Practical Nursing

Practical Nursing

One-Year Certificate Program

Program and Student Information

The PN 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.

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 Ranges
  • 2011 average hourly LPN wage Jackson/Josephine counties: $21.77
  • 2011 average annual LPN salary Jackson/Josephine counties:  $44,644
Program Prerequisites
Employment Outlook

Above average

Please visit the Oregon Healthcare Workforce Institute website for more information about registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants as well as watch videos about all three careers.

Careers

Department chair:
Linda Wagner
E-mail: Cindy Henney, department secretary
Telephone: 541-245-7504