Program Description

The Career Certificate in Practical Nursing (LPN-VC) program prepares the student to perform safe nursing care as a practical nurse under the of a qualified healthcare professional. This 1350-clock hour program uses a combination of lecture, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction.

Program Information

This program is a limited access program, which means program admission and course registration are restricted to a limited number of students each semester due to accreditation requirements addressing student-faculty ratios and clinical resources. A student first will be admitted to Pensacola State College, and after satisfying all admission requirements for this program, the student is considered for admission to the program.

The Career Certificate in Practical Nursing program accepts 30 students each Spring semester.
The graduate of the program that is seeking to become a licensed practical nurse is eligible to apply to the State Board of Nursing. Each State Board of Nursing determines the graduate’s eligibility to take the licensure exam (NCLEX-PN). For more information, refer to Board of Nursing in the state you wish to have a license.

Program Approval and Accreditation

The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Department of Health, Board of Nursing located at 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-02, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
The Practical Nursing program is accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta GA 30326 Phone: 404.975.5000, Fax: 404.975.5020, acenursing.org.

Program Admission Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• College Application
• Minimum score of 65% on each of the HESI PN A² components (reading, vocabulary, math). HESI A² scores may be crossmatched from multiple testing attempts to achieve the minimum score of 65% on each component. HESI A² scores are valid for two years.

When the student has met the program admission requirements, the student’s application is evaluated by the Office of Admissions and ranked according to the date on which the student completed the final requirement. Students are selected in that rank order.

Program Progression Requirements

Progression through the Practical Nursing program requires the following.

• A grade of C or higher in courses in the curriculum.
• Satisfactory completion of clinical requirements which include the following:
  • Level II FDLE background screen;
  • Urine drug screen;
  • Immunizations and Vaccines; and
  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification.
• Basic Skills Requirement
  • State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.040 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) requires non-exempt students who enroll in a career certificate offered for career credit of 450 clock hours or more to complete an entry-level examination within the first six weeks after admission into the program.

Program Completion Requirements

• Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in all courses applicable to the program of study.
• Meet the Basic Skills requirements for non-exempt students.
• Meet the academic residence requirement of completing at least 25% of the program with classes at Pensacola State College.