as a State Tested Nurse Aide prior to applying for Selective Admission. Students may complete the Nurse Aide Certificate course (MCH 130) to prepare for the state test.
- Complete a criminal background check, CPR certification, and a statement of health form.
- Have a total grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher, and a GPA of 2.00 or higher in math and science courses.
- Beginning Fall 2023, Selective Admission requirements include TEAS testing.
Because nursing is a dynamic profession, the program reserves the right to change the curriculum and/or admission requirements as necessary.
Accreditation
The Practical Nursing Certificate program is approved by The Ohio Board of Nursing, 17 South High Street, Suite 400 Columbus, Ohio 43215-3413. Phone: (614) 466-3947. Website: http://www.nursing.ohio.gov.
Contacts
Program Chair
Career Outlook
Graduates Are Prepared To
- Work in a variety of settings, from physician offices to extended health care facilities
- Work with clients of various ages, from children to the elderly
Representative Job Titles For Graduates
- Licensed Practical Nurse
Graduate Employment Outlook
Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow about 9 percent through 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs will be needed in residential care facilities and in home health environments to care for geriatric patients.
$53,472 median annual salary
Graduate Starting Salary Projections
Contacts
Program Chair
Curriculum
Progression
Students seeking admission to the Practical Nursing Certificate program must complete specific Selective Admission (Progression) requirements. Students should meet with their academic advisor to discuss Selective Admission eligibility and deadlines.
Learn about the Health & Public Safety Selective Admission (Progression) process.
PNC Selective Admission requirements include:
- Attend a Practical Nursing Information Session
- Complete the PNC Application (available below or from the Health and Public Safety Division Office)
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and maintain a GPA for Math & Science courses of 2.0 or higher
- Verify that you are in good standing on a State Tested Nurse Aide registry
- If applicable, provide documentation of health care work history on company letterhead
If selected, additional requirements include:
- Provide CPR certification – Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer
- Provide PNC Statement of Health with current immunizations (see “Student Health Form” document below)
- Provide Criminal Background Check information
- Provide proof of health insurance, active the first day of semester
- Maintain GPA requirements
Credentialing: Graduates must pass NCLEX-PN, the national standardized practical nursing examination, to practice as a licensed practical nurse.
Effective 2023-2024 academic year
Practical Nursing Certificate (PNC)
Program Prerequisites: Students seeking admission to the Practical Nursing Certificate program must complete selective enrollment requirements. Students should meet with their academic advisor to discuss eligibility and deadlines for selective enrollment.
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PN 101 | Practical Nursing Concepts 1 | 5 | 9 | 8 |
| FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| BIO 1XX Biology Elective | 3 | 2 | 4 | |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| PN 102 | Practical Nursing Concepts 2 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| PSY 110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| PN 103 | Practical Nursing Concepts 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| MCH 100 | Healthcare Informatics | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| PN 185 | Practical Nursing Role Transition | 2 | 8 | 2 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Total Credits: | 30 | 34 | 39 | |
Electives
| First Year Experience Elective | ||
| FYE 100 | College Success Strategies: Overview | 1 |
| FYE 105 | College Success Strategies: Overview and Application | 2 |
| FYE 110 | College Success Strategies: Practice and Application | 3 |
| Biology Elective | ||
| BIO 117 & BIO 127 |
Human Body in Health and Disease and Human Body in Health and Disease Laboratory |
4 |
| BIO 151 & BIO 152 |
Anatomy and Physiology 1 and Anatomy and Physiology 2 |
8 |
• This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
• The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.