Practical Nursing
Are you wondering how you can make a difference in the world? Are you compassionate, reliable, conscientious, and have the ability to communicate well? Do you enjoy working hard, being a team player, and can quickly adapt to change? Practical Nursing may be your path to a rewarding and successful career.
Nursing offers an exciting work environment, where no two shifts are alike. Every day, you can positively influence the health of your patients and community. In addition, there are opportunities for work-life balance with flexible scheduling in a variety of work settings. The demand for skilled nurses continues to steadily increase.
Program Length
2 or 3 semesters (view curriculum for examples)
Average starting wage
$19.81-21.60/hour
Growth Rate for LPN Jobs in MN
12.8% (2018-2028)
Practical Nursing Program Pre-Requisites
- Must meet minimum required test scores
- Must be a CNA in the State of Minnesota
- Must score 50 or higher on the TEAS Entrance Exam
- Must have American Heart Association (AHA) BLS CPR certification and AHA First Aid Certification
- Must pass DHS Background Study
The practical nursing program admits students each fall and spring. Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn a diploma in practical nursing and will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
| Calendar Year | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate as reported by the MN Board of Nursing -January 1-December 31. | 89.39% | 89.83% | 93.55% | 90.70% |
| Starting Cohort | Fall 2020 & Spring 2021 | Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 | Fall 2022 & Spring 2023 | Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Completion Rate Within 150% of Program Length (3 semesters) |
62.8% | 62.9% | 64.6% | Unavailable* |
| Fiscal Year | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Related Job Placement Rate |
100% | 95.8% | 96.0% | Unavailable |
Video courtesy of Living Alex Area and Real Films
The Alexandria Technical and Community College Diploma in Practical Nursing Program holds continuing accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 202-909-2487.