Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
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- Admissions
- Degrees & Certificates
- Program Contact
- Employment & Salary
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About Licensed Practical Nursing
Mission Statement
The 糖心vlog官网 Practical Nursing Program provides nursing education in our community with the goal of preparing graduates who are empowered with the knowledge, skills, attitude, and values required to deliver competent, entry-level practical nursing care to all persons along the healthcare continuum.
The Practical Nursing program is offered at the 糖心vlog官网 Rolla Main location at the Rolla Technical Center and in Washington at Four Rivers Career Center.
The program combines theory and clinical education to prepare students to work in a variety of healthcare arenas such as hospitals, long-term care settings, out-patient surgery centers or rehabilitation centers, community health, industrial or school nursing, clinics and physician offices.
The purpose of practical nursing is designed to assist students to acquire the attitudes, skills, and knowledge essential to the role of the competent practical nurse. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates receive a certificate of graduation and are qualified to apply to sit for the national licensure examination (NCLEX-PN).
The classroom and clinical components of the curriculum are interrelated to provide a strong background for the student in attaining the objectives of the program and in becoming a safe and competent practitioner.
Those persons considering a career in nursing should have an interest in health sciences and in working closely with people. In addition, they should be able to meet the academic demands of a program that requires a commitment of time, energy, and motivation. In order to achieve success in the nursing program, a student is expected to spend an additional average of 20-30 hours per week outside of class studying, practicing, and preparing.
A selective admission process is utilized. Students are accepted based on academic points. All applicants take a HESI LPN-A2 admission test. Details regarding the test, score requirements, and registration for the test can be found on this website. Admission criteria and the selection process is outlined in the Admissions tab.
Admission is contingent upon a successful drug screen and criminal background check. Applicants with a prior criminal history should review the Missouri State Board of Nursing Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Prior Criminal History found in the Admissions tab.
Successful completion of the nursing program DOES NOT guarantee eligibility to take the licensure examination. Since one of the functions of the Missouri State Board of Nursing is to protect the public, the Board may refuse licensure to applicants who may jeopardize the well-being of Missouri citizens. The Missouri State Board of Nursing may also refuse to grant the student permission to take licensing exams or refuse to issue any certificate of registration of authority, permit, or license for the cause(s) outlined in the Missouri State Nurse Practice Act Chapter 335.066 RSMO, as amended.
The 糖心vlog官网 Practical Nursing Program has the full approval of the Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN).
The Practical Nursing program at 糖心vlog官网 meets the state education requirements to be a licensed practical nurse in the state of Missouri. Upon completion of the program, graduates may sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing NCLEX-PN exam. Individual state boards of nursing have specific licensure and educational requirements. Information regarding licensing and education requirements in other states may be requested from the 糖心vlog官网 Nursing Program Director or the board of nursing in the state where the applicant wishes to practice.
Additional Information & Helpful Links:
Scholarships: Applications are available online only at:
Request information about Licensed Practical Nursing
Admissions
To enter this course of study, students must meet these institution and program-specific criteria:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation must be sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission to 糖心vlog官网
- A placement test as specified by the college (some coursework requires minimum placement results)
- Cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or greater
- Completion of prerequisites with a 鈥淐鈥� or better
- HESI LPN-A2 Exam with a score of 77 or greater in Reading Comprehension within the last 2 years
- Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screening once accepted to the program
Nursing Program Admissions Tests 鈥� HESI PN-A2
- Practical Nursing: HESI LPN-A2 *Due May 1, 2026
- HESI LPN-A2 FAQs and Registration Procedure
- Course Catalog
- Practical Nursing Student Handbook 2025-2026
Application Information:
糖心vlog官网 Practical Nursing Program Application 2026
*Due May 1, 2026
All applicants are required to attend a program informational session. Information will be presented regarding the selection process and student expectations upon acceptance into the program. Applicants will complete a 10-question quiz covering basic mathematics concepts. There will also be an opportunity to meet with faculty and ask questions.
Rolla Site will be held May 14, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Rolla Main Campus located at 500 Forum Drive, Rolla, MO in room 146.
Washington Site will May 14, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Four Rivers Career Center located at 1978 Image Drive, Washington, MO in room 1212
Additional Information & Links:
Degrees & Certificates
Licensed Practical Nursing Fact Sheet
Practical Nursing Curriculum Outcome Measures
Upon completion of the 糖心vlog官网 program of practical nursing, the graduate practical nurse shall:
- Provide safe, evidence-based, client-centered nursing care utilizing the nursing process to restore, promote,
and maintain both physical and mental health throughout the lifespan in diversified healthcare settings. - Use clinical reasoning to make sound clinical judgement regarding care decisions within the scope of
practice of the Practical Nurse. - Collaborate with the interprofessional team, the client, and the client鈥檚 support system utilizing therapeutic
communication. - Functions as a valued member of the profession of nursing.
Program Contact
For additional information, please contact any of the following individuals:
Michelle Chick, MSN, RN
Practical Nursing Program Director
糖心vlog官网 鈥� Rolla Main 鈥� Office 102B
500 Forum Drive
Rolla, MO 65401
573-899-8056
michelle.chick@eastcentral.edu
Jessica Fisher, MSN, RN
Practical Nursing Program Coordinator 鈥� Rolla
糖心vlog官网 鈥� Rolla Main-Office 102A
500 Forum Drive
Rolla, MO 65401
573-899-8057
jessica.fisher@eastcentral.edu
Heather Foster, MSN, RN
Practical Nursing Program Coordinator 鈥� Washington
Four Rivers Career Center
1978 Image Drive
Washington, MO 63090
Heather.foster@eastcentral.edu
Dr. Nancy Mitchell, EdD, MSN, RN
Dean of Health Sciences
Health Science Building -Suite 105
1964 Prairie Dell Road
Union, MO 63084
636-584-6616
nancy.mitchell@eastcentral.edu
Judy Bieker, MSN, RN
Health Sciences Career Navigator & Advisor
636-584-6620
judy.bieker@eastcentral.edu
Julie Beck
Program Assistant for Allied Health
Health Science Building 鈥� Suite 105
1964 Prairie Dell Road
Union, MO 63084
636-584-6616
julie.beck@eastcentral.edu
General office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday *8:30 a.m.鈥�3:30 p.m.
Employment Opportunities and Salary Information
Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (LPNs and LVNs) is projected to grow 9 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs and LVNs will be needed in residential care facilities and in-home health environments to care for older patients.
In addition, many procedures that once could be done only in hospitals are now being done outside of hospitals, creating demand in other settings, such as outpatient care centers. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook) Individual salaries vary by geographic location, amount of education and experience, and the type and size of the employer. On average, an LPN will start with an annual salary of $35,000-$65,000. For more information about a career in licensed practical nursing please refer to the
Career Opportunities Practical Nursing
- Hospitals
- Community or Public Health
- Home Health
- Outpatient surgical centers
- Clinics & Physician Offices
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Industrial or school nursing
