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

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.

VIEW TRANSFER PROGRAMS

 

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Schedule an Appointment

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

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.

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

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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

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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

,

Becky Johnson - Instructor - Nursing

Email: bjohnson@scciowa.edu
ADN, Southeastern Community College
BSN, Walden University

Tamika Miller - Assistant Professor - Nursing, Evening/Weekend Track

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

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

Cecillie Vinson - Instructor - Nursing

Email: cvinson@scciowa.edu
ADN, Southeastern Community College
BSN, Chamberlain College of Nursing
MSN-Ed, Chamberlain University of Nursing