Practical Nursing (LPN)

This accredited program teaches you the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective practical nurse. Students will learn basic nursing skills in an academic program that balances classroom instruction with relevant clinical experience.

The Practical Nursing program is designed to help students develop basic nursing skills in medical, surgical, obstetrical and pediatric nursing. The role of the practical nurse focuses on the technical skills, general knowledge, and judgment necessary to organize and provide caring interventions to patients with commonly occurring medical conditions. The practical nurse participates in health promotion/maintenance activities for the individual in the context of the family. The practical nurse is prepared to provide nursing care within the scope of practice defined by the South Carolina Board of Nursing under the direct supervision of the registered nurse and/or other health care provider. The course of study balances classroom instruction with relevant clinical experience and provides the opportunity for students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective practitioners of practical nursing.

Learning experiences for students in the Practical Nursing Diploma Program are provided in classrooms and laboratories on the Airport Campus in the Health Sciences Building and Lexington Hall. Student preclinical experience is provided in nursing skills labs and a state-of-the-art simulation lab. Required clinical experiences (externships/internships) are arranged through affiliations with local healthcare facilities.

See Program Outcomes Data.

Licensure

Upon completion of the program, the student is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The program is approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Candidates who have criminal records may be required to appear before the South Carolina Board of Nursing, which will determine eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The practical nursing program at Midlands Technical College located in West Columbia, SC is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the practical and associate nursing programs is continuing accreditation.

Accrediting Agencies

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation,
State Board of Nursing for South Carolina Synergy 
Business Park, Kingstree Building
110 Centerview Dr., Suite 202
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-4550
http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/NURSING/

Accreditation Commission for
Education in Nursing, Inc. 
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
www.acenursing.org
 

Information Sessions

Nursing Information Sessions provide foundational information to those interested in the MTC Nursing Programs.

If you have any questions, please attend an information session held via Zoom on the 1st Wednesdays of every month except December and May from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required via the Zoom link https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAtdu6trDkjE9B_bR5zMlYHa8Uhbl0aYBCq. Children may not attend.

If you have been assigned a personal advisor, you may also contact your advisor to have questions answered.

Special Requirements

Students are required to take standardized tests at an approximate cost of $195 a semester. The approximate cost for taking the licensure exam (NCLEX-PN) upon completion of the program is $350. Students must purchase liability insurance each semester at a cost of approximately $5. Students must purchase a uniform, special equipment and clinical documentation sessions in the first semester (the approximate cost is $350). Skills packets, learning packets, and books must be purchased at the bookstore for nursing courses.

In addition to the college’s placement test, students must meet one of the following criteria to be admitted to the Nursing Program:

Ensure all required prerequisite courses are completed in order to submit a competitive Nursing program application.

LPN Prerequisite Courses:

1. ENG 101
2. PSY 201
3. PSY 203
4. BIO 210 (must be completed within 5 years of starting NUR 134 or NUR-203)
5. BIO 211 (must be completed within 5 years of starting NUR 134 or NUR-203)
6. MAT 102 or higher

NOTE: No grade can be lower than a “C”.  No more than one repeat attempt per course at Midlands Technical College or any post-secondary institution, with no more than 2 courses repeated/attempted. “W”s awarded since Fall 2018 count as an attempt or a repeat with the exception of “W”s awarded in Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021.  Due to COVID-19, “W”s awarded during those semesters will not count as an attempt nor count against the students in future semesters.

Beginning Summer 2024, "W"s awarded in general education courses beginning this semester will not count as an attempt. Biology and math courses must be completed within 5 years.

Open Application Dates for Competitive Nursing Applications

Applications for all Nursing programs are released once your advisor deems you will, or should, meet eligibility requirements for on open application date. It is your responsibility as the student to submit the application once requirements are met. If an application is submitted too early, too late, or without meeting requirements it will not be reviewed.

- Open Application dates for Fall Semester starts are January 15 – May 15.

• Applications will be accepted for ADN, LPN and Transition.
• Notification of acceptance or denial into the Nursing program will be received by June 15.

- Open Application dates for Spring Semester starts are May 25 – August 25.

• Applications will only be accepted for ADN and LPN.
• Notification of acceptance or denial into the Nursing program will be received by September 15.

 

 

Additional Requirements

• High school or college credits in biology and algebra are recommended.
• Emotional and physical ability to carry out normal activities of nursing care as determined by physical examination.
• Cleared background check; negative drug screen; physical exam; immunizations such as Hepatitis B, Varicella, and MMR; a two-step TB skin test (PPD) or Quantiferon Gold; and CPR (American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers)  are required to enter clinical courses.

Qualified applicants must attend a two-part orientation session.

Applicants must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA for all Midlands Technical College course work for entrance into and progression through the nursing curriculum.

The Nursing Student Handbook outlines other policies relevant to students in the program.

Progression

The Nursing Student Handbook outlines the current progression policies in the nursing program. Students are responsible for following the policies in place at the time t hey begin NUR 134 or NUR 203..