Nursing (Practical-Diploma)

The Diploma in Practical Nursing program is designed to provide with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for developing effective communication, critical thinking, clinical reasoning and teamwork/collaboration skills which will prepare the graduate to care for individuals, families and communities as an entry level practical nurse in a variety of healthcare settings.

The Diploma in Practical Nursing program prepares the student to become a valuable member of a healthcare team, working under the supervision of an advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, licensed physician, licensed dentist, or other practitioner.

See also the following additional program information:

• Admissions Requirements > Nursing | PN

• Attendance Policy > Nursing | PN Diploma (includes information on Clinical Phase Absenteeism and Tardiness)

• Clinical Protocol > Nursing | All Programs

• Transferability of Credit > Nursing | PN Diploma section

About Practical Nursing 

Licensed Practical Nurses typically provide nursing care under the direction of a more senior healthcare practitioner, including registered nurses. They understand nursing fundamentals and assist with delivering care to patients and their families. They are prepared to continue their formal education and prepare for more advanced nursing degrees and certifications, including Registered Nursing.

Criminal background checks, drug screening, dosage calculation competency exams, nursing skills competency exams, and security clearances may be required, depending on the facility.

Practical Nurses must physically be able to change position frequently, stand and sit for prolonged time periods, lift 50 pounds or more with or without assistance or assistive devices, bend, and twist. They must have adequate vision and hearing, and they must be able to use computers.

A graduate from the Practical Nursing program will work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in a healthcare setting such as a long-term care facility, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, or correctional facility infirmary. Licensed Practical Nurses may also work in home health care settings, physicians’ offices, clinics, urgent care centers, or acute care facilities.

Vision

The Practical Nursing program at ECPI University (hereafter will be referred to as “ECPI”) is a leading provider of practical nurse education. ECPI creates an environment that promotes effective teaching and successful learning.

Recommended Licensure

The Diploma in Practical Nursing program is approved by the State Board of Nursing for the state in which the ECPI University campus which the student attends is located. ECPI University provides vouchers allowing students to take licensure exams administered by the student's state's Board of Nursing at a greatly reduced cost. All Practical Nursing graduates must successfully pass the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) before being able to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). 

While ECPI University's Diploma in Practical Nursing program does not have its own distinct accreditation by a national nursing education body, it is not required for licensure. ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees and diplomas. Accreditation, state licensure and Board of Nursing approval information can be found in this catalog under Accreditation and Licensure.

NCLEX Preparation and Total Testing

Total testing nursing education products are assessment tools and resources to promote mastery of core nursing concepts and to prepare students for the NCLEX exam. Assessment tools used in the nursing program are practice quizzes, practice assessments and proctored assessments. The total testing education products also assist the nursing program in the assessment of course and program competencies. All students are required to complete the secured standardized assessment tests in several content areas. 

Readiness to sit for the NCLEX exam will be assessed in the final nursing course using a Comprehensive Predictor Test.

Student Evaluation

The faculty use the objectives of the Program of Nursing as criteria for student evaluation. The student's grades are determined by a combination of written examinations, laboratory/simulation competence, and clinical performance.

Nursing ability, attitude, and relationship with others are areas of clinical and laboratory/simulation evaluation. The achievement of the student in both theory and clinical performance is evaluated by the faculty at regular intervals and shared with the student.

The student progresses to the next term when all prerequisite courses have been satisfactorily completed. Students enrolling in the Practical Nursing program at any of the Virginia campuses must achieve an 80 percent average in all nursing and science courses including courses with the prefix COR, BIO, or NUR. Students enrolling in the program at any of the North Carolina and South Carolina campuses as well as those students enrolled in the Virginia campuses prior to January 2018 must achieve an 80 percent average in all courses and satisfactorily meet all clinical objectives. A final course grade of less than 80 percent or failure to meet laboratory/simulation competence and clinical objectives will result in failure of a course.