Practical Nursing
Technical Diploma — Downtown Milwaukee Campus

Program code: 31-543-1

This curriculum goes into effect starting with the summer 2008 semester.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

Overview — In just two semesters, the Practical Nursing program exposes you to a variety of classroom and clinical experiences to prepare you for employment in nursing homes, hospitals and other health care settings. The curriculum features a variety of teaching/learning methods, hands-on skills practice in the college’s well-equipped nursing laboratory, and supervised patient care in nursing homes and hospitals. This program is flexible; it may be taken on a part-time basis and runs just two semesters in length. Upon completion of this National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredited program, you will be eligible to take the Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Career Outlook — Licensed practical nurses are in high demand. Typical job duties include observing and reporting physical symptoms and changes in patients, administering and recording medications, assisting the physician with treatments and examinations, orienting and training unlicensed personnel, and helping patients with activities of daily living.

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — Upon graduation, employers will expect you to:

• Adhere to professional standards of practice for LPNs
• Use effective communications skills
• Assist with the health assessment of individuals, families and groups
• Participate in clinical decision-making within the LPN scope of practice
• Provide safe, caring interventions with diverse populations
• Use principles of teaching and learning processes to reinforce teaching plans
• Work cooperatively with other health professionals
• Under supervision, manage and direct care within and across health care settings according to established protocols

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:

• A high school diploma or GED
• One year of high school-level biology with a grade of C or better.
• Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment
• Good health, as evidenced by a medical examination
• Proper immunizations
• Documentation that the Essential Job Functions have been reviewed. This is in keeping with the requirements of the federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Documentation of compliance with Wisconsin’s Caregiver Law.
• Successful completion of a Nursing Assistant course.

To be successful in the program, you must be able to work under stress; have empathy for people from all walks of life, all ages, and different cultural backgrounds; and be able to carry out physically taxing skills, such as lifting and moving patients.

Future Opportunities — Upon completion of this program, you may pursue your RN degree through programs such as MATC’s LPN-RN Educational Progression.

Possible Careers:

Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse (with additional education and training)

Related Programs:

Practical Nursing — RN Educational Progression
Registered Nursing

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2008-2009. 

Hours per Week: c = clinical, r = related, s = shop, c = clinical 

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

‡ Prerequisite Required.

For course descriptions, times and locations of classes, visit INFOnline.