Practical Nursing Program (Diploma -
1 Year Program)
The Nursing Programs offered by the OBC School of Nursing are four quarters that span over 44 weeks in length offering theory, nursing simulation lab, skills lab and clinical experiences. Each quarter is ten weeks of instruction with week 10 serving as final exam week. Week 11 is a make-up week. Graduates of the LPN program will be fully qualified to take the NCLEX-PN Exam to become licensed as an LPNs in Ohio and 38 additional states as part of the Multi-State Compact License.
Admission to the OBC Practical Nursing Program
If you intend to enroll in Practical Nursing School at OBC, you must meet several requirements. For example, you must pass a criminal record check and drug screen, have at least a 2.0 grade average in any previous academic work, and meet or exceed the currently required score on the entrance assessment. A few other initial steps you will take to get enrolled include:
- Apply for admission to OBC School of Nursing
- Visit our Lorain County Campus
- Complete your application and submit the registration fee
- Provide OBC with high-school transcripts, GED certification, and prior college transcripts
- Meet with a representative from admissions at OBC
- Meet with a financial aid administrator
- Complete your entrance assessment
- Complete health screenings and submit records
- Schedule classes, order textbooks, and attend orientation
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What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do?
OBC's School of Nursing offers a Practical Nursing diploma and the skills needed to pass your National Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN®) to obtain your LPN license. LPNs work under the direction of a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse. As an LPN, you will be capable of performing essential nursing skills within a healthcare setting including:
- Maintaining patient records
- Initiate, support, and monitor IVs within the LPN Scope of Practice
- Provide Individualized patient care
- Documenting patient health attributes after observation
- Assisting with procedures and tests
- Utilize medical technology and equipment to provide individualized patient care
- Work as part of a healthcare team to provide quality care to patients and their families
- Administer medications and treatments
An LPN's job role and the tasks involved can vary depending on the setting and scenario. You may be tasked with administrative duties, assisting supervisors, or providing patient care directly.
Skills and Essential Abilities Required in Practical Nursing School
Much like when you arrive in your eventual career, your time spent in Practical Nursing School will require specific cognitive, academic, and physical abilities. Having these abilities can make it easier for you to complete the Practical Nursing program, but would also make it easier for you upon graduation once you enter a career role. A few of the abilities a prospective LPN student should possess include:
- Working in a team setting, collaborating with members of the health care team to make safe decisions, and applying clinical judgment under stress
- Coping with patient demands and clinical situations that can be high risk to both patients and staff members
- Sitting, standing, and walking for long periods
- Tolerant of strong odors and visibly unpleasant situations
- Ability to carry, lift, or even push and pull up to 50 pounds
- Provide compassionate and individualized patient care to diverse patient populations
- Communicate clearly to engage in professional dialogue
Practical Nursing Curriculum
The fast-track Practical Nursing Program at OBC is 70 full credits with 440 clock hours in Theory, 330 clock hours in Clinical, and 300 clock hours in Skills and Simulation Lab. Each quarter in the four-quarter program is 10 weeks long with an 11th week reserved for make-up learning and final exams. Below is a brief overview of the LPN courses required to obtain your Practical Nursing diploma.
Quarter 1
PN 110 Anatomy & Physiology for the PN
PN 120 Clinical Judgment for the Practical Nurse
PN 130 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing I
PN 140 Practical Nursing Care of the Elderly Patient
Quarter 2
PN 210 Calculating Dosages for the Practical Nurse
PN 220 IV Therapy for the Practical Nurse
PN 230 Fundamentals of Practical Nursing II
Quarter 3
PN 310 Practical Nursing Care of the Reproducing Family
PN 320 Practical Nursing Care of Adults I
PN 330 Mental Health Practical Nursing
Quarter 4
PN 410 Preparation for Practical Nursing Practice
PN 420 Practical Nursing Care of Adults II
PN 430 Practical Nursing Care of Children
Each of the nursing courses will expose you to a specific fundamental aspect of providing care as a practical nurse. For example:
- Clinical Judgement for the Practical Nurse helps you think like a nurse using critical thinking and strategies to administer care safely in the healthcare environment
- IV Therapy for the Practical Nurse exposes you to intravenous therapy, psychomotor skills used, and hands-on learning initiatives
- Practical Nursing Care of the Elderly Patient gives you the fundamental concepts to understand the nuances that can come along with working with elderly patients
Every new LPN course offers a unique opportunity to hone your knowledge base and skills that you will apply later in your career.
Future Outlook of the Practical Nursing Career
Once you train to be a nurse with a fast-track LPN training program at the OBC, you are equipped to step into a career in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook, a growth of 3 percent is expected between 2024 and 2034, which equates to adding around 17,100 new jobs in addition to the 651,400 already available. Some of that demand is expected to be driven by LPNs who move up to different occupations, retire, or otherwise leave their positions.
Changing demographics signal a need for more LPNs to care for the aging population. It has been estimated that the ratio of potential caregivers to the people most likely to need care, the elderly population, will decrease significantly by 2034. The result of this is employers needing help seeking skilled LPNs.
Pay Expectations for Practical Nursing (LPN) Jobs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for Licensed Practical Nurses is about $54,620 per year. When you’re just starting out, you can expect to earn less as you gain experience. LPNs at the lower end of the pay scale earn around $40,490, while those at the higher end can earn over $72,650. As you build experience and move into different healthcare settings, your earning potential can grow.
Career Opportunities with a Practical Nursing Diploma
Upon completion of the LPN Program and successfully passing your NCLEX-PN, you can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Assisted-living facilities
- Public school systems
- Correctional facilities
- General and Specialty Clinics
- Home Health
- Hospice Programs
Many nurses enjoy the vast career opportunities their licenses afford them and take advantage of exploring multiple roles and healthcare settings throughout their careers.
Ready to get started on your path toward a diploma in Practical Nursing? Let us help you prepare for your future career! Request more info here to help you get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does the Practical Nursing program at OBC actually cost?
The number from the net price calculator can look high because it includes living costs like rent and food, not just tuition. The Practical Nursing program itself is lower than that total, and many students use financial aid to cut down what they pay. To see your real cost, use OBC’s calculator and then ask for a monthly estimate: https://obc.edu/net-price-calculator/
Can I start at the OBC School of Nursing anytime?
The start dates at OBC for the practical nursing classes are offered 4 times per year. For more information, contact admissions.
Is the Practical Nursing program at OBC approved?
Yes. The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
Do Practical Nursing students get help finding jobs after graduation?
Yes. Nursing students get support with job search, resume prep, and interview practice. Career services can also point you to local healthcare employers that are hiring new grads.
Where Can I Train for the LPN program?
You can train to become an LPN at our Lorain County campus. The program includes hands-on labs where you work with real patients and complete patient rounds. This helps you build job-ready skills in a local setting.