Practical Nursing Program Information

Practical Nursing Program Information

The program focuses on theory and practice in a broad range of nursing activities encompassing direct patient care in relatively stable nursing situations. In addition to instruction in nursing care, the student completes related general education courses. Classroom study takes place on main campus, Orange County Campus, and online.

Practical experience is gained through clinical courses taken concurrently with theory and conducted under the instructor's supervision. Clinical experiences take place at Duke University Medical Center, Durham Regional Hospital, Lincoln Community Health Center, and other area health care facilities. 

Program graduates are awarded diplomas in Practical Nursing. They are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is required for practice as a practical nurse. 

Classes are offered during the day and may be completed in three semesters if the three non-nursing courses are taken prior to entry into the nursing component. New students are enrolled in the fall semester.

Student Achievement Outcomes

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing requires that student achievement outcome data in licensure exam passing rates, student completion rates, and percentage of graduates obtaining a job are made publicly accessible. The expected level of achievement identifies the programs goal for each outcome.

Practical Nursing Program NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
ELA: 85 percent of graduates will pass NCLEX-PN on first attempt, January - December.

Program Completion by Academic Year
ELA: 50 percent of students in the nursing program will complete the program requirements on-time (100 percent time frame) according to the course sequence, August - July.

Program Completion by Academic Year
80 percent of graduates who have taken and passed NCLEX will be employed in a nursing job within one year of graduation (July – June 30).