Licensed practical nursing (LPN)

Interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN)? Sandburg offers a one-year certificate to prepare you for entry-level as an LPN.

As a member of the healthcare team, the licensed practical nurse works under the direction of physicians and registered nurses in a variety of healthcare settings. The LPN provides basic bedside and personal care to clients, takes vital signs, prepares and administers injections, performs wound care, collects samples for testing and administers prescribed medications as directed. 

Program goals

Upon entry into practice, you'll be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

Safety

You'll integrate a safe environment for patients, self and others. Collaborate in situations that require knowledge or action beyond the scope of practice for the practical nurse to provide safe, quality care.

Patient-centered care

You'll create a patient-centered environment with consideration for patient values, preferences and needs by being culturally competent while evaluating physiological, psychological and spiritual needs throughout the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings.

Teamwork/collaboration

You'll collaborate within nursing and with the inter-professional team to promote continuity of patient care through mutual respect and shared decision making.

Critical thinking/clinical judgment

You'll use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate clinical responses, using clinical judgment to competently make decisions on appropriate patient care within the legal and ethical scope of practice for the practical nurse.

Evidence-based practice

You'll validate the best current evidence from research and other credible sources as a basis for nursing practice and clinical decision making with considering patient and family preferences and values for delivery of optimal healthcare.

Informatics

You'll competently use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error and support decision making.

Program outcomes

Pathways to other programs

If you complete the practical nursing program, you should check out these programs:

LPN to RN transition 

Associate degree in nursing — RN

View a complete list of our cooperative agreements.

Careers as an LPN

Employment

Employment opportunities include hospitals, long-term care/rehabilitation facilities, clinics and physician offices, schools, home health agencies and dialysis centers. LPN employment is projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033. As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. There will be an increased need for LPNs in residential care facilities and in-home health environments to care for older patients.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

Licensed practical nurse

Registered nurse

Working conditions

Most healthcare facilities provide a safe and comfortable working environment. Working hours may include various shifts; including eight or 12 hours, weekends and holidays. Schools, offices and clinics may offer traditional hours. LPNs provide direct patient care and demonstrate knowledge (cognitive function), skills (psychomotor function) and professionalism (affective function). Refer to the Essential Skills & Abilities of LPN to determine if you're able to meet these functions with or without reasonable accommodations. 

COURSE INFO

Class formats

Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit your needs. Regardless of the format, make sure you have access to a reliable computer with high-speed internet. All courses use online resources and require you to access course information through  mySandburg. The Galesburg and Carthage campuses have open computer labs for your use as a student.

Sample course schedule

Licensed practical nursing (LPN)

This is a sample class schedule, which is subject to change.

Summer semester — eight weeks

Option to complete ENG 101 and PSY 101 if needed.

Fall semester — 16 weeks

Spring semester — 16 weeks

Option to add PSY 265 and NUT 110 online if needed; labs and discussion TBD (may run until 4:15 p.m.), weekly clinical TBD (6 a.m. start).

Summer semester — eight weeks

Notice to PN Students Who Plan to Apply for Admission to LPN to RN Articulation into the 2nd Year ADN: In place of  BIO 111 - Anatomy & Physiology

Fundamentals you may consider enrolling in   BIO 211 - Anatomy & Physiology 1 and  BIO 212 - Anatomy & Physiology 2 (required for the Associate Degree Program.)

LPNs can enter the Second Year Fall Semester of the Associate Degree Nursing Program after completing NAD 107, NAD130, and NAD180 with a grade of “C” or better and Admission into the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Program total: 33 credit hours

Financial aid, grants & scholarships

Learn how you can take advantage of financial aid, grants and scholarships available to Sandburg students.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Learn more , and complete this form to determine your eligibility.

Career and technical programs/courses follow our equal opportunity & non-discrimination statement. For more information, email the Title IX coordinator , or call 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.