Certificate of Applied Science - Licensed Practical Nursing
The nursing curricula prepare graduates to function as members of the healthcare team in various healthcare environments. The curricula focus on preparation for employment and articulation. The nursing programs are approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.
The Certificate of Applied Science Practical Nursing (LPN) program consists of one semester of prerequisites and two semesters of nursing course work.
The practical nurse uses specialized knowledge and skills that meet the healthcare needs of people in a variety of settings under the direction of qualified health professionals. The program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.
Admission requires a student to successfully complete the pre-requisite coursework with a 2.65 GPA or better, 65 or higher TEAS test score, and overall points on the application of 45 or higher.
The LPN program will admit up to 16 students once a year in the Spring semester. All didactic courses will be taught by Helena College nursing faculty via TEAMs in a virtual-blended format. Skills labs and clinical experiences are taught in person.
HC Nursing students must comply with the vaccination requirements of the clinical agencies where assigned in order to complete the clinical coursework and progress in the program.
A student must maintain a “C” or better in each of the courses required and complete each semester prior to progressing to the next semester. Once accepted into the nursing program, the student must complete a criminal background check as the final step in acceptance to the nursing program.
Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the National Council of Licensing Examination (NCLEX) PN licensure examination from the Montana State Board of Nursing. Upon passing the examination, the graduate becomes a Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Use the Nursing Process to provide safe, effective, and individualized care, to address the assessed needs of the client within the Licensed Practical Nurse scope of practice.
- Utilize communication skills to provide relationship-centered care.
- Demonstrate teamwork in an inter-professional environment
- Provide inclusive care in a professional manner according to legal and ethical standards within the LPN scope of practice.
- Safely and accurately perform all nursing skills under the pressure, distractions, and interruptions of an actual nursing experience.
Program Outcomes for the LPN Graduate
- Graduates will meet or exceed the national average for first-time takers for the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses)
- Eighty percent (80%) of students who start on the first day in NRSG 130 in the Practical Nurse-CAS program will complete the program within one (1) academic year (two semesters).
- Ninety (90%) of graduates will be employed as an LPN within six months of graduation.
- Ninety (90%) of the surveys returned by graduates will indicate that they are satisfied with their education.
- Ninety (90%) of the surveys returned by employers will indicate satisfaction with the graduate’s performance.
Student Achievement Outcome Data
- NCLEX pass rate for Practical Nursing: 100%
- Retention/Completion rate for Practical Nursing: 100%
- Job placement rate for Practical Nursing (within 6 months of graduation): 100%
Please see the Helena College website for gainful employment information related to this program.
