Learn quality nursing care skills for lower level nursing jobs.
The Practical Nursing Diploma program prepares the student for employment in the high-demand field of nursing as an LPN and positions them for entry into the Associate Degree Nursing program.
Program location
Skills you'll learn
- Physical assessment
- Medication administration
- Safety and infection control
- Data collection
- Patient care and comfort
- Team communication
Key classes you'll take
- Introduction to Nursing
- Pharmacology I
- Nursing I
- Nursing II
Last-Dollar Scholarship
If you're an Iowan, you may be eligible to earn this degree tuition-free.
Where this program can take you
- Practical nurse in multiple settings including long-term care, clinics, hospital units,
medical offices.
Keep going!
Continue on to earn your Associate Degree Nursing and become a full-fledged RN
SCC maintains special RN to BSN program partnerships with colleges and universities so that you can earn your bachelor's degree in nursing.
Contact Us
West Burlington Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 208-5155
Text: (319) 250-7144
Email: admissionswb@scciowa.edu
Keokuk Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 313-1923
Text: (319) 220-3266
Email: admissionskeo@scciowa.edu
Admission Criteria for Nursing Programs (#317) applies to this program. Below is a summary of the guidelines for convenience and is subject to change. Application deadlines apply to this program. Please contact Enrollment Services for more details.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalency.
- Current Iowa Certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant**.
- Complete and attain minimums in standardized scores within 24 months of review for
acceptance into the program:
- ACT
- Reading: 19
- Math: 19
- English: 17
- OR Composite of 20
- SAT
- Reading/Writing: 330
- Math: 510
- OR Composite of 1040
- Next-Gen ACCUPLACER:
- Reading: 248
- Writing: 260
- ALEKS:
- Math: 14
- Complete the following classes with a grade of C or better:
- BIO-168 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIO-173 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIO-186 Microbiology
- ACT
Additional Requirements
- Students are required to attend nursing orientation and complete the following requirements once admitted to the program.
- Students will be required to pass a mandatory background check.
- Students will be required to submit (at their own expense) a completed physical examination form and immunizations for health care providers.
- Current certification in CPR-Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers**.
- Current certification in Mandatory Reporter-Adult & Child Abuse**.
- Signed Confidentiality Agreement.
- Current HIPAA Certification.
- Current Blood Borne Pathogen certification.
**Certifications may be obtained at Southeastern Community College. Students should work with a Student Success Advocate for the appropriate courses and dates to obtain these certifications.
All health career programs require students to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or above in all coursework within the program. All other eligibility requirements must be met. See a Student Success Advocate for further information or assistance with these requirements.
The Southeastern Community College Practical/Vocational Nursing Program holds initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 202-909-2487.
Verification of program accreditation can be found on the National League of Nursing website: https://cnea.nln.org/accredited-programs#IA
View Program Outcome and Accreditation information at https://nursing.iowa.gov/
For specific information regarding program rules and expectations, please view the Nursing Program Handbook.
Summary Sheet
The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.
Curriculum Sequence
| Prerequisite | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-168 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO-173 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO-186 | Microbiology | 4 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 12 |
| Summer Semester | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ENG-105 | Composition I | 3 |
| PNN-160 | Introduction to Nursing Practice | 2 |
| PSY-121 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 8 |
| Fall Semester I | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PNN-222 | Pharmacology I | 1 |
| PNN-534 | Nursing I | 12.5 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 13.5 |
| Spring Semester I | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PNN-311 | PN Issues and Trends | 1 |
| PNN-535 | Nursing II | 12 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 13 |
BIO-168 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
|
Lecture: 3 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 4 |
The first of a two-semester sequence providing a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body for college transfer and/or allied health prerequisites. Topics include body organization; homeostasis; cytology; histology; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy and dissection of selected organisms as well as the study of physiological concepts via experimentation. It is highly recommended that a student complete this series (BIO-168 and BIO-173) at SCC in order to maintain transferability to four-year institutions.
BIO-173 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
|
Lecture: 3 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 4 |
Second of a two-semester sequence continuing the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body for college transfer and/or allied health prerequisites. Includes the study of the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy and dissection of selected organisms as well as the study of physiological concepts via experimentation. Prerequisite: BIO-168 with a minimum grade of C.
BIO-186 - Microbiology
|
Lecture: 3 |
Lab: 2 |
Credit: 4 |
A study of microbial populations and their relationships to the human in health and diseases.
ENG-105 - Composition I
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: Meet minimum test score requirements.
PNN-160 - Introduction to Nursing Practice
|
Lecture: 2 |
Credit: 2 |
This course provides the student with an introduction to nursing concepts and principles. From a historical perspective, the student will explore the roles and challenges of the nurse in the health care continuum. The nursing process is introduced and serves as the foundation for the development of critical thinking and test taking strategy skills for success in the nursing program. Communication, stress and adaptation, wellness, professional accountability, information technology, time management and priority setting are also introduced. Prerequisites: BIO-168, BIO-173 and BIO-186 with a minimum grade of C or higher. Corequisites: PSY-121 and ENG-105 with a minimum grade of C or higher.
PSY-121 - Developmental Psychology
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
A systematic study of life-span development. Individual differences in behavior as well as cultural norms are considered in relation to heredity and environment.
PNN-222 - Pharmacology I
|
Lecture: 1 |
Credit: 1 |
This course introduces the student to the basics of pharmacology. Principles of drug administration and dosage calculation will be introduced. Legal/ethical considerations, as related to drug therapy, are discussed. An overview of drug classifications, drug actions, common adverse reactions and nursing interventions are included. Emphasis is placed on nursing responsibilities in drug therapy. Prerequisites: BIO-168, BIO-173 and BIO-186 with a minimum grade of C or higher. Corequisites: PNN-160 and ENG-105.
PNN-534 - Nursing I
|
Lecture: 8 |
Lab: 1 |
Credit: 12.5 |
This course builds on concepts previously presented in the curriculum. A systematic approach is utilized in providing nursing care to individuals, families and groups across the lifespan. The course emphasizes selected common and chronic alterations in health and includes essential content in fundamental nursing concepts and care. An opportunity is provided for students to apply theoretical knowledge, to utilize the nursing process and to practice nursing techniques in clinical settings. Prerequisites: PNN-160, PNN-222, BIO-168, BIO-173 and BIO-186
PNN-311 - PN Issues and Trends
|
Lecture: 1 |
Credit: 1 |
This course is an overview of the role of the licensed practical nurse. Ethical and legal responsibilities of the nurse are identified. Levels of practice, licensure, career opportunities, and beginning the job-seeking skills are addressed. Opportunities for professional growth are explored. Prerequisite: PNN-534. Corequisite: BIO-186.
PNN-535 - Nursing II
|
Lecture: 8 |
On Job Training: 4 |
Credit: 12 |
This course continues to incorporate concepts previously presented in the curriculum. A systematic approach is utilized in providing nursing care to individuals, families and groups across the lifespan. This course emphasizes selected common and chronic alterations in health and includes essential content related to maternal-child care. An opportunity is provided for students to apply theoretical knowledge, to utilize the nursing process, and to practice nursing techniques in clinical settings. Prerequisites: BIO-168, BIO-173, BIO-186, PNN-160, PNN-222, PNN-534. Corequisite: PNN-311.
Kristi Schroeder - Dean of Nursing & Health Professions
Email: kschroeder@scciowa.edu
RN, Augustana Hospital School of Nursing
BSN, University of Phoenix
MSN, University of Phoenix
Maureen Ewinger - Associate Dean of Nursing
Email: mewinger@scciowa.edu
AA, Clinton Community College
BSN, Iowa Wesleyan University
MSN, University of Phoenix
Amanda Dodds - Instructor - Nursing
Email: adodds@scciowa.edu
ADN, Southeastern Community College
BSN, Western Governors University
Becky Johnson - Instructor - Nursing
Email: bjohnson@scciowa.edu
ADN, Southeastern Community College
BSN, Walden University
MSN(c), Walden University
Madeline Reed - Instructor - Nursing
Email: mreed@scciowa.edu
AS, Southeastern Community College
BS, St. Ambrose University
MSN(c), Aspen University
Trisha Thomann - Professor - Nursing
Email: tthomann@scciowa.edu
BSN, St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
MSN, Walden University
Jeanie Titus - Professor - Nursing
Email: jtitus@scciowa.edu
ADN, Carl Sandberg College
BSN, Iowa Wesleyan College
MSN, Clarkson College