Practical Nursing

One-Year Certificate Program

Program and Student Information - enter here

The PN program meets the education requirements for individuals wishing to become Licensed Practical Nurses.

The PN (Practical Nursing) program meets the education requirements for individuals wishing to become Licensed Practical Nurses.

Practical nurses provide individualized care in a variety of health care settings such as long-term care, hospitals, home health, doctor's offices and other community settings.  Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for the sick, injured, convalescent and disabled under the direction of a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, licensed physician, dentist, or other independent health care provider recognized by the State Board of Nursing.

Most LPNs provide basic bedside care for clients with commonly occurring health problems with predictable outcomes.  They provide personal care, take vital signs such as blood pressure, apply dressings, monitor intravenous fluids, insert catheters, and nasogastric tubes, administer tube feedings and oral and injectable medications.  LPNs collect data and contribute to the establishment of nursing care plans, implement teaching plans, and evaluate clients' needs and progress.

Is a Career in Healthcare Right for You?

• Do you enjoy health and science classes?
• Do you like working with technology and equipment?
• Do you like helping people?
• Do you work well in stressful situations?
• Do you speak and write well?
• Do you like working with computers?
• Do you take and follow directions well?
• Do you like to learn about the human body and how it works?
• Do you like being part of a team?
• Do you take pride in doing a job well?
• Are you able to explain things easily to people?
• Do you enjoy solving mysteries and puzzles?
• Do you like doing something different every day?
• Do you want to work in an environment that supports professional growth and development?

Academic Requirements
All States require LPNs to pass a licensing examination after completing a State-approved practical nursing program.  After successful completion of a nursing program, students have met the educational requirements needed to apply for the NCLEX-PN exam through the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

Salary Ranges2006 average hourly LPN wage Jackson/Josephine counties: $19.73

2006 average annual LPN salary Jackson/Josephine counties:  $41,029

Program Prerequisites:  Please see our PN Advising Guide

Employment Outlook:  Above average

Please visit the following Oregon Healthcare Workforce Institute website--http://www.oregonhwi.org/careers/occupations/nursing.shtml#rn.   You can read about Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants as well as watch videos about all three careers.

For more info:
Oregon Employment Department
Bureau of Labor Statistics (National)

The RCC Practical Nursing Program is located on the Riverside Campus 
in Medford.

Practical Nursing Program
(541) 245-7504 Medford
(541) 956-7500 x7504 Grants Pass
Email