A licensed practical nurse has a lesser role than the registered nurse but a greater role than the certified nursing assistant on the nursing team. If you’re a nurse aide engaged in active practice and hold a current CNA certificate, you may be eligible for advanced placement in a practical nursing program to become a licensed practical nurse. Some programs in Colorado Springs include training in IV Therapy which will help you to qualify for IV Certification from the State Board of Nursing. Special practice sessions for the NCLEX-PN will give you the knowledge and confidence to succeed on your first attempt.
Pueblo Community College
CNA training or certification is required for admission to the practical nursing program at Pueblo Community College. CNAs seeking to prepare for practice as a practical nurse will acquire direct patient care skills that they will use in various health care settings. The school offers students a unique learning experience with theoretical and applied instruction in classrooms, simulated laboratories, and clinical settings. Nursing skills are at the core of the curriculum and include adult, gerontological, obstetric, pediatric, and psychiatric-mental health nursing. Students must complete 43 credit hours (7 credits general education and 36 credits for core curriculum) to earn a Practical Nursing Certificate. Course topics include pharmacology calculations, alterations in adult health, practical nursing arts and skills, pharmacology for practical nursing, application of practical nursing arts and skills when caring for adult patients, application of adult health, basic assessment for the PN, basic concepts of mental health nursing, advancement into practical nursing, basic concepts of maternal-newborn nursing, basic concepts of pediatric nursing, basic concepts of geriatric nursing, and advanced applications in adult health. Prerequisite courses are English Composition and Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a practical nurse. The duration of the program is two semesters.
Admission criteria:
- Applicants must have a grade C or higher on the two prerequisite courses before applying to the program – English composition and basic human anatomy and physiology
- Must complete CNA class within the Colorado Community College System or have an active Colorado CNA certificate
- Take and pass the TEAS version 6 with a score of 56% or higher – exam must be taken within 12 months prior to the application
- Apply for admission to the college
- Must pass a background check and drug screen
- Must have current immunizations – TB, tetanus, measles, hepatitis B, varicella, and flu
- Must have current CPR for Health Professionals certification
The program cost is $11,098.65 for resident tuition without College Opportunity Fund and $9.378.65 with COF. The cost includes tuition for the general education coursework. Students must budget for books, uniforms, nursing supplies, nametags, malpractice, background check, drug screen, CPR certification, and immunization tracker.
Website: https://www.pueblocc.edu/
Address: 33057 Hwy. 160, Mancos, CO 81328
Phone: 970-564-6200
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
PIMA Medical Institute
Certified nurse aides may apply for credit for advanced placement in the practical nursing program at PIMA Medical Institute. They will need to present a copy of their certificate of completion from an accredited CNA program or active CNA certificate issued by the State of Colorado. The curriculum covers 44 credits hours – 488 theory, 168 lab hours, and 405 clinical hours. Course topics include medical terminology, nutrition, strategies for PN success, introduction to nursing and pharmacology, elder care and nursing theory, adult medical and surgical community health nursing theory, pharmacology – intravenous therapy, maternal child nursing theory, role transition, and clinical foundations of nursing. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to take the NCLEX for licensure as a practical nurse. Day and evening schedules are offered. The duration of the program is 48 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Submit an application for admission to PIMA
- Must have completed high school or GED equivalency – transcripts or diploma must be presented
- Must be at least 18 years of age – applicants under 18 years must submit written approval from a parent or guardian
- Meet with an admissions representative before applying to the program
- Take and pass the entrance exam
- Complete a satisfactory criminal record check and drug screen
- Complete the vaccination requirements – TB, tetanus, measles, hepatitis B, varicella, and flu
- Must have current CPR for Health Professionals Certification
The program cost of $25,261 includes tuition, registration fee, technology fee, textbooks and uniforms. Students should expect to pay for CPR certificate, insurance, background check, drug screen, state exam, and graduation fees during the program. The program is eligible for financial aid.
Website: https://pmi.edu/
Address: 13750 E. Mississippi Avenue, Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 800-477-PIMA
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 61.90%
Emily Griffith Technical College
The practical nursing program at Emily Griffith is open solely to Certified Nursing Assistants or Medical Assistants. The comprehensive curriculum includes theoretical and hands-on instruction that builds on their existing healthcare experience. Core nursing requirements total 37.5 credit hours, and meet the Student Learning Outcomes and Program Outcomes. Course topics are Alterations in Adult Health I, Basic Health Assessment for the Practical Nurse, Practical Nursing Arts and Skills, Pharmacology for Practical Nursing, Advancement into Practical Nursing, Basic Concepts of Maternal-Newborn Nursing, Basic Concepts of Pediatric Nursing, Basic Concepts of Mental Health Nursing, Basic Concepts of Geriatric, Application of Practical Nursing Skills, and IV Therapy for LPNs. Prerequisite courses are medical terminology and anatomy and physiology. Graduates will have the confidence to succeed on the national licensure exam for practical nurses. They will also be eligible for IV certification from the State Board of Nursing. Day and evening schedules are offered. The evening program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm for 16 months. The daytime program meets Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm for 11 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must have completed high school or GED equivalency
- Must complete anatomy and physiology and medical terminology before applying to the program – not more than 7 years before the application date
- Complete TABE or EdReady admissions exam
- Must have a current CNA or MA certificate – documents required
- Submit documentation of annual TB test or chest x-ray within the past 5 years
- Submit documentation of MMR, varicella, and hepatitis B
- Must have current American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR card
- Provide proof of annual seasonal flu vaccine
- Complete a satisfactory background check and 10-panel drug screen
- Must have and maintain professional liability insurance
The estimated cost of the program is $13,079 – additional costs for materials and books apply. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.emilygriffith.edu/
Address: 1860 Lincoln St 3rd floor, Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 720-423-4700
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 92%
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.