40 Credits DIP3304/DIP2302, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
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The South Central College Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma of Occupational Proficiency is approved by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
South Central College’s Practical Nursing (PN) program prepares the student for the future licensed practical nurse role. The LPN role is valuable in working within the health care team to promote safe, quality care to clients from diverse populations across the lifespan. Employment is with clinics, long-term care and assisted living, home care, treatment facilities, and hospital depending on your location.
A Practical Nursing Diploma of Occupational Proficiency can be earned in two semesters after the Pre-Nursing requirements are completed. Once accepted into the Practical Nursing program, you will be able to enroll in nursing (NURS) classes. Successful completion of the Practical Nursing program provides eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN exam enabling you to obtain the LPN credential for entry level practice.
*National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide examination for licensure in the U.S. and Canada
Admitted Practical Nursing candidates are required to participate in a background study.
Campuses: Faribault and North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 40 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $8,578
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $8,578 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (12 Courses)
You must complete the following courses:
HC1000 Medical Terminology (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the language of medicine that is used in the health care profession. The student will learn to spell, pronounce, define, and interpret medical terminology related to body structure, disease, diagnosis, and treatment. (Prerequisites: None)
HLTH1952 First Aid (1 credits)
This course includes emergency care training for initial treatment of illness and injury. Patient assessment, bleeding control, shock management, soft tissue injury, orthopedic injury, diabetic problems, seizures, poisons, heat exposure and cold exposure are some of the topics covered in the course. This course is appropriate for anyone who may need to render immediate care. The topics covered do meet the course requirements for OSHA and MSHA first aid training.
NURS1110 Foundation of Nursing (2 credits)
This course introduces the student to the basic concepts in nursing. Students will discuss the role of the LPN as it relates to the nursing process and professionalism. Communication strategies will be applied for communication techniques, standardized communication, and documentation methods. Students will discuss cultural influences in health care. Legal and ethical aspects related to nursing will be discussed. Physical comfort, safety concerns, and nutrition are identified for health promotion using evidence-based practice concepts. Physical and psychological disorders are explained in the elderly population. (Prerequisites: Acceptance into Nursing Program is required in order to register for Nursing Courses)
NURS1150 Clinical Foundation (3 credits)
This course provides an opportunity to integrate laboratory and actual clinical learning with supervised client care in a healthcare setting. Students utilize the nursing process to collect data, implement nursing interventions and administer medications, and begin the documentation process. Nursing care is individualized to meet each client's needs with consideration of the client's culture. Emphasis is placed on organization, critical thinking, therapeutic communication and a holistic approach to client care. Professional behavior is an expectation in this course. This course will also cover the characteristics of hazardous wastes and its safe handling, storage, and disposal. (Prerequisites: Acceptance into Nursing Program is required in order to register for Nursing Courses)
NURS1175 Nursing Interventions (3 credits)
This course provides students the opportunity to learn nursing procedures in a simulated supervised lab setting. Basic comfort and safety devices will be demonstrated. Body systems are reviewed with an emphasis on the neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. Infection control theories and infection preventative measures will be described. Demonstration of interventions and use of devices related to asepsis, oxygenation, and elimination will be achieved. Introduction to common conditions associated with assessments and interventions will be explored. Concepts for care of the elderly will be applied. Critical thinking and medical terminology are threaded throughout the course. Students will be required to demonstrate skills learned in the laboratory setting. (Prerequisites: Acceptance into Nursing Program is required in order to register for Nursing Courses)
NURS1275 Medication Administration (1 credits)
This course introduces the student to the six rights of medication administration. The course will include non-parenteral administration routes including: oral, topical, nasal, rectal, eye, and ear. The course will also address safe medication administration utilizing the parenteral routes including: topical, intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravascular. Medication dosage calculations competency is expected. Medical terminology and abbreviations are threaded throughout the course. Best practices related to medication administration for the practical nurse will be used. This course will also cover the characteristics of hazardous wastes and its safe handling, storage, and disposal. (Prerequisites: Acceptance into Nursing Program is required in order to register for Nursing Courses)
NURS1220 Pharmacology for Practical Nurses (2 credits)
This course will address basic concepts of pharmacology and the effects on the body. The course focuses on drug classifications as they apply to all body systems. Understanding the therapeutic and adverse drug effects and appropriate actions will be addressed. The student will describe federal regulations to guide practice. The role of the practical nurse for client medication administration will be discussed using credible resources. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into Nursing Program is required in order to register for Nursing Courses)
NURS1310 Application of Nursing (4 credits)
This course introduces the student to disease processes of the body systems: integumentary, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, endocrine, cardiovascular, hematological, lymphatic, immune, neurological, sensory, reproductive, and musculoskeletal. Students will recognize signs and symptoms, as well as identify diagnostic tests, medications, and nutrition in the study of body system diseases. The student will use the nursing process to select effective treatments and interventions specific to the altered body systems. (Prerequisites: Successfully complete all Semester 1 Courses in order to advance to Semester 2 Courses)
NURS1350 Clinical Application (4 credits)
Students will apply nursing theories for clients with a variety of health conditions and altered body systems. Application of knowledge includes client interaction across the lifespan in a variety of laboratory and actual health care settings. Nursing interventions are individualized to meet each client's needs with consideration of the client's culture. The nursing process is implemented with an emphasis on critical thinking. Organizational skills are developed with an opportunity to care for multiple clients. Students may have the opportunity to observe the role of the nurse in specialty areas. Students will demonstrate effective communication with other members of the health care team. Professional nursing behavior will be demonstrated. This course will also cover the characteristics of hazardous wastes and its safe handling, storage, and disposal. (Prerequisites: Successfully complete all Semester 1 Courses in order to advance to Semester 2 Courses)
NURS1375 Laboratory Application (2 credits)
This course facilitates preparation for the future role of a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Emphasis is placed on understanding concepts of organizational structure and managing care as it relates to the LPN role and practice. Students will demonstrate ability to function within a variety of simulated client situations across the lifespan. Information technology including evidence-based practice will be used to meet client needs. Time management, prioritization, and effective, professional communication will be used to manage client care, enhance teamwork, and provide accurate information as a member of the interdisciplinary team. (Prerequisites: Successfully complete all Semester 1 Courses in order to advance to Semester 2 Courses)
NURS1410 Maternal Child Nursing (2 credits)
The concepts of pregnancy, the fundamental principles of labor and delivery, and nursing care of the mother and newborn will be described and applied. The student is introduced to the fundamental concepts of growth and development. Common illnesses and disorders of the newborn and the child will be discussed. Throughout the course, maternal child nursing and pediatric care will include communication skills, specific medications, vaccinations, laboratory tests, assessments, nutrition, and cultural influences. Maternal child and pediatric quality care issues and current will be discussed. This course will also cover the characteristics of hazardous wastes and its safe handling, storage, and disposal. (Prerequisites: Successfully complete all Semester 1 Courses in order to advance to Semester 2 Courses)
Required Arts and Sciences (3 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
ENGL100 Composition (4 credits)
Composition is concerned with developing, through theory and practice, the ability to communicate in written form for personal and professional reasons. Students will develop writing skills, analytic skills, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete readings, papers, grammar exercises, and in-class activities. Students will complete research and write a research paper. Students will learn methods of writing informatively and persuasively. (Prerequisites: Must have one of the following: (MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher) OR (READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) OR (completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) AND (completion of either ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C [2.0] or higher) (MNTC 1: Communication)
PSYC110 Lifespan Psychology (3 credits)
This is an introductory course examining human development across the lifespan, with emphasis on normal physical, cognitive, and social development. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5 - History/Social & Behavioral Sciences, MNTC 7a - Human Diversity, MNTC 7b - Race/Power/Justice)
BIOL220 Human Anatomy (4 credits)
This course takes an in-depth look at the anatomy of the human body systems. The course emphasizes structure and anatomical function at the cellular, tissue, organ and systemic level. Dysfunctions are included but the body in homeostasis is emphasized. This course includes a weekly three hour lab. Some labs include dissection. (Prerequisite: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Area 3)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
