Academic Certificate Program in LPN

Division of Nursing & Allied Health — Curriculum Code 3312

Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Academic Certificate

Why major in Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?

There is a growing demand for LPNs to provide care to individuals in a variety of health care settings. The LPN works in close collaboration with the RN and other members of the health care team in long-term care facilities, assisted living sites, and hospitals. A state-of-the-art, well-equipped nursing simulation laboratory is available on campus to facilitate student learning. In addition, a multi-media computer laboratory is available to the students. Upon completion of the program, the student receives an academic certificate and is eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam to qualify for LPN licensure.

Is there educational mobility after completing the LPN program?

The Essex County College Department of Nursing subscribes to the state articulation model for education mobility of nurses. LPN students can enter the RN program upon meeting the admission requirements of the Nursing: LPN Articulation Option A.A.S. Degree Program.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in the LPN program?

Apply to the College as an LPN student (curriculum code: 3312). The following are the minimum requirements for admission:

Be at college level in reading, English, and mathematics, which may require the completion of developmental courses (e.g., RDG 096, ENG 096, and/or MTH 092) based on placement test scores.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Achieve a satisfactory score on the LPN program admission exam.

Note: The program application deadline is June 30. Admission to the program is competitive. Qualified applicants are admitted on a space-available basis. Admission to the LPN program is based on a minimum score of 50% on the LPN program admission exam in reading, math, and science.

How long will it take for me to complete this program?

If you do not need developmental course work and you register for an average of 12 credits each semester, you can complete the program in two years.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call the Division at (973) 877-1868/1865.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate the cognitive knowledge (including basic nursing care theory and practice, patient assessment techniques, comprehensive treatment plan/intervention elements, etc.) required of an entry-level LPN practitioner;
Demonstrate the psychomotor skills (including various methods of medication administration, hands-on physical assessments, assisting with teaching/instruction in the care of older adults, etc.) required of an entry-level LPN practitioner; and
Describe and demonstrate communication skills and ethical and professional behaviors (including progress reports to members of the health care team, written documentation of client care, etc.) expected of an entry-level LPN practitioner.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

(14 credits)

Written & Oral Communication (3 credits)

ENG 101 (one 3-credit course)

Scientific Knowledge & Reasoning (8 credits)

BIO 121 and BIO 122 (two 4-credit courses)

Note: These BIO courses must be taken within 5 years of admission to the program.

Society & Human Behavior (3 credits)

PSY 101 (one 3-credit course)

MAJOR COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

(35 credits)

LPN 101 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing (8 credits)
LPN 102 Adult Health I (8 credits)
LPN 103 Adult Health II/Mental Health (9 credits)
LPN 104 Maternal-Child Health/Pediatric Health (8 credits)
LPN 105 Role Transition (2 credits)

Note: The minimum passing grade for all courses is “C.” If you earn a grade below “C”, you need to repeat that course.

Total Credits Required for Academic Certificate: 49

RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE OF COURSES:

First Semester
ENG 101 College Composition I (3 credits)
BIO 121 Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
LPN 101 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing (8 credits)

Second Semester
BIO 122 Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
LPN 102 Adult Health I (8 credits)
PSY 101 General Psychology I (3 credits)

Third Semester
LPN 103 Adult Health II/Mental Health (9 credits)

Fourth Semester
LPN 104 Maternal-Child Health/Pediatric Health (8 credits)
LPN 105 Role Transition (2 credits)

Notes:
(1) Students enrolled in the LPN program will be required to submit to criminal background checks, health clearance, and CPR certification in connection with their clinical placement at certain health care organizations. All expenses for criminal background checks, health clearance, and CPR certification are the responsibility of the student.
(2) Consult the LPN Program Handbook for specific information on licensure requirements.
(3) This LPN program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, 124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor, Newark, NJ, 07102, (973) 504-6430, www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/medical/nursing.htm.

NOTES:
(1) The two General Education Integrated Course Goals, Ethical Reasoning & Action and Information Literacy, are both addressed by the required curriculum described above.
(2) This plan assumes the completion of all required developmental courses in reading, writing, and mathematics as well as other pre- and co-requisites for some of the courses, as listed in the Course Descriptions section.