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.
Admission to the Practical Nursing Certificate program requires completion of Selective Admission requirements. Interested students should speak to an advisor in the Health and Public Safety Division. Applicants should review the current Practical Nursing Certificate Selective Admission application packet for complete eligibility criteria, required documentation, scoring information, and submission instructions.
To be eligible for Selective Admission, applicants must:
- Have active status and be in good standing on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry
- Have a minimum cumulative Cincinnati State GPA of 2.50
- Meet the required English, math, and biology readiness requirements
- Submit a complete Practical Nursing Certificate Selective Admission application packet by the published deadline
- After acceptance, complete the remaining program requirements, including a background check, CPR certification, health documentation, and proof of health insurance
- Email the Selective Admission packet to PNapplications@cincinnatistate.edu
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, 8995 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. 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, such as long-term care, home health, hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices
- Work with clients of various ages, from children to the elderly
Representative Job Titles For Graduates
- Licensed Practical Nurse
Graduate Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow about 3 percent through 2035. This demand is supported by an aging population, increased healthcare needs, and the need to replace workers who retire or move into other occupations.
$64,400 median annual salary. Earnings can range from $49,740 or less to $83,440 or more, depending on experience, employer, shift, location, and work setting.
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:
- 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
- Maintain GPA requirements
Credentialing: Graduates must pass NCLEX-PN, the national standardized practical nursing examination, to practice as a licensed practical nurse.
Effective 2026-2027 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 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 | 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 |
| PSY 110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Total Credits: | 30 | 34 | 39 | |
Electives
| First Year Experience Elective | ||
| FYE 100 | Essentials for College Success | 1 |
| FYE 105 | Skills for College and Personal Success | 2 |
| FYE 110 | Intensive College Success Strategies | 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.