Certificate in Practical Nursing
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In our Practical Nursing (PN) certificate program, you’ll work to complete academic and clinical practice opportunities to build the knowledge and skills essential for the demands of today’s healthcare environment. The LPN program offers a challenging curriculum that cultivates your ability to apply knowledge, think critically, and communicate effectively. In our courses, you’ll focus on proper procedures to collect and organize healthcare data, coordinate with other nurses and healthcare providers to provide patient care, contribute to the care plan, and identify and understand common health problems in patients. Courses cover medical surgical, mental health, pediatric, geriatric, and maternal infant nursing, including hands-on practice in nursing simulation labs and clinical sites. As a graduate, you’ll be eligible to take the LPN licensure examination (NCLEX-PN).
Develop Essential Skills In
- Evidence-based, patient-centered care
- Critical thinking and clinical judgment
- Communication and teamwork
- Patient education
- Cultural sensitivity and competence
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Tuition and Fees
Available Locations
Examples of Scholarships and Grants That May Be Available (Check with Your Campus Financial Aid Office For More Information)
TN Promise
Yellow Ribbon
Concentrations in this Program
Ready For Your Next Step?
You May Enjoy This Line of Study If You…
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Are caring, service-oriented, and focused on safe clinical practice -
Apply critical thinking and nursing processes to plan and implement care -
Practice confidentiality and accountability -
Have strong interest in working in the healthcare field -
Have strong communication and interpersonal skills
Go even further with South College!
Licensure
Upon completion of certificate requirements, each student enrolled in the PN program must make application to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN). Practical/Vocational nurses are prohibited in all states from practicing nursing until the examination is successfully completed and licensure has been granted. Specific information regarding licensure will be provided to the student during the last quarter of the nursing program. Background Check: Students are required to sign an acknowledgment form that they understand that our school background check may not revel potential barriers to licensure in each state. Each Board of Nursing conducts extensive background checks upon application for licensure with that state. Graduation from this program, does not specifically guarantee licensure in each state.
Student Learning Outcomes of the PN Program
Upon completion of the PN program, the graduate will meet the following student learning outcomes:
- Display responsibility and accountability for personal and professional development with the application of legal and ethical principles and compliance with the standards of nursing practice.
- Utilize effective communication with interacting with patients, families, and members of the interdisciplinary health care team.
- Provide safe and effective nursing care to diverse patient populations.
- Demonstrate appropriate clinical decision making based on an evolving patient situation.
- Contribute to the interprofessional team using therapeutic communication to promote patient safety and continuity of care.
These End of Program Student Learning Outcomes are based on the NLN Practical/Vocational Nursing Program Outcomes (2010c), ANA Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (2015), and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses Competencies (2024).
Additional Information
Accreditation
State Authorization (Asheville, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Nashville, Orlando, & Pittsburgh)
The South College Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered at the Parkside Learning Site (Knoxville) received initial approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing in December 2003, with full approval granted in September 2008. Approval for the addition of the Nashville Learning Site was granted in November 2016. The Master of Science in Nursing program received approval in November 2016. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program received approval in February 2020. The Post-Graduate Certificate programs received approval in August 2021. The South College Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered at the Asheville Learning Site received initial approval from the North Carolina Board of Nursing in February 2016, with full approval granted in May 2019. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered at the Atlanta Learning Site received initial approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing in September 2018. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered at the Orlando Learning Site received initial approval from the Florida Board of Nursing in November 2021. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered at the Indianapolis campus received initial approval from the Indiana Board of Nursing in July 2022. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered at the Pittsburgh campus received initial approval from the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing in April 2023.
The South College Associate of Science in Nursing program (Knoxville & Nashville Learning Site) was approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing in November 2022. The Associate of Science in Nursing program offered at the Orlando Learning Site was approved by the Florida Board of Nursing in January 2023. The Associate of Science in Nursing program offered at the Atlanta Learning Site was approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing in March 2023. The Associate of Science in Nursing program offered at the Pittsburgh Learning Site was approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing in November 2023.
The South College Certificate program in Practical Nursing offered at the Parkside Learning Site (Knoxville) received approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing in February 2018. Approval for the addition of the Nashville Learning Site was granted in November 2018. The Certificate program in Practical Nursing was approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing for the Atlanta Learning Site in May 2019 to begin the first class in June 2020. The Certificate program in Practical Nursing was approved by the Florida Board of Nursing for the Orlando Learning Site in November 2021. The Certificate program in Practical Nursing was approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing for the Pittsburgh Learning Site in March 2023. The Certificate program in Practical Nursing was approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing for the Asheville Learning Site in May 2023. The Certificate program in Practical Nursing at the Indianapolis campus received initial approval from the Indiana Board of Nursing in July 2023.
Programmatic Accreditation
Effective March 25, 2024, the Practical nursing (PN) program at South College – Asheville Campus located in Asheville, North Carolina is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on March 25, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
Effective April 18, 2024, the Practical nursing (PN) program at South College – Atlanta Campus located in Atlanta, Georgia is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on April 18, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
Effective April 18, 2024, the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) nursing program at South College – Atlanta Campus located in Atlanta, Georgia is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on April 18, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
Effective April 25, 2024, the Practical nursing (PN) program at South College – Indianapolis Campus located in Indianapolis, Indiana is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on April 25, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
Effective March 22, 2024, the Practical nursing (PN) program at South College – Knoxville Campus located in Knoxville, Tennessee is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on March 22, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
Effective March 22, 2024, the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) nursing program at South College – Knoxville Campus located in Knoxville, Tennessee is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on March 22, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
Effective May 6, 2024, the Practical nursing (PN) program at South College – Nashville Campus located in Nashville, Tennessee is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on May 6, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
Effective May 6, 2024, the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) nursing program at South College – Nashville Campus located in Nashville, Tennessee is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on May 6, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
Effective April 19, 2024, the Practical nursing (PN) program at South College – Pittsburgh Campus located in Pittsburgh, PA is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on April 19, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
Effective April 19, 2024, the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) nursing program at South College – Pittsburgh Campus located in Pittsburgh, PA is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on April 19, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
Effective April 3, 2024, the Practical Nursing (PN) program at South College – Orlando Campus located in Orlando, FL is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on April 3, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
Effective April 3, 2024, the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) nursing program at South College – Orlando Campus located in Orlando, FL is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on April 3, 2026. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate programs offered at South College are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791 (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The South College DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program was granted initial accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) effective October 13, 2021. The address for COA is: 10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906, Rosemont, IL 60018-5603, Phone number: 224-275-9130, website address: www.coacrna.org. Additionally, during the same October 2021 accreditation meeting, the COA granted the following two items for the South College DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program: (1) Approval of Distance Education Courses, and (2) Approval of Waiver of Graduate Degree Requirement.
Got A Question? South College Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tuition for South College?
Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.
More InfoDoes South College offer Financial Aid?
Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.
More InfoIs South College Accredited?
Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 100 programs and concentrations and campuses on multiple states the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.
More InfoHow do I apply to South College?
Visit South College and see for yourself what the college has to offer. Campus tours include a personal admissions consultation, campus facility tour and more! When you are ready to start your journey at South College, submit an online application or speak with an admissions representative. Once your application is received, we will begin building your personalized plan to pursue the chosen degree or certificate program based on your interest. We want you to have the best possible educational experience. To learn more about the educational opportunities available for your future, Apply today!
Apply NowDo you Offer Housing?
South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!
More InfoLooking for South College Consumer Information?
South College was founded in 1882 and focused on serving students who want a hands-on, relevant education that can have a meaningful impact on their lives. South College strives to provide quality instruction, resources, and support services based on systematic and ongoing assessment and evaluation of objectives/outcomes to ensure the development of student abilities necessary for the achievement of positive student outcomes and the mission/vision of the college. The institution establishes policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements. Click below to learn all about South College’s history, and who we are as an institution today.
More InfoDoes South College accept Transfer Students?
Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:
More InfoWhat Kind of Certificate & Degrees does South College Offer?
South College is a regionally accredited private co-educational, institution with non-residential campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida. Students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. New academic programs are added frequently in response to local, regional, and national employment trends, and South College is committed to providing programs at all levels with innovative course content and teaching platforms. Explore all the programs and come back often as we regularly add new programs that may spark your interest!
More InfoOnline vs On-Campus – What Is Best?
Since its founding 140 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!
More InfoDoes South College Have Programs for Active or Retired Military?
As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.
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