LPN CERT

Practical Nursing - certificate - Code # 0938

Jody Blankenship, Department Chair
Email address: NursingDepartment@alfredstate.edu

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are in high demand regionally, statewide, and nationally.  The practical nursing certificate program prepares students to work under the direct supervision of other licensed health care personnel such as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, physicians, dentists, or podiatrists in a health care setting.  Courses are sequential and progress from simple to more complex concepts involving direct care of clients.  Learning is enhanced using skill practice, clinical experiences, and simulation for a hands-on approach to gain expertise in a variety of health care facilities.  Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for licensure in NYS and sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.

Advantages

Graduates will be able to find employment in a variety of health care settings:  acute care, long term care, provider office's, residential care facilities, public schools, hospice, home health, mental health facilities, and public health departments.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the practical nursing program, the student will:

• Utilize standards of care to provide safe, holistic, quality care to diverse populations in a variety of health care settings respecting the dignity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and self-determination of clients and families.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication with clients, significant others, and all members of the health care team to work collaboratively in the provision of safe and effective care.
• Select evidenced based interventions in the provision of nursing care based on a plan of care determined by a registered professional nurse or other authorized licensed health care provider that ensure client's safety, comfort, dignity, and self-esteem consistent with their developmental stage.
• Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for nursing practice within the scope of the licensed practical nurse, including continued learning and further personal and professional development.

Professional Opportunities

The Nationwide, employment of licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.  About 54,400 openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

In New York State, employment of licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 18% from 2020 to 2030 according to the NYS Department of Labor.

Regionally, across western New York, employment of licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 17% from 2018 to 2028 (NYS Department of Labor).

Admissions Requirements

High School Algebra and Biology, and recommended Chemistry or TEAS scores of 50 percent or better for both math and science. Proctored ATI TEAS entrance exam must be taken within 1 year of start of program.  Scores must be sent directly to Alfred State College.  Applicants must submit official high school transcripts or GED test results.  Applicants should submit official college transcripts if they have taken college level courses.  An applicant's acceptance at the college level will be an admissions determination; acceptance into the Practical Nursing Certificate Program will be determined by the chair of the Nursing Academic Department or their designee.

 

Accreditation/certification

• Alfred State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104; 215-662-5606, http://www.msche.org. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 

General Notes:  A zero tolerance for incivility is in effect at Alfred State nursing.  Furthermore, if a student's behavior compromises or threatens the health or safety of others, including clients, peers, faculty, and staff, the student may be denied enrollment or continuation in the program.  A policy regarding chemical impairment is publicized to enrolled nursing students.  Background checks may be required by affiliating agencies.  Background checks will be at the expense of the student.  Any costs associated with clinical would be the responsibility of the student.  Nursing students are required to provide health related documentation or other requirements to the affiliating agencies.  Student are permitted to repeat an upper-level (5000 or higher) nursing core course one time only.  If a student is unsuccessful in any upper-level nursing course twice, they will be unable to progress in the nursing program.  Bachelor-level students are expected to write at a BS level proficiency, using APA format.  Writing proficiency, grammar, spelling, and APA formatting are all essential elements of every nursing course.  Failure to write at a BS level may result in failure of nursing course work.

Required Equipment

A tier 1 laptop computer is required for students entering this degree program. Laptop specifications are available at www.alfredstate.edu/required-laptops. 

Office of Accessibility Services

Students who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to properly participate in this program may contact Melanie Ryan in the Office of Accessibility Services. This office may be contacted by email at oas@alfredstate.edu  or by phone at 607-587-4506. Please keep in mind that some accommodations may take time to implement, so students seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact OAS as early as possible.