Licensed Practical Nursing Program, C.A.S.

Leah Ellyson
(304) 367-4596
lellyson@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

The mission of the Practical Nursing Program at Pierpont Community & Technical College is to provide opportunities for learning, training, and application of knowledge as it relates to the nursing care of individuals, families, and communities in health and illness. Our mission is responsive to the emerging technologies in the field of healthcare and the changing health care needs of individuals, families, and communities. Our goal is to prepare our graduates for successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.

The licensed practical nursing program has been designed as a part-time five-semester certificate program. The curriculum is divided into courses of study proceeding from the simple to the complex, including theory, college laboratory and clinical practice. Hours and course design closely follow the West Virginia LPN Board’s suggested curriculum design. The program is accredited by the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses (October 2017).

Admission Requirements

Admission into the Licensed Practical Nursing, C.A.S. program is based upon the following criteria:

1. Apply to Pierpont Community and Technical College for the term you want to begin the program and meet the general admission requirements or be a current student
   1. First-time students should select “Health Sciences: Licensed Practical Nursing” as their educational goal on their application.
2. Complete the LPN application ($20 fee). Applications and supporting documentation are due to the Admission’s Office by March 1. Applicants who are not admitted must reapply if they wish to be considered for the next academic year.
3. Applicants must take a pre-nursing entrance test, TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). A minimum score of 50 percent, adjusted individual total score, is required for consideration. Information on TEAS testing can be found on the website at https://www.pierpont.edu/ce.
4. Students must complete six credit hours of prerequisite courses to enter the program (HLCA 1170   and MTH 1207  or higher). These courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
5. Submit all required documents (High School or College Transcripts, TEAS score, and three personal reference letters) to the Admission’s Office prior to the LPN application deadline

Qualified students are accepted into the program until capacity is met.

*Students can begin the program in the fall semester.

An impartial scoring system is used to rank applicants applying to the Licensed Practical Nursing program.  The evaluation process considers the TEAS scores; high school or college grade point average or GED scores.  The highest scoring applicants will be offered admission into the program until capacity is met.  

Program Requirements

• Students must pass a criminal background clearance check, meet health and immunization requirements, and drug testing.
• Students must be able to meet the essential functions of the program and classes, with or without accommodations.
• Students will need to provide their own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

Students must complete each course in the LPN program model schedule with a grade of “C” or higher and maintain an overall 2.0 GPA to remain in the program.  Exam averages must be maintained at least a 75% in LPN courses.  Any classes accepted as substitutes for curricular classes also require a grade of “C” or higher. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in dismissal from the program.  Students who have been dismissed may reapply to the program and their credentials will be reevaluated.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of Pierpont Community & Technical College’s Practical Nursing Program shall be prepared to:

• Utilize the nursing process as a guide to assess, plan, implement and evaluate basic patient care across the life span within the practical nurse’s scope of practice
• Implement the role of nursing in the continuum of care, which includes that of patient advocate, leader/manager of care, communicator, teacher and member of the health care team
• Incorporate therapeutic communication to assist patients of all ages in promoting health and supporting wellness
• Utilize learned nursing skills and current technology as an entry-level practical nurse to provide and promote compassionate nursing care
• Integrate ethical, professional, legal responsibility, and accountability into actions and decisions
• Assume responsibility for personal and professional growth
• Successfully pass the National Council License Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)

Opportunities

Career opportunities for a licensed practical nurse can be found in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, physician offices, and in home care. According to the US Department of Labor, employment of LPN’s is expected to grow by 16 percent through 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations, in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general increase in demand for healthcare services. The US Department of Labor reports that as of 2016 the median annual wage for LPN’s is $44,090.00. Graduates may continue in higher education toward an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ASN).

Program Data

The licensed practical nursing program is accredited by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses.  Graduates of the licensed practical nursing program are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) for licensure as a licensed practical nurse.  For licensure in the State of West Virginia, candidates must meet the following legal requirements as stated in the West Virginia Code.  These conditions include:

• At least a tenth grade education or its equivalent.
• Complete a course of study in an accredited program of practical nursing.
• The Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses may deny testing to any applicant proved guilty of certain infractions such as, but not limited to, fraud, felony, or moral misconduct.

In admitting a student to the practical nursing program, Pierpont Community & Technical College is not promising that the State of West Virginia will grant the student licensure.  The decision to grant licensure is within the sole discretion of The West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses.

Effective Fall 2022 - Revised Admissions Criteria  

Pierpont’s LPN program has been revised and is now a one-year, full-time program beginning Fall 2022.  Admission criteria and an updated curriculum are attached. These curricular changes go into effect Fall 2022. 

Admissions Criteria (effective Fall 2022 for new students)

Admission into the Licensed Practical Nursing, C.A.S. program is based upon the following criteria:

• Apply to Pierpont Community and Technical College for the term you want to begin the program and meet the general admission requirements or be a current student.
• First-time students should select “Health Sciences: Licensed Practical Nursing” as their educational goal on their application.
• 2.5 GPA from High School or College Courses.
• Complete the LPN application ($20 fee). Applications and supporting documentation are due to the Admission’s Office by June 1st. Applicants who are not admitted must reapply if they wish to be considered for the next academic year.
• Applicants must take a pre-nursing entrance test, TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). A minimum score of 58 percent, adjusted individual total score, is required for consideration. Information on TEAS testing can be found on the Center for Workforce Education website.
• Students must complete ten credit hours of prerequisite courses to enter the program (HLCA 1170, HLCA 1171, MTH 1207 or higher, and ENGL 1104 Written English I or higher). These courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
• Submit all required documents (High School or College Transcripts, and TEAS score) to the Admissions Office prior to the LPN application deadline

• Qualified students are accepted into the program until capacity is met.  *Students can begin the program in the fall semester.

• An impartial scoring system is used to rank applicants applying to the Licensed Practical Nursing program.  The evaluation process considers the TEAS scores, high school or college grade point average, or GED scores.  The highest scoring applicants will be offered admission into the program until capacity is met.  

A link for an application for consideration for admission to this selective program is located here.