Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled, under the direction of a physician, registered nurse, or persons as authorized by law. Nurses work in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician's offices, home health care, schools, and long-term care facilities. Average annual salary is $27,000.

LPNs need a caring, sympathetic nature. They should be emotionally stable and able to deal with the stress of caring for the sick and injured. As part of a health care team, they must be able to follow directions and work under close supervision.

The Dakota Practical Nursing Program is an 11-month educational program that results in a certificate in Practical Nursing. Graduates are then eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (LPN).

Admission Requirements

The following are prerequisites for consideration for admission to the Dakota Certificate in Practical Nursing Program:

Prerequisites for the Certificate in Practical Nursing Program:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Proof of completion of CNA class and current CNA Certification in North Dakota
• Proof of current CPR training for Health Care Providers
• ENGL 110 Composition I
• CHEM 115 Introduction to Chemistry L/L
• High School Algebra*/Beginning Algebra (ASC-92) or the COMPASS/ASSET exam equivalent of 30 on the pre-algebra domain or ACT math score of 16.
• ACT score of 19 or COMPASS/ASSET test with an equivalent score is required of students who have not completed 12 credits of classes included in the program requirements.
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 in all prerequisite and program requirements.
• An overall GPA of 2.5 of all college courses taken
• If taken earlier, Anatomy & Physiology I & II & laboratory, Developmental Psychology, and Pharmacology must not be older than 5 years upon date of entrance to the nursing program.

* Must be within five years of PN admission

The Dakota Nursing Program is designed to provide a health care course ladder from:
CNA

LPN
(certificate)

ADN
(associate of applied science)

BSN
Click here to learn more about The ADN program: