North Shore Community College

Nursing Programs Offered

LPN Program Details

The Practical Nursing Program provides the education necessary for the practice of practical nursing and the awarding of a certificate from the College upon completion of the ten-month program. Student learning occurs through a curriculum based on accepted nursing concepts with emphasis on the development of technical competencies, communication skills, and critical thinking facilitated by faculty guidance and selection of relevant learning experiences in classroom, seminar, laboratory, and clinical settings. Upon completion of the PN Program, the graduate will be prepared to function within the Standards of Practice, demonstrating safe, competent, ethical nursing practice. Employment as an LPN is available in numerous settings that include subacute, acute, chronic, rehabilitation, and community health care settings.

The PN Program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN Licensure Examination. Graduates seeking licensure in Massachusetts must meet the licensure requirements outlined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, including being of "good moral character." Individuals with a court record or a criminal conviction should contact the Board(s) of Registration in Nursing in any state in which they plan to work for guidelines in determining "good moral character," prior to program entry.

Individuals may contact the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing at 1-617-973-0800 or at www.mass.gov/dph/boards/rn for a myriad of information that among other topics includes nursing education, statues, rules and regulations, licensing, and complaint resolution.

Students enrolled in the program will be required to meet the technical standards and undergo various reviews/screens including a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI), Sexual Offense Record Investigation (SORI) and drug screen. Depending on the contents of the various reviews/screens, participation in a clinical placement may be denied. Students who are unable to participate in the clinical area will not meet program requirements.

The PN Program is a selective admissions program. Further information about the program, application process, and admission requirements can be found on the academic department web page at www.northshore.edu (click on certificate programs and scroll to practical nursing).

Admission Information: Candidates for the Practical Nursing Program must complete the following requirements: submit evidence of graduation from high school or Equivalency (GED);
achieve the required minimum scores on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS); obtain 3 references: (a) immediate supervisor (b) employer or teacher (c) friend of at least 2 years duration; complete the Practical Nursing Admissions Questionnaire; obtain official transcripts from all colleges previously attended.

Following acceptance into the PN Program, candidates must: submit evidence of physical and emotional health sufficient to meet program competencies and technical standards as indicated by a physician's recommendation(s); be CPR (Healthcare Provider) certified; present evidence of health insurance.