Practical Nursing FAQ

Have you considered Practical Nursing?

If you are a caring person who likes helping people, a career as a practical nurse may be for you. Based on biological, physical, and behavioral principles, the practice of nursing involves the prevention of illness, restoration of individuals to health, and the improvement of life and comfort when the return to health is no longer possible.

Practical nursing offers a variety of work experiences, flexible work hours, and many career options.

What is an LPN?

An LPN is a Practical Nurse who has been recognized and licensed by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

How do I become an LPN?

In order to become an LPN, you must first complete a practical nursing program that is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN) and then you must pass a licensure examination.

Is OTC's Practical Nursing Program Accredited?

The OTC Practical Nursing Program is currently approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

Where can I work as an LPN?

Licensed Practical Nurses are a very important part of the health care team. LPNs may work in nursing homes, schools, physician offices, home health agencies, and in some hospitals.

What type of nursing care do LPN's provide?

Practical Nurses provide basic nursing care for patients of all ages. This includes medication administration, assessment, and multiple other duties.

What do Practical Nurses do?

They are leaders, teachers, and examples for the community. The practical nurse performs a wide range of tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skill. Depending on each state's regulation, they:

Provide emotional support and guidance to the patients and significant others.
Do health teachings within the practical nurse's scope of practice.
Start and monitor intravenous therapy relative to the scope of the practical nurse.
Incorporate numerous therapeutic and lifesaving procedures within the realm of the practical nurse's activities, such as pre and postoperative care, nasopharynx suctioning, catheterization, cast care, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Provide for basic health needs relative to specific therapies and patient need such as comfort, safety, and normal nutrition.
Collect and record information and assist with special examination, predisposing factors to illness, and the principles as well as the legal aspects of charting.
Maintaining safety; incorporate principles of sterile and aseptic techniques as well as all other aspects of patient safety and rights.
Promote hygiene and self-care related to daily living activities, basic hygiene, and orientation of patient to his/her own environment.

What education does a Practical Nurse need?

A high school diploma or GED is required before beginning the program. An eleven-month course of study is offered at Ozarks Technical Community College and is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Individuals entering this program will take courses in Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, English, Psychology, Personal Vocational Concepts, Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing, Pediatrics and Obstetrics with clinical experience in various settings.

After satisfactorily completing this course of study you will then be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

(Please see section 335.066 of the Missouri Nursing Practice Act regarding grounds for denial to take the exam.)

NCLEX-PN age and educational requirements:

Successful completion of state accredited school of nursing and statement affirming the applicants education.
Good moral character.
Two years of high school or its equivalent.
18 years of age.
Applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit evidence of English proficiency.

How long does it take to complete the Practical Nursing program?

After the student completes the prerequisite courses (See Program Descriptions) the actual length of the Practical Nursing program takes just under a calendar year to complete.

OTC has two concurrent classes, one begins in January and completes in December and the other begins in August and completes in July.

Questions about Financial Assistance or Student Services?

Information about student services, refunds, and financial aid is included in OTC's college catalog. An itemized list of program costs is available on request from the Allied Health Office.

For more information including requirements for admission to OTC, cost, school policy, and application procedure, please call or write:

Ozarks Technical Community College
Allied Health Office
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 447-7500

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Ozarks Technical Community College will comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil and human rights. Educational programs, admission, and employment practices are free of any discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion, national origin, or handicap. The policy not to discriminate on the basis of sex or handicap is in compliance with Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, respectively.