Practical Nursing (CAS)
FVCC’s Practical Nursing (LPN) program provides students with the foundational clinical skills and scientific knowledge required to provide high-quality care to diverse patient populations. Approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing, this program emphasizes nursing judgment, safety and professional ethics. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment in clinics, long-term care and rural hospitals and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN national licensure exam.
Certificate of Applied Science
Length: 3 semesters
This 41-credit certificate is a fast-paced program consisting of one semester of prerequisites followed by two intensive semesters of nursing coursework. The curriculum covers essential areas such as pharmacology, adult health, gerontology and maternal-child nursing, all supported by hands-on clinical rotations.
The simulations that our teachers create and that ability for us to practice our critical thinking and practice our skills in a safe environment is some of the most useful traning that I have received.
Livia Jackola
Nursing Student
Our Practical Nursing program prepares students for real-world care through small cohorts, personalized instruction and hands-on learning. Using realistic simulated scenarios, FVCC faculty give students a safe place to build the skills and confidence they need before caring for patients.
Carla Genovese, MSN, CNE, CCRN
Nursing Program Director
Carla Genovese
Program Director, Nursing
Applications for formal acceptance into the practical nursing program are accepted once a year. Applications are available in “Program Documents” at the bottom of this page. In order to be considered for acceptance into the practical nursing program, the student must have:
- Completed or be currently enrolled in and complete all of the following required prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher (“C-” will not be accepted) BIOH 104, M 094~, PSYX 100, and WRIT 101
- Selective GPA of at least 2.50 (out of 4.0 scale) in the prerequisite courses
- Completed the human biology course within five years of admission date. Individuals may request evaluation by the nursing program director for a possible exception
- Certificate status at FVCC with all required records on file
- Taken the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam as part of the application process
- Signed application and $20.00 non-refundable processing fee receipt
- Provided proof of current personal health insurance policy (FVCC Student Health Center does not meet this requirement.), completed a background check, and provided proof of immunizations required to finalize the acceptance process.
The FVCC Practical Nursing program is also approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing, which is required for graduates of the program to be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) licensing exam.
Outcomes
The FVCC PN program consistently exceeds the national average on first time NCLEX pass rates. More information can be found on the Montana Board of Nursing website.