Course Catalog

Practical Nursing - Diploma (Spring Start)

Practical Nursing - Diploma (Spring Start)

West Burlington Campus, Keokuk Campus, and select courses available Online.

Nursing is one of the most trusted healthcare professions. Those interested in entering nursing should be caring and compassionate, responsible, detail-oriented and have the ability to manage stress in dealing with patients and families with acute and chronic diseases.

The majority of the nursing workforce today consists of LPN's (Licensed Practical Nurses) and RN's (Registered Nurses). SCC's nursing program offers an educational program for each of these options.

Licensed Practical Nurses work primarily in long-term care settings, physicians' offices, clinics and home health care.

Upon completion of the requirements of the nursing program for the practical nursing diploma option (first three semesters) you are eligible to take the National Council for Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) for practical nursing. Successful completion of the NCLEX-PN allows you to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Once achieving the requirements to become an LPN, you may advance to the Associate Degree Nurse career option. Students receiving the PN Diploma and passing the licensure examination may work as an LPN while pursuing the Associate Degree in Nursing.

Admissions standards apply for this program. Please contact the Enrollment Services Office for details.

Board of Nursing Professional Licensure Requirements by State/U.S. Department of Education Regulation 34 CFR
https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows a nurse to have one multistate license with the ability to practice in the home state and other compact states.
https://www.ncsbn.org/compacts.htm

Program Outcome and Accreditation Information

View the Gainful Employment Disclosure for Licensed Practical Nurse.

*Additional Health professions student outcomes are available on the Consumer Information page.

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
      • ENG-105 English Comp I
      • PSY-121 Developmental Psychology

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.

National League of Nursing Commision for Nursing Accreditation Seal

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.

Download the Summary Sheet.

Curriculum Sequence


Prerequisites 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

Fall Semester 1 Course Title Credit
ENG-105 Composition I 3
PSY-121 Developmental Psychology 3
TOTAL CREDITS 6

Spring Semester 1 Course Title Credit
PNN-160 Introduction to Nursing Practice 2
PNN-222 Pharmacology I 1
PNN-534 Nursing I 12.5
TOTAL CREDITS 15.5

Summer Semester 1 Course Title Credit
AGB-336 Agricultural Selling 3
AGC-216 Career Seminar 2
TOTAL CREDITS 5

Fall Semester 2 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.

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-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.

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

AGB-336 - Agricultural Selling

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Students will gain the necessary knowledge and the techniques of selling agriculture products directly to producers.  Included is knowledge of the buying process, communication skills and other factors that are beneficial in building relationships with customers.

AGC-216 - Career Seminar

Lecture: 2

Credit: 2

This course is designed to help students explore and discover the many opportunities that are available in the profession of agriculture and related industries both nationally and internationally.

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

Cara Blow - Instructor - Nursing

Email: cblow@scciowa.edu
ADN, Southeastern Community College
BSN, Iowa Wesleyan University

Tamika Miller-Tate - Assistant Professor - Nursing

Email: tmiller@scciowa.edu
ADN, Southeastern Community College
BSN, Iowa Wesleyan College
MSN-Ed, University of Phoenix

Tiffany West - Nursing Program Clinical Coordinator

Email: twest@scciowa.edu
BSN, Luther College
MSN, Western Governors University
DNP, Regis College