Practical Nursing

practical nursing

This state-approved educational program prepares students for their licensure examination for practical nurses.  The program consists of classroom, clinical, and laboratory components.  Classroom and lab instruction is located at Vantage Career Center; however, clinical sites vary and can include local hospitals, community agencies, and long-term care facilities.  The Ohio Board of Nursing governs this program for nursing education.  
 
CREDENTIALING INFORMATION
Students must complete all courses with a 75% or better grade and an attendance average of 90% or better in each phase.  Successful graduates of this program will receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).  Students must pass the NCLEX for practical nurses to be licensed and work as practical nurses in the state of Ohio.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
  • 18 years of age or older; may be accepted at 17 years of age if otherwise meets the requirements of admission
  • Possess a valid high school diploma or have attained a GED equivalency certificate; High school students in their last semester and on track to meet all requirements for graduation will be considered for acceptance upon graduation       
  • Meet required standards on one pre-admissions assessment: HESI - Required scores of at least 70% in Reading, 70% in Vocabulary, and 70% in Math.  
  • Pass a drug screening and FBI/BCI background check
  • Meet necessary health requirements
  • Must be a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA or CNA) or will be by the first day of class
  • Must possess a current professional CPR certification by the first day of class and maintain it throughout the program
  • Possess physical and mental capabilities (with documentation from health care provider on physical examination) to complete the nursing program and provide safe patient care successfully
  • The Program Coordinator and/or Adult Education Director may allow some exceptions to these admissions criteria
GENERAL INFORMATION
Deadline for Enrollment Requirements - August 1st
Mandatory Orientation by Invitation - August 20 & 21, 2025, 9 am-3 pm
Next Class:  Begins September 2, 2025, Completes August 2026
1,318 total clock hours completed in approximately 44 weeks of training
Classes will meet from 7:30 am - 3:45 pm Monday through Thursday
Clinical hours will vary depending on the site
Precepting hours will vary according to availability
The class size is limited to 28 students.   
 
EDUCATIONAL COSTS

Program Cost and Information Sheet

Cost of Attendance

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial Assistance is available for those who qualify from a variety of sources.  Complete a Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for Federal Financial Aid, including Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and Federal Student Loans.  For details on all assistance available, see our Financial Aid page

VA Educational Benefits - Apply for your VA benefits online at va.gov/education
Contact the Financial Aid Office to complete certification.

Ohio Means Jobs - Financial Assistance may be available for those who qualify through your local Ohio Means Jobs (OMJ) agency.  Students must work directly with OMJ to apply.  Additional information

JOB OUTLOOK
Healthcare workers are essential to our society.  According to the United States Department of Labor, the need for Licensed Practical Nurses is projected to grow 11%, much faster than average for all occupations. The 2019 median pay for this profession was $47,480 per year.  Statistics are taken from the U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook.  To explore this career further visit O*NET Online.  The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) is developed under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor.    

contact us

Erin Askins
Erin Askins
Practical Nursing Program Coordinator / Practical Nursing Program Instructor / LPN-RN Instructor
Office: 419-238-5411 x 2121
Maria Diltz
Maria Diltz
Enrollment, Assessment, and Customized Training Coordinator
Office: 419-238-5411 x 2118
Kendra Sentelik
Kendra Sentelik
Office Coordinator/Accreditation Liaison Officer/ VA School Certifying Official
Office: 419-238-5411 x 2110
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