Practical Nursing Diploma (Spring Start)

The Practical Nursing Diploma (Spring Start) is designed to prepare students for employment in nursing as an LPN and to position them for entry into the Associate Degree Nursing program. Students learn practical nursing care skills for lower level nursing jobs and build knowledge through key classes including Introduction to Nursing, Pharmacology I, Nursing I, and Nursing II.

Southeastern Community College offers this program at its campuses in West Burlington and Keokuk, with classes meeting in mornings or afternoons. Students study nursing-related content alongside required science and general education coursework, and the program includes required steps that take place once admitted, including nursing orientation, background check, health-related forms and immunizations, multiple certifications, and course grades of “C” (2.0) or above in all coursework within the program.

Modules

• Introduction to Nursing
• Pharmacology I
• Nursing I
• Nursing II

Admission Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Current Iowa Certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant**.
• Complete and attain minimums in standardized scores within 24 months of review for acceptance into the program: ACT / SAT / OR Next-Gen ACCUPLACER / ALEKS.
• Complete the following classes with a grade of C or higher: BIO-168 Human Anatomy and Physiology I; BIO-173 Human Anatomy and Physiology II; BIO-186 Microbiology.
• Additional Requirements: Students are required to attend nursing orientation and complete requirements once admitted to the program, including a mandatory background check, a physical examination form and immunizations (at the student’s own expense), CPR-Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers**, Mandatory Reporter-Adult & Child Abuse**, a Signed Confidentiality Agreement, Current HIPAA Certification, and Current Blood Borne Pathogen certification. Students must earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or above in all coursework within the program.

ACT English: 17

SAT Reading/Writing: 330

Next-Gen ACCUPLACER: Reading: 248; Writing: 260

• Practical nurse in multiple settings including long-term care, clinics, hospital units, medical offices.