Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. They provide basic bedside care, which can include:
- Function in the role of charge nurse providing supervision and delegation to CNAs in long term care settings
- Applies nursing skills, concepts and judgment in selected clinical settings
- Performs a variety of basic procedures based on sound scientific evidence
- Starts and monitors select IV fluids to include fluids for hydration and antibiotics
- Monitors, measures and performs dressing changes for a variety of wounds
- Administers medication via a variety of different routes: oral, intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular
- Coordinates care with other disciplines to revolve around a patient-centered approach
- Knowledge of and performance of activities of daily living to promote health maintenance and promotion
- Teaches the client and family skills and practices which can be used following discharge
- Administers palliative care and provides support and comfort to the client and family when death is the inevitable outcome
- Assist in the development of care plans and assuring compliance
- Potential for advancing to management in long term care or selected settings
In one year you will gain quick entry into the nursing field from an accredited practical nursing program and you'll receive hands-on experience and excellent instruction in our state-of-the-art Health Science Institute.
Professional Certification/Licensure
In addition, you'll be prepared to take the National Council of State Boards of Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Completing the program does not guarantee licensing from the State Board of Nursing. For additional information visit the Missouri State Board of Nursing website.
Accreditation
MCC-Penn Valley
Full approval by Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBON)
3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 656
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656
573.751.0681 Telephone
573.751.0075 Fax
800.735.2966 TTY
800.735.2466 Voice
pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp
To send comments about the program to the Missouri State Board of Nursing, email pv.nursing@mcckc.edu or call 816.604.4175.
Careers
What LPNs do: Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required. (O-NET).
Faster than average projected growth employment from 2022-2032 for Licensed Practical
and Licensed Vocational Nurses with an annual median salary of $56,030 in Missouri.
Visit Occupational Information Network (O*NET) to view salary information, employment outlook and personal characteristics needed for this career.
Program costs
| Credit hours needed | 52.5 - 56.5 |
|---|---|
| In District cost per credit hour $121 | $6,352.50-$6,836.50 |
| Out of District / Metro Rate cost per credit hour $237 | $12,442.50-$13,390.50 |
| Out of State / International cost per credit hour $320 | $16,800.00-$18,080.00 |
| Other Fees | |
| Books | $1,000.00 |
| Supplies (scrubs, practice bag, stethoscope, etc.) | $500.00 |
| EHR GO Perfect EHR per the program | $120.00 |
| $400.00 per course for program fees | $4,000.00 |
| Immunizations (varies) | n/a |
| Clinical Student (Background check) | $130.00 |
| Family Safety Care Registry: (Student must obtain) | $15.00 |
| NCLEX fee (Pearson VUE testing) | $200.00 |
| Background check (Missouri State Board of Nursing requirement to be performed three months prior to graduation) | $50.00 |
| Total Program Costs | |
| In District | $12,367.50-$12,851.50 |
| Out of District / Metro Rate | $18,457.50-$19,405.50 |
| Out of State / International | $22,815.00-$24,0495.00 |
This program meets the educational requirements for national board certification and licensure for Missouri and Kansas.
Frequently asked questions
General questions
-
You can take classes during the day and earn a practical nursing certificate in less than 12 months. Our program includes 52-56 credit hours of classes, lab work and hands-on training.
-
You'll learn in the classroom and through hands-on work in our skills lab. You'll also complete clinical rotations at local hospitals and community health care facilities, such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Truman Medical Center - Hospital Hill, Truman Medical Center - Lakewood, Delmar Garden, Kindred Health Care Center and John Knox Village.
-
Many LPNs decide to further their education and earn nursing degrees. We offer a 'bridge program' that allows LPNs to easily earn an Associate Degree in Nursing. Your prior education and experience, the prerequisite courses, plus one year of advanced classes will give you the knowledge and skills to take the Registered Nursing (RN) licensing exam. If you want to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, MCC-Penn Valley has transfer agreements with several area colleges and universities.
-
You'll experience a hands-on and interactive learning environment that is both supportive and challenging. We believe in a high-tech, yet holistic approach to health care.
-
Find more information on the tuition cost page.
-
No, all admission requirements must be completed prior to making application to the program.
Application questions
-
No, all admission requirements must be completed prior to making application to the program.
-
No, applications will only be accepted during the application periods for each semester.
-
Yes, to be considered for the next semester you would need to reapply.
-
Official transcripts from all colleges that you have attended should be sent to:
MCC - Student Data Center
3200 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111 -
No, all classes taken in the MCC system are recorded on one transcript that we can access online.
Testing questions
-
The ACCUPLACER® is the entrance examination required by Metropolitan Community College to test for readiness for college-level courses.
Even if you have a degree from another college, you must take it.
-
The purpose of the ACCUPLACER is to ensure readiness for success in college courses, therefore if you are placed into developmental courses, you will need to complete those prior to applying to the nursing division.
-
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is the entrance exam for our nursing program. It tests for essential skills in reading, science, math and English and . essential skills for success in nursing school.
-
Twice in a calendar year (January - December).
-
ATI TEAS registration is completed online. Please create an account at atitesting.com, register, and pay online.
-
Please go the ATI website and shop the online store to find testing materials. ATI has a workbook and a sample online test.
-
Yes, you must upload a copy of the TEAS electronically onto radius after filling out your online application. The passing score for MCC is a total adjusted score of 58.7% on your first or second attempt.
Licensure and accreditations questions
-
We meet the highest standards in the practical nursing field. Our program has full approval by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
-
State licensure boards have the responsibility of determining that each applicant who will practice as a professional healthcare provider/nurse have good moral character.
The boards have the legal right to deny licensure to individuals found to have violated any local, state or federal law. A record of a felony conviction is a factor which must be considered by licensure boards while applying to sit for the licensure examinations.
For detailed information on this, within the State of Missouri, refer to the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 335, Section 335.066. The Missouri State Board of Nursing also has a link to the statutes. The Missouri State Board of Nursing State Licensure Information
-
Admission to and graduation from the nursing program does not ensure eligibility for state licensure, nor does it guarantee passing the licensure examination.
Any candidate for licensure who has ever been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony will be required to submit documentation of the court proceedings for that charge or conviction to the State Board of Nursing in which licensure is sought.
Upon completion of the program, the graduate is expected to file an application with the Missouri State Board of Nursing to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for the registered professional nurse.
After successful completion of the examination, a license will be granted for the graduate to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Missouri. If the student has had a criminal conviction in the past, please contact the nursing division chairperson. A conviction may delay or prevent the issuance of a license.
For further information, refer to the Statues of Missouri found in the MCC-Penn Valley associate degree nursing program student handbook or on the website of the Missouri State Board of Nursing. State licensure boards have the responsibility of determining that each applicant who will practice as a professional healthcare provider / nurse have good moral character.
The boards have the legal right to deny licensure to individuals found to have violated any local, state or federal law. A record of a felony conviction is a factor which must be considered by licensure boards while applying to sit for the licensure examinations.
For detailed information on this, within the State of Missouri, refer to the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 335 Nurses, Section 335.066 of the Missouri Nurse Practice Act. The Missouri State Board of Nursing also has a link to the statutes.
The Missouri State Board of Nursing will make the decision whether or not to allow an individual to take the licensure examination.
Questions may be directed to:
Missouri State Board of Nursing
3650 Missouri Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65102