Program Overview
This 38 credit-hour certificate program is designed to educate the student to become a practical nurse.
The Practical Nursing certificate qualifies the graduate to sit for the NCLEX-PN and application for Illinois licensure as a practical nurse. Legal limitations could prohibit an individual from taking this licensing examination. Questions regarding these restrictions should be directed to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations at 217.782.8556. Positions in practical nursing are available in a variety of health care settings.
Because of the nature of clinical experiences and individual instruction required in this program and specialized technology and equipment necessary to offer this program, a higher tuition rate is assessed for career specific courses. These include courses with the NUR prefix. Students pay 1.5 the regular rate of tuition.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have completed a CNA program and be active on the Illinois Department of Public Health, Health Care Worker Registry. For admission requirements, please contact the Admission Outreach Office at 847.925.6700 or visit harpercollege.edu.
Program Requirements
A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
Plan of Study Grid | First Semester |
|---|
| BIO 260 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
| PSY 228 | Psychology of Human Development | 3 |
| SPE 215 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| | Hours | 13 |
| Second Semester |
|---|
| BIO 261 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| NUR 101 | PN Fundamentals | 4 |
| NUR 131 | PN Fundamentals Clinical | 3 |
| NUR 213 | Advanced Pharmacology | 2 |
| | Hours | 13 |
| Third Semester |
|---|
| NUR 102 | PN Medical Surgical Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 108 | PN Mental Health Nursing | 1 |
| NUR 109 | PN Maternity and Pediatrics | 2 |
| NUR 132 | PN Medical Surgical Clinical | 2 |
| NUR 139 | PN Maternity and Pediatrics Clinical | 2 |
| | Hours | 9 |
| Fourth Semester |
|---|
| NUR 104 | PN Field Experience | 3 |
| | Hours | 3 |
| | Total Hours | 38 |
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program are able to:
- Safety: Implement strategies to minimize risk of harm to patients and providers.
- Communication/Teamwork/Informatics: Collaborate with the healthcare team to effectively communicate with patients and families using verbal, written and electronic methods.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Apply evidence-based, clinical decision-making skills to improve patient outcomes.
- Wellness/Health Promotion Teaching: Reinforce patient education across the continuum of care to promote wellness throughout the lifespan.
- Professional Identity: Develop a professional identity through behaviors that demonstrate integrity, respect, responsibility, legal and ethical practice, teamwork, and commitment to learning.
Gainful Employment
Harper College provides Gainful Employment information to comply with the U.S. Department of Education.
