LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM

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New for Fall 2023:

We have exciting news about a change starting Fall 2023.

Our new practical nursing (PN) curriculum will be aligned with the LPN Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) pathway and streamlines the required credits for the prerequisites and the PN certificate. This means that students will have a seamless transition to progress to the RN or BSN level.  Students will be able to take less credits, save money, and simplify the process of continuing their education.

The Nursing Program at Edmonds College prepares individuals to become Licensed Practical Nurses. It has received approval by the Washington State Board of Nursing. Graduates receive a certificate of proficiency in practical nursing.

The program is designed for students who are currently working in healthcare. The students will integrate theory and practice throughout the nursing program. Theory courses will be taught using online and hybrid (online and in class) instruction. Students will apply their theoretical knowledge during laboratory experiences on campus one to two days per week and during clinical experiences caring for patients in long-term care facilities, acute care hospitals, and community agencies.

How Long Does it Take to Complete?

The new prerequisite courses are listed below.  For their nursing core courses, the curriculum consists of 6 quarters and is part-time. It will take a little less than 2 years (21 months) to complete.  Students attend classes in fall, winter, and spring quarters for two academic years, with the summer quarter off and take 7-8 credits per quarter. 

Admission to our Practical Nursing Program only occurs once a year.  Applications are submitted in June to begin the program the following Fall Quarter.

The nursing program has admission requirements beyond those necessary for general admission to the college. An applicant must be admitted to Edmonds College in order to apply to the nursing program. This can be done online and is free.  Visit our admissions webpage to find out more about applying to Edmonds College.

Career Options: Further Professional Education Encouraged!

After graduation, individuals must take and pass the NCLEX PN examination to be licensed by the state as a practical nurse. Licensed graduates are qualified for employment as entry level staff in long term care facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home care agencies.

Edmonds College has not made a determination that the nursing curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington state. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.  Information regarding each state’s PN licensing requirements can be found on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website. 

Students planning to continue on to an RN program must meet the requirements of the school to which they plan to apply. Courses that will meet the requirements for most LPN to RN or BSN programs include PSYCH& 200 Lifespan Psychology, NUTR& 101 Nutrition, and BIOL& 260 Microbiology. Continuing your nursing education to the associates, bachelors, and graduate level is highly encouraged.

Licensed Practical Nursing Program Requirements

• Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA in prerequisite courses with no less than 2.0 in any one course. 
• Minimum six months recent patient care experience. 
• Complete the TEAS test. 
• Two professional recommendations. 
• Optional: Extra consideration will be given to applicants with a valid CNA certificate/license, MA certificate/license, or military medical corps experience. Submit proof of certificate, license, or military service.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

Prerequisites  (for proposed curriculum revision) consist of 7 classes: 

• ENGL& 101 -- English Composition 1 | 5 credits
• MATH 146 -- Statistics| 5 credits*
• CHEM& 121 -- Introduction to Chemistry I | 5 credits
• BIOL& 211 -- Majors Cellular Biology | 5 credits*
• BIOL& 241 -- Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 5 credits
• BIOL& 242 -- Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 5 credits
• PSYCH& 100 -- General Psychology | 5 credits

*The program will honor the previous math requirement, intermediate algebra, instead of Math 146 -- statistics for Fall 2023 admission.  BIOL& 160 -- General Biology can be substituted for BIOL& 211 -- Majors Cellular Biology

Pre-Accrediation:

The Edmonds College Practical Nursing program holds pre-accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20037, 202-909-2526. Holding pre-accreditation status does not guarantee that initial accreditation by NLN CNEA will be received. 

The Edmonds College Mission is Teaching-Learning-Community.  The college’s core themes expand on the mission stating:  Guided by innovation, equity, inclusion, and a global perspective we are committed to Academic Excellence, Student Success, and Community Engagement.  

The Edmonds College Practical Nursing Program is committed to excellence and to fulfilling the mission of the college.  Our mission is to educate nurses from diverse backgrounds who are caring, technically competent, technologically literate, culturally competent, and who are prepared to practice with commitment and integrity in diverse and changing health care settings.