Certified nursing assisting is a fast and simple way to enter the nursing field but if you desire greater responsibility and higher pay, then advancing to the licensed practical nursing role is a great step. With an additional 11 to 12 months of training, you will be prepared to take the NCLEX-PN and assume entry-level employment as a licensed practical nurse in acute and long-term care facilities. LPNs may work in the same environment as a CNA, but the responsibilities are greater and diverse and may include administration of medication, assisting registered nurses with the development, implementation, and evaluation of patient care plans, and communicating observations with the health care team.
Carrington College
The certified nursing assistant seeking to advance his or her career to a role in nursing may apply for admission to the practical nursing program at Carrington College and receive credit for prior learning and experience. The curriculum covers 1080 clock hours of 43 semester credit hours – 375 hours lecture, 210 hours lab, and 495 hours for the clinical experience. Course topics include pharmacology, health data collection, pediatrics, nutrition, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child nursing, human growth and development, issues and trends in nursing, mental health concepts, and the application of the nursing process. Students will develop skills in the school’s modern simulation lab and put them to practice during the clinical experiences at local health care facilities. The duration of the program is 48 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must first apply for admission to Carrington College
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Attend a program information session
- Apply for admission to the Practical Nursing program
- Provide documentation of nursing assistant certification
- Take and pass the Wonderlic SLA with a score of 15
- Must pass the ATI TEAS Admission Assessment with a combined score of 53%
- Pass a background check prior to the start of classes – to include a New Mexico Caregivers screening and a drug screen at the applicant’s expense
- Must submit proof of current American Heart Association CPR card at the Healthcare Provider level
- Provide proof of immunizations – Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, TB, and Influenza
- Must obtain a negative 2-step TB test
The program cost of $29,940 includes tuition, iPad, ebook, physical books, and uniforms. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://carrington.edu/
- Address: 1001 Menaul Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87107
- Phone: (505) 634-5236
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 87.50%
Pima Medical Institute
Certified nursing assistants as well as adults with no healthcare related experience can enroll in the practical nursing program at Pima Medical Institute and acquire the skills to function in the licensed practical nursing role. The curriculum covers 1,061 clock hours of classroom theory (488), hands-on lab (168), and clinical experience (405) at community health care agencies. Course topics include medical terminology, nutrition, human development across the life span, med math, strategies for PN success, anatomy and physiology, introduction to nursing and pharmacology, elder care and nursing theory, clinical foundations of nursing, adult medical and surgical community health nursing theory, maternal child nursing theory, role transition, and pharmacology – intravenous therapy. Students must complete 44 credits to obtain a practical nursing certificate. The program is delivered on campus or in hybrid format. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The duration of the program is 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Submit an application form and high school verification (high school diploma or GED report)
- Meet with a PMI admissions representative to discuss career goals
- Pass the required entrance exam – (HESI including Critical Thinking) and score about 70%
- Acknowledge receipt of the PN Prospective Student Handout
- Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency
- Take and pass the Wonderlic test with a minimum score of 20
- Take and pass the math test with a minimum score of 80%
- Take the Pre-Entrance exam
- Must have a CNA certificate if applying for advanced placement
- Submit official high school transcripts or GED certificate
- Submit official transcripts from any previously attended college
- Attend an interview with the Practical Nursing department
- Submit immunizations and health clearance including proof of immunization – MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B
- Obtain a negative TB drug screen
- Must have current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider Level through the American Health Association
- Complete satisfactory background check and drug testing
The program cost of $25,245 includes tuition, books, supplies, and uniforms. The registration fee is $150. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://pmi.edu/
- Address: 4400 Cutler Ave N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87110
- Phone: (800) 477-7462
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 67.57%
The Career Enrichment Center and Early College Academy
The Career Enrichment Center of Albuquerque Public Schools offers a practical nursing program designed for high school students to transition into college and/or a profession. Graduates of the certified nursing assistant program may also easily transition to the practical nursing program without repeating coursework. Courses topics include principles of nursing science, anatomy and physiology, nursing labs and simulations, assessment and health promotion theory and clinical, medical surgical clinical experiences, physics for nursing pharmacology and medical surgical nursing, care of adults theory and clinical, basic care, medication administration, research projects, nutrition for nursing students, mental health, maternal child nursing, pediatric care, and leadership and management. Students will complete the program and high school simultaneously and will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The duration of the NLNAC accredited program is 2 years.
Admission criteria:
- Must be enrolled at an APS high school with a 3.00 cumulative GPA
- Complete CEC PN application and submit by the stipulated deadline
- Provide APS transcripts from review
- Must be a resident of Bernalillo County
- Provide three references from Math, English, and Science teachers
- Must be 16 years old by the first day of September in the first year of the program
- Must be able to perform Essential Functions
- Must have completed two semesters of Biology and Mathematics with a minimum of B each semester
- Must complete the Medical Release form
- Must complete annual TB testing
- Must have current immunizations – MMR, Tdap, COVID, annual flu vaccine, Hepatitis B
- Must have current CPR certifications – basic life support for healthcare providers
- Must be fingerprinted for NM Department of Health background check
- Must be drug tested by a SAMSHA certified lab
- Must pay the $150 lab fee at the beginning of the first semester
Program costs include graduation pin, NM Board of Nursing fee, NCLEX fee, and lab fees. Tuition is free.
- Website: https://cec.aps.edu/
- Address: 807 Mountain Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- Phone: (505) 247-3658
- Fax: (505) 848-9421
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 91.30%
Brookline College
Certified nursing assistants may apply for transfer credit in the practical nursing program at Brookline College. They will acquire additional knowledge and technical skills to move up the career ladder and practice as a licensed practical nurse. The training will include classroom theory, lab skills, and clinical experiences at local health care facilities. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, growth and development, principles of nutrition, intro to practical nursing core concepts in pharmacology, fundamentals in practical nursing, fundamentals of geriatric nursing, adult health nursing, maternal child nursing, mental health nursing, and role transition capstone. Students must complete 52 credits to receive a Practical Nursing Diploma. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The duration of the program is 48 weeks. Enrollment is available year-round.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school transcript of GED certificate
- Take and pass any testing requirements
- Obtain a clear criminal background check and drug screen
- Complete an interview with the Program Director or Designee with a passing score
- Complete a physical exam including immunizations and TB testing – must be completed within three months prior to the start date
- Must be 18 years of age before the start of the clinical rotations
- Must have current CPR certification
- CNA applicants must have current Nurse Aide certificate
Tuition costs $21,772. Additional costs include NM tax, books, fees, and supplies.
- Website: https://www.brooklinecollege.edu/
- Address: 4201 Central Avenue N.W., Suite J, Albuquerque, NM 87105
- Toll-Free: (505) 880-2877
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 64.49%
Crystal G
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.