Program Manager: Kyla Newbould
Email: knewbould@frederick.edu
Phone: 301.846.2607
This program is under review. No new students are being admitted to the program at this time. Please contact the program manager for alternative options in the meantime.
Program Description
The Practical Nursing (PN) certificate requires 48 credit hours. On successful completion of the curriculum, the graduate is eligible to take the PN licensure exam. Graduates are prepared to give competent, safe nursing care to clients in a variety of settings. The licensed practical nurse (LPN) works in a team relationship with the registered nurse or physician in providing care based on knowledge, judgment, and skill and on principles of the biological, physiological, behavioral, and sociological sciences. The clinical portion of the practical nursing curriculum is completed in one year but because of prerequisite courses, demands of clinical experiences, and personal responsibilities, the entire curriculum will take at least two years.
A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all courses in the practical nursing program.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English | ||
| ENGL 101 | English Composition | 3 |
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 120 | Statistics (or higher MATH course) | 3 |
Select MATH 120 or higher from the Mathematics Elective (Gen Ed course list) | ||
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | ||
| EDPS 210 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| Biological & Physical Sciences | ||
| BSCI 201 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BSCI 202 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BSCI 223 | Microbiology for Allied Health | 4 |
| Departmental Requirements | ||
| NURS 101 | Introduction to Clinical Nursing | 6 |
| NURS 105 | Pharmacology for Nurses | 2 |
| NURS 211 | Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 7 |
| NURS 214 | Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing | 3 |
| NLPN 112 | Nursing Across the Lifespan (Summer) | 8 |
| NLPN 113 | Issues in Practical Nursing (Summer) | 1 |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
Transfer Note
For more information on careers and transfer, contact the Career and Academic Planning Services office at 301.846.2471 or visit Transfer Services.
Guided Pathway to Success (GPS)
Suggested schedules map your path to degree completion.
Students should meet with an advisor each semester to carefully select and sequence courses based on their specific academic goals and interests. Visit Jefferson Hall or call 301.846.2471 for advising.
| Recommended First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-admission – Recommended Summer Courses 1 | ||
| ENGL 101 | English Composition 2 | 3 |
| Mathematics Elective (Gen Ed course list) 2 | 3 | |
| Statistics (or higher required) | ||
| Select one of the following: 3,4 | 0-4 | |
| Preparation for Allied Health | ||
| Principles of Biology I | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| Credits | 6-10 | |
| Recommended Second Semester | ||
| Pre-admission - Recommended Fall Courses 1 | ||
| EDPS 210 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| BSCI 201 | Anatomy and Physiology I (Milestone) 5 | 4 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Recommended Third Semester | ||
| Pre-admission – Recommended Spring Courses 1 | ||
| BSCI 202 | Anatomy and Physiology II (Milestone) | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Microbiology for Allied Health (Milestone) | ||
| Elements of Microbiology (Fall) (Milestone) | ||
| Credits | 8 | |
| Recommended Fourth Semester | ||
| Fall | ||
| NURS 101 | Introduction to Clinical Nursing | 6 |
| NURS 105 | Pharmacology for Nurses | 2 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Recommended Fifth Semester | ||
| Spring | ||
| NURS 211 | Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 7 |
| NURS 214 | Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing | 3 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Recommended Sixth Semester | ||
| Summer | ||
| NLPN 112 | Nursing Across the Lifespan (Summer) | 8 |
| NLPN 113 | Issues in Practical Nursing (Summer) | 1 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 48-52 | |
- 1
The first three recommended semesters consist of pre-admission courses to be completed prior to acceptance into the selective admission Practical Nursing Certificate program. In consultation with an advisor, students should follow the Pre-Health Professions: Pre-Practical Nursing pathway prior to acceptance into the Practical Nursing Certificate program. Upon acceptance into the Practical Nursing Certificate program, students should then follow this Practical Nursing pathway, also in consultation with an advisor.
- 2
Take this course within the first 24 credits.
- 3
Complete Prerequisite for BSCI 201 Anatomy and Physiology I.
- 4
Consult with advisor to select appropriate course or to select an elective.
- 5
Prerequisite: BSCI 55 Preparation for Allied Health or BSCI 150 Principles of Biology I or BSCI 223 Microbiology for Allied Health or CHEM 101 General Chemistry I
Part-time Students
Part-time students should complete courses in the order listed on the pathway. Please contact program manager for questions about part-time status.
Students who take fewer than 15 credits each semester or who require developmental English or Math coursework will need additional semesters to complete their degrees. Summer term and January session classes may help students to make faster progress.
Pathway Legend
Milestone - courses with the Milestone notation should be taken within the recommend credit range to stay on track for program completion.
Fall, Spring, Summer - courses with a Fall, Spring, or Summer notation indicate the course is offered in the specified semester only.