Practical Nursing Program
Program Description
Begin your nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) through the Â鶹´«Ã½AV College of Technology Practical Nursing Program. Our program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors necessary to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care across a variety of healthcare settings.
As a student in our state-of-the-art facilities, you will learn from experienced nursing faculty while earning an Intermediate Technical Certificate and preparing to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
The curriculum combines:
- Begin Classroom instruction
- Hands-on laboratory and simulation practice
- Supervised clinical experiences
This well-rounded approach ensures graduates are competent, confident, and job-ready to meet the demands of today’s healthcare environment. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, communication, collaboration, patient safety, and culturally-competent, patient-centered care.
Upon successful completion of the program and licensure requirements, graduates are prepared to work as skilled practical nurses in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physicians’ offices, and community health agencies.
If your career goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN), ISU also offers a well-regarded LPN-to-RN Bridge Program, making this an excellent starting point for your nursing journey.
Career Opportunities
Average Salary $61,720 Idaho $62,340 National
* Source:
95% Five Year Placement Rate
- Medical offices
- Hospitals
- Nursing and hospice care facilities
- Home health care agencies
- Temporary worker agencies
Financial Aid Options
Program -specific scholarships are available
Bengal Online Scholarship System (BOSS)
Study in your home community
The ISU Practical nursing program offers cohorts in Pocatello, Soda Springs, Montpelier, Preston, & Malad.
Credit for Prior Learning
The ISU College of Technology recognizes the value of prior learning and professional experience. Students with documented medic or corpsman experience and training may be eligible to receive credit toward program requirements
Program Overview
- Upon acceptance into the LPN program, the 11-month program begins in August and ends the following July
- With 42 credits of coursework, the ISU LPN program meets the requirements to obtain an Intermediate Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing. Coursework may be completed in 3-4 semesters, including prerequisites. Many prerequisite courses may be taken as dual credit in high school.
- Hours spent in the clinical setting vary from semester to semester and may require evening or weekend rotations
- Program has a competitive Admission Process
- Upon successful completion of coursework, students may sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
- Program is located in Roy F. Christensen Complex (RFC), Building #48,
Degree Options
Practical Nursing Intermediate Technical Certificate (3 to 4 Semesters)
Completion of this certificate program entitles the student to pursue additional coursework to receive the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. For special application procedures contact College of Technology Student Services at 208-282-2622.
Minimum Test Scores
| Test | Score |
| rSAT | Math: 430 |
| ACT | Math: 16 |
| ALEKS | Math: 14 |
Career Ladder Possibilities
Program Requirements
The following criteria must be complete or nearly complete prior to application for admission (Due in January) into the Practical Nursing program:
- All students must first be admitted to the university. For information on university admissions, contact the College of Technology Student Services office at (208) 282-2622.
- Completion of the following prerequisite courses or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better.
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.0
- TEAS score 58.7 or higher
- Current Certified Nursing Assistant card OR JST verification of medic/corpsman
- On-line Dosage Calculation Math Course from Workforce Training
- Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross
- Current immunization and good health status per clinical facility policy.
- Background check and drug screening per department policy, upon acceptance into the program.
- Travel to and from campus and clinical sites may be required
Upon completion, or near completion of the above criteria, submit an application to the College of Technology Student Services Office (208) 282-2622. Once application is submitted and complete, and eligibility verified, the candidate will take a nationally normed admission test that determines the students overall academic readiness to perform effectively in a nursing program. This test includes reading, math, writing and science. These scores are combined with cumulative GPA earned (includes all post secondary coursework), years of work experience as a CNA as documented from previous or current employer to rank-order applicants for each admission class.