The Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate program prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment.

The healthcare industry needs informed, skilled, and dependable workers to form a complete care team. The licensed practical nurse assists registered nurses and physicians in caring for clients who are physically or mentally ill. In long-term care settings and home health, the LPN may supervise other nursing care personnel.

Practical nursing offers employment in many health care settings. Long-term care, physicians' offices, home care, hospitals, and clinics provide opportunities for the practical nurse to administer care to a variety of clients.

Note: This program requires prerequisite coursework and selective admissions approval. 

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the Practical Nursing Licensing exam. After completing the practical nursing program, LPNs may continue their education to become registered nurses.

To remain in the program, students must “pass” all clinical courses and maintain a grade of “C” or higher in all non-clinical courses.

(Major Code 367A full-time/367B part-time; CIP Code 51.3901)

Practical Nursing (LPN) Program web page

Program Learning Outcomes

Johnson County Community College (JCCC) is committed to offering high-quality affordable programs that focus on developing knowledge and skills conducive to life-long learning. Both the General Education Student Learning Outcomes and Institutional Learning Outcomes convey JCCC's approach to programmatic outcomes. Additionally, students who successfully complete the Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate from JCCC will be able to:

 Provide nursing care that is relationship-centered, caring, culturally sensitive and based on the physiological, psychosocial and spiritual needs of clients with commonly occurring health altercations that have predictable outcomes. 

  • Collaborate with the client and members of the interprofessional health care team to promote continuity of client care and shared decision-making. 
  • Use current evidence as a basis for nursing practice. 
  • Use information and client care technology to support the delivery of safe, quality client care. 
  • Participate in quality improvement activities, assessing their effect on client outcomes.  
  • Provide an environment that is safe and reduces the risk of harm for clients, self, and others.  
  • Demonstrate accountability for client care that incorporates legal and ethical principles, regulatory guidelines, and standards of nursing practice.  
  • Use leadership skills that support the provision and coordination of client care.