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Practical Nursing Certificate

Classroom to Career

The practical nursing program at American National University provides students with the knowledge and skills required to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

Upon completion of the Practical Nursing program, you should be able to:

  • Describe the different entities of the health care delivery system, health occupations, and the scope of practice for the practical nurse.
  • Determine the leadership and management principles, legal and ethical responsibilities specific to the scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse.
  • Apply evidence-based and patient-centered principles in the provision of safe, quality nursing care to patients of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills for delivery of efficient patient-centered care within the scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse.
  • Utilize quality improvement indicators identified for system improvements and better health outcomes.
  • Maintain consistent and accurate health data for the development of the patient plan of care by the professional nurse.
  • Utilize interpersonal and intrapersonal communication skills for effective interactions with patients, families, and other disciplines.
  • Demonstrate competence in information technology to document patient care as related to practical nursing functions.
  • Implement the principles of infection prevention and control, utilizing established nursing procedures and guidelines for better patient outcomes.
  • Examine appropriate strategies for health promotion, disease prevention and management to help patient achieve and maintain optimal health.
  • Develop specific plans for educational, personal, and professional growth through continuing education and/or higher nursing degrees.
Check out our “Not-What-You-Would-Expect” Guide to Nursing to learn more about this high-demand field.

Course Information

Practical Nursing Certificate (PN): 84 Credits

GLOBAL LEARN CLASSES

Practical Nursing Certificate Program

OFFERED TIMES

General Ed courses are 2 Hours Every Other Week (per class)

Nursing Core courses are 4-6 Hours Weekly (per class)

Evening classes are scheduled between 5 and 10 pm, EST

Clinicals are based on availability and could occur on days, evenings, or weekends; number of hours will vary based on facility. Clinical externships are subject to site availability and the site’s ability to support the required experiences for each course. Students should be prepared to travel beyond their typical commuting distance to complete the required clinical hours.

Program Core: 84 Credits

Courses:

  • HCP100 Health Care Concepts (4 credit hours)
  • HNU103 Basic Nutrition (4 credit hours)
  • BIO110 Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab for Practical Nursing (4 credit hours)
  • BIO112 Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab for Practical Nursing (4 credit hours)
  • PN100 Drug Dosage Calculation and Administration (4 credit hours)
  • PN101 Clinical Nursing Fundamentals with Pharmacology (8 credit hours)
  • PN102 Principles of Pharmacology (4 credit hours)
  • PN103 Gerontology Care with Pharmacology (4 credit hours)
  • PN104 Medical/Surgical I with Pharmacology (8 credit hours)
  • PN105 Medical/Surgical II with Pharmacology (7 credit hours)
  • PN106 Maternity and Newborn Nursing Care with Pharmacology (6 credit hours)
  • PN107 Pediatric Nursing Care with Pharmacology (6 credit hours)
  • PN108 Mental Health Nursing with Pharmacology (5 credit hours)
  • PN109 Leadership/Management Concepts and Transition to Practical Nursing (4 credit hours)
  • PN110 Comprehensive Review and Practicum (8 credit hours)
  • PSY102 Growth and Development (4 credit hours)

For all courses: See course description for applicable prerequisites.

For program disclosure information, please visit https://an.edu/about-us/consumer-disclosure

**The American National University Associate Degree in Nursing Program holds pre-accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20037; phone 202-909-2487. Holding pre-accreditation status does not guarantee that initial accreditation by NLN CNEA will be received.

Certifications

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for these certification exams:

  • NCLEX-PN nursing exam (PN license)

Clinical Hours

A clinical externship of 405 hours is required to gain real-world work experience to include caring for patients one-on-one, performing medical procedures, gathering patient information, and helping healthcare facilities stay organized.

See if there is an existing clinical site in your local area:

Review the TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS for blended and online programs.

Dr. Marie-Bernard Lazare

Dean of Nursing 

Welcomes you to American National University

 Build the foundation of your goals at American National University.

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