Practical Nursing Certificate Program
Program Type
Certificate
Delivery Method
On Campus
Course Length
Approximately
12 Months
Program Objective
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) works under the direction of registered nurses, nurse practitioners and doctors and has a variety of duties. Most of their time is spent directly interfacing with patients. LPNs may also serve as patient advocates, communicating patient concerns to the medical team.
The day-to-day responsibilities of a licensed practical nurse include tasks like monitoring health and vital signs, administering basic patient care such as changing bandages and inserting catheters, providing comfort , helping with daily activities, charting and discussing/documenting concerns.
Students in the Practical Nursing certificate program will learn how to work in a variety of environments and care for patients of many ages and backgrounds. Basic patient care skills will include measuring and recording vital signs, recording information into electronic health records and administering medications/injections.
Through classes taught by experienced instructors, hands-on training and lab exercises, students will also learn how to start and monitor IVs, assist older patients with daily living tasks, work with registered nurses to care for acutely ill patients, perform bladder catheterizations and collect laboratory specimens.
Graduates of the program from this school are granted a certificate in practical nursing. Graduates from an approved nursing program can apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
All Locations
Careers as a Practical Nurse
What Are My Career Opportunities as a Practical Nurse?
What Are My Career Opportunities as a Practical Nurse?
This certificate program will prepare graduates to apply their skills in a variety of environments, including:
- Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
- Assisted living centers
- Medical offices
- Clinics
- Home healthcare agencies
Job Outlook
Job Outlook
As the baby boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs and LVNs will be needed in residential care facilities and in-home health environments to care for older patients.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow from 2020 to 2030.
Continued Education
Continued Education
At Pima Medical Institute, we offer an online associate degree in Health Care Administration, an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Get the skills needed to move up within the healthcare industry, with the flexibility of virtual instruction. Work on your degree anywhere, anytime.
Online Programs
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Sequence I
Sequence II
Sequence III
Sequence IV
Sequence V
Sequence VI
Interested In Starting This Program?
Find out more about our Admissions Requirements or view our How to Apply page.
Success Is Within Reach
We are truly invested in making sure our students succeed.
“I believe Pima Medical helped me develop a level of confidence that made a difference in obtaining this position. Recently, I was contacted by another facility and offered a job as another unit manager. I am honored and proud that in such a short time my education and hard work has provided opportunities for growth in my career. Pima Medical prepared me to be successful. The encouragement and support I got from instructors was overwhelming, and it’s an experience I am always going to cherish.”
Kerrick Ayers, Practical Nursing Graduate
Pima Medical Blog
The Differences Between a CNA and LPN
Both certified nursing assistants (CNA) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are great careers to consider when entering the nursing field. The level of education, the…
Pima Medical Institute’s Albuquerque Campus Introduces New Practical Nursing Program
Pima Medical Institute is pleased to announce it has begun enrolling students for its new Practical Nursing certificate program at the Albuquerque campus. The new…
What does a Licensed Practical Nurse do exactly?
If you know you’d like to get into the nursing field, but aren’t quite ready for the Registered Nursing (RN) program, the Practical Nursing (LPN)…
Disclosures And Accreditations
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Practical Nursing program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery method. The programs are available to residents of Colorado and New Mexico and are approved for licensure by the Colorado State Board of Nursing and the New Mexico Board of Nursing, respectively. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is enrolled and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of the state may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate out of the state he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
After licensure is obtained in either Colorado or New Mexico, transfer of state licensure may be available via state reciprocity compacts. Prospective students and current students are strongly encouraged to contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine requirements before enrolling in a program.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.
State Licensure Determination Disclosure – Nursing Programs
Contact information for state licensing boards in which Pima Medical Institute has determined the program does not meet state licensure requirements or where Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the program meets state licensure requirements can be found below.
State Licensing Board Contact Information – Practical Nursing
Accreditation and Program Information
Albuquerque Practical Nursing Program:
The Practical Nursing program at Pima Medical Institute Albuquerque Campus has been granted conditional approval for a Nursing Program by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. Graduates of Pima Medical Institute’s Practical Nursing Program are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN® Exam.
Pima Medical Institute Practical Nursing program at the Albuquerque, NM campus is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037, 202-909-2526
For the program outcomes, please refer to the Practical Nursing Prospective Student Handout.
Aurora Practical Nursing Program:
View accreditation information for all programs by campus
View program costs, additional disclosures and outcomes for this program (if applicable)