Practical Nursing Certificate Program
Train to Become a Practical Nurse in our 12-Month Program
CNEA Accredited
On Campus
At a Glance
~12 Months
Course length
168
Lab hours
488
Class hours
405
Externship hours
About the Practical Nursing Certificate Program
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs / LVNs) are essential direct-care providers who deliver compassionate nursing care to patients across all stages of life. Working under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians, practical nurses assess patient health, administer medications, perform wound care, monitor medical equipment and advocate for patient wellness.
Through rigorous clinical lectures, hands-on simulation labs and clinical rotations in acute and long-term healthcare settings, Pima Medical Institute’s Practical Nursing program prepares you to pass the NCLEX-PN® licensure examination and step confidently into professional nursing practice.
Where the Practical Nursing Certificate Program Can Take You
Certification
Pima Medical Institute's Practical Nursing certificate program prepares graduates to apply to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and pursue state licensure.*
Entry-level roles
Licensed practical nurse (LPN) and licensed vocational nurse (LVN)
Career advancement
Charge nurse, nursing supervisor, clinical coordinator and patient care manager
*Certification and state registration requirements vary.
Core Skills You’ll Develop
CLINICAL
Human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pathophysiology; nursing fundamentals, physical assessment, and evidence-based nursing care; pharmacology, safe medication administration, and dosage calculations; medical-surgical nursing across adult and geriatric health conditions; maternal-child nursing spanning obstetrics, newborn care and pediatrics; mental health nursing principles and psychiatric patient care
FOUNDATIONAL
The Nursing Process (Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation); NCLEX-PN® exam preparation, clinical judgment and critical thinking; nursing ethics, legal standards of practice, patient advocacy and delegation
ANATOMY
Human anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pathophysiology
PHARMACOLOGY
Safe medication administration, dosage calculations and core pharmacology principles
Program Objective
To develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level practical nurses through didactic instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical experiences. Among the topics covered in the curriculum are anatomy and physiology, growth and development, pharmacology, nursing theory, skills for patient care across the lifespan, and other topics necessary for students to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to perform as effective members of the practical nursing team. Graduates of this program are granted a certificate and are eligible to apply to take the National Council on Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN®). Those who pass the NCLEX-PN® are qualified for state licensure or registration as a practical nurse.
Why Choose Practical Nursing?
Practical nursing offers a fast-track pathway into direct clinical patient care, providing career stability, competitive compensation, and fulfilling work.
Licensed Practical Nurses perform responsibilities such as:
- Administering prescribed oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and IV medications (per state scope)
- Performing physical patient assessments, tracking vital signs, and monitoring clinical status
- Providing complex wound care, dressing changes, and ostomy care
- Inserting and managing urinary catheters, nasogastric tubes, and intravenous lines
- Collecting lab specimens and performing bedside diagnostic testing
- Documenting patient care plans, progress notes, and reporting status changes to RNs/physicians
- Educating patients and family members on health management, disease prevention, and discharge care
Find a Campus Near You
Pima Medical Institute has campuses across the West, each offering hands-on Practical Nursing training built for immediate workforce entry.
Clinical Externships
At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.
In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.
Continuing Education
Job Outlook
3% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow as fast as average over the next 10 years with a median pay of $62,340 per year. *
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm (visited July 06, 2026).
What careers can you pursue with a Practical Nursing certificate?
The Practical Nursing certificate program prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:
- Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
- Licensed vocational nurse (LVN)
These careers exist in a variety of healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers, hospitals and medical centers, physician offices and outpatient specialty clinics, home health care agencies, assisted living facilities and hospice organizations and urgent care clinics and school health settings.
Career Services
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.
Student Services
Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.
Application Process
- Submit the form below
A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
- Chat with our team
They’ll ask about your goals, your background, and what’s drawing you to healthcare. From there, they’ll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
- Attend your campus tour
Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We’ll walk you through programs and what to expect.
- We help you complete your application
Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.
Practical Nursing Certificate Program Eligibility Requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
- Additional requirements may apply by campus
Tuition & financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships and payment plans are available for those who qualify to help make your education affordable.
FAQs About our Practical Nursing Certificate Program
What Is a Practical Nurse?
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.
What Does a Practical Nurse Do?
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.
What Will I Learn?
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.
How Do I Get Certified as a Practical Nurse After Graduation?
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) and practice as an LPN/LVN.
| Credential | Organization |
NCLEX-PN® (National Council Licensure Examination)
IV Therapy Certification | National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Integrated / State Specific |
*Availability and requirements vary by state.
What experience will I gain in the externship?
Students complete more than 400 hours of faculty-supervised clinical rotations across diverse healthcare environments.
During clinical rotations, students have the opportunity to:
- Care for medical-surgical, geriatric, pediatric, and obstetric patients in active clinical settings
- Practice safe medication administration, wound care, and sterile nursing procedures
- Develop clinical decision-making skills alongside experienced nursing preceptors
- Prepare directly for real-world practical nursing responsibilities
Why Choose Practical Nursing?
Practical nursing offers a fast-track pathway into direct clinical patient care, providing career stability, competitive compensation, and fulfilling work.
Licensed Practical Nurses perform responsibilities such as:
- Administering prescribed oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and IV medications (per state scope)
- Performing physical patient assessments, tracking vital signs, and monitoring clinical status
- Providing complex wound care, dressing changes, and ostomy care
- Inserting and managing urinary catheters, nasogastric tubes, and intravenous lines
- Collecting lab specimens and performing bedside diagnostic testing
- Documenting patient care plans, progress notes, and reporting status changes to RNs/physicians
- Educating patients and family members on health management, disease prevention, and discharge care
How long is PMI’s Practical Nursing program?
Pima Medical Institute’s Practical Nursing Certificate program can be completed in approximately 12 months (1 year).
*Individual completion times may vary.
What is the difference between LPN and LVN?
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) refer to the exact same nursing role. Texas and California use the term LVN, while all other states use LPN.
What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?
LPNs provide direct, hands-on nursing care under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) or physicians. RNs generally oversee broader care planning, perform advanced specialized procedures, and manage unit administration.
What are practical nurses called?
Practical Nurses may also be referred to as:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) — California and Texas
- Staff Nurse / Clinic Nurse
*Designations depend on state regulatory board terminology.
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Sequence I
Sequence II
Sequence III
Sequence IV
Sequence V
Sequence VI
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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 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.
The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) Board of Commissioners met on June 9-11, 2026, and placed the Practical/Vocational Nursing Program with Pre-licensure Track at Pima Medical Institute, Albuquerque, NM, on probationary status for a period of 18 months (June 2026 – December 2027). Full information regarding the probationary status is provided on the NLN CNEA website under June 2026 Board of Commissioners actions: https://cnea.nln.org/boardof-
For the program outcomes, please refer to the Practical Nursing Prospective Student Handout.
Aurora Practical Nursing Program:
The Practical Nursing Program at Pima Medical Institute Aurora Campus has been granted full approval for a Practical Nursing Program by the Colorado State 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 Aurora, CO, holds an initial accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., 20037. 202-909-2487.
For the program outcomes, please refer to the Practical Nursing Prospective Student Handout.