Contact: Phyllis Syers (574)289-7001ext. 5720
The licensed practical nurse (LPN) is an integral part of the health care team. The Practical Nursing Program leads to a Technical Certificate and can be completed in approximately one year. The accredited program prepares students to care for patients in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, convalescent centers and physicians’ offices. Graduates are eligible to take the state licensure exam to become a licensed practical nurse.
Ivy Tech is an open admission college; however, admission to the Practical Nursing program is a selective admission process. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the program. Contact the Office of Student Affairs for pre-enrollment test dates and times.
Degrees, certificates and specialties
Degrees, certificates and specialties
Practical Nursing/Technical CertificateSouth Bend Curriculum 07-08Elkhart Curriculum 07-08
All classes are 3 credits unless indicated.
Program description The Practical Nursing Program prepares graduates to become integral members of the health care team. Students gain knowledge and technical skills, such as administering medications and treatments, necessary to care for patients appropriately in a variety of health care settings. The program results in a Technical Certificate and can be completed in approximately one year attending full-time or two years attending part-time. Clinical experience is included. Graduates are prepared to take the state licensure exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).Admissions processIvy Tech is an open-admission college. However, admission to the Practical Nursing Program is a selective process. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the program. Contact the Office of Student Affairs for pre-enrollment test dates and times.Application deadlinesFull-time students are admitted in August and January, part-time students in August only. Applications for August admission must be completed by June 15, and for January admission by Oct. 15.Opportunities of addional educationThe LPN designation can be the first step in an exciting career and education pathway. Many students earn the LPN, secure a job in the health care field and then continue to work toward the Registered Nurse designation, a bachelor’s degree in nursing and beyond—often with tuition support from their employer. Ivy Tech offers a transitional program for LPNs desiring to earn the RN designation, and all credits in the RN program transfer into the bachelor’s degree program at IU South Bend. For more information about the Nursing Stair Step, contact the Office of Admissions at the nearest Ivy Tech campus.Typical careers• Industrial nurse
• School nurse
• Home care nurse
• Hospital nurse
• Geriatric nurse
• Office nurse
• Psychiatric nurseEmployment outlookEmployment opportunities for practical nurses in Indiana and nationally are expected to increase as fast as average (10 to 20 percent) through 2010.Occupational areas• Assisted living facilities
• Day care centers
• Health clinics
• Home care agencies
• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Physician offices
• Psychiatric facilitiesEarnings, Licensed Practical NurseNational: Average wage $15.20 an hour
Indiana: Average wage $14.65 an hour
South Bend: Average wage $14.86 an hourArea employers of program graduates• Applewood Nursing Center
• Caring Nurses
• East Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
• Elkhart General Hospital
• Elkhart Rehabilitation Center
• Fountainview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
• Goshen General Hospital
• Greencroft
• Hamilton Grove Retirement Center
• Holy Cross Living Center
• Ironwood Health & Rehabilitation Center
• Madison Center and Hospital
• Memorial Hospital
• Miller’s Merry Manor
• Nephrology Inc.
• Oaklawn Hospital
• Planned Parenthood
• Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center
• Valley View Health Care Center
• Women’s Care Center
Sources: Indiana Career and Postsecondary Advancement Center (ICPAC); surveys of program graduates
AccreditationThe program is accredited by the Indiana State Board of Nurses Registration and Nursing Education and the National League for Nursing Accreditation (NLNAC).
