Nursing | Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate

Recommended basic skills courses are: 

  • College Readiness in English
  • College Readiness in Basic Biology

The Practical Nursing (PN) program is designed to prepare safe practitioners to administer basic nursing care and/or assist with care of patients of various health status and ages within the scope of practical nursing as defined by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. Upon successful completion of the PN certificate program, graduates will quality to take the national Licensed
Practical Nursing (LPN) exam, which, if successful, results in a Licensed Practical Nurse who is qualified to practice. Licensed Practical Nurses LPNs work under the direction of physicians and registered nurses to care for sick, injured, and convalescent. The PN program prepares students to provide safe, therapeutic, and competent nursing care in some hospitals and other healthcare settings.
NOTE: A background check and drug screen are required to be officially admitted into the program. A felony, loss of license, administrative disciplinary proceeding for negligence, malpractice,
recklessness, or willful or intentional misconduct may prohibit entrance into the program and/or eligibility to take licensure exams.


Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Practical Nursing certificate program, students should be able to:

  • Provide safe, quality, person-centered care in a variety of healthcare settings considering basic research, evidence, and patient preferences as the basis for care
  • Engage in critical thinking and clinical judgment, within the practical nurse scope of practice, to make person-centered care decisions
  • Participate in performance improvement/quality improvement activities to improve patient care
  • Collaborate with healthcare team members, the patient, and the patient’s support persons to facilitate effective patient care
  • Use information technology to support and communicate the planning and provision of patient care
  • Manage care in a variety of healthcare settings for diverse patient populations through the process of planning, organizing, and directing
  • Function within the scope of practice of the Practical Nurse incorporating professional, legal, and ethical guidelines
  • Promote a culture of caring to provide support, compassion, and culturally competent, holistic care