Overview and Award Outcomes
Overview
The AAS Degree option in Practical Nursing is designed for those who would like to fulfill some of the general education requirements to pursue a professional nursing degree or other advanced degree through Hennepin Tech. The diploma is required to take the licensure exam and for entry into practice; therefore this is an option in addition to the diploma. This may be taken either at the same time or after graduating with the diploma. Students are encouraged to contact the program to which they wish to transfer for specific information about their requirements to ensure the student selects the appropriate courses.
Licensed Practical Nurses provide direct care under the supervision of a licensed physician or registered nurse. Licensed Practical Nurses use the nursing process to collect patient data and implement nursing care in maintenance of health as well as caring for those who are ill, injured or who have debilitating conditions.
Students attending courses full-time can complete this program in 2 semesters. Cleared criminal background study is required.
The courses listed below are designated to meet the requirements of the Minnesota Board of Nursing for qualifying to take the practical nursing state board licensing examination (NCLEX-PN). Upon successful completion of NCLEX-PN the graduate practical nurse is licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Process for applying to the Practical Nursing Program:
- Interested students must email Angel Hoglund (Angel.Hoglund@HennepinTech.edu) for more information about the application process.
- Apply to Hennepin Technical College
The Student Success Advisor will discuss the following requirements if applicable:
- complete placement testing
- have any prior coursework evaluated for transfer
- Complete pre-requisite courses:
- EMSV1020 or 8-hour CPR course for Health Care Providers offered by the American Heart Association or 8-hour CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer course offered by the American Red Cross
- NAHA1002 NAHA1010 or currently on the Minnesota Department of Health Registry for Nursing Assistants
- BIOL1400 or BIOL2005
- BIOL2125 and BIOL2225
- ENGL1250 or ENGL1100
- NURS1015 or BIOL1100 HLTH2001
- Qualifying scores in reading, writing and math assessment tests
- Qualifying scores on the HESI entrance exam
- Scores of at least 60% cumulative and 70% in reading comprehension. The HESI entrance exam may be repeated one time, after which, if scores are met, then students must meet with a Student Success advisor.
Students may apply to the Practical Nursing Program while finishing the prerequisites. Applications are all online and will be submitted after students pass the HESI test. Students should be in touch with Angel Hoglund, the Nursing Advisor, early in their time at Hennepin Tech as well as checking-in each semester to be sure they are on-track and to get information about upcoming cohorts.
Award Outcomes
- Demonstrate effective communication techniques while providing patient care founded on basic physical, developmental, spiritual, cultural, functional, and psychosocial needs of individual patients across the lifespan
- Manage care through planning, organizing or assigning aspects of care to UAP's and LPN's under the direction of an RN or other licensed Health Care Provider
- Participate as a member of the inter-professional team collaborating with other health care providers to promote safe, quality, patient centered care
- Demonstrate nursing safety principles
- Utilize information technology effectively in the provision of care
- Demonstrate professional behaviors in accordance with legal and ethical nursing practice standards
- Utilize evidence-based nursing judgment when providing individualized patient care when prioritizing care across the lifespan
- Participate in quality improvement
Career Opportunities
Opportunities for employment may be available in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, long-term care facilities, transitional care facilities, assisted living facilities, industry and the armed forces.
Semester Sequence
Offered at Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie
In addition to all of the Diploma requirements, students who are seeking the degree also must complete the following requirements:
Required Additional General Education Courses
These courses can be taken prior to or after Practical Nursing program admission:
| Choose one course from MnTC Goal Area 5 | 3 |
| Choose 8 MnTC General Education Electives to reach a 60-credit total | 8 |
Suggested Electives
Students planning to transfer are encouraged to consult the transfer college for program requirements before choosing electives.
Graduation (60 Credits)
Due to circumstances beyond our control, the information herein is subject to change without notice.
3/10/2023 : BP 7506 / EP 7507