Program Details
Program Details
  • Your closest Community College is
    • Update The Zipcode (N/A)
Use this dropdown to update your zip code

Program Details

Certificate in Practical Nursing

Certificate
Laurel Ridge Community College

This program prepares students to work as a beginning member of a health care team. Completers are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN leading to a practical nurse license.


Program Overview & Guidance
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Program Web Page
Click here for details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree This certificate is designed to prepare beginning practitioners with the knowledge and skill to care for patients of all age groups and to qualify as contributing members of the health care team. Students who successfully complete the curriculum are awarded a certification in practical nursing and are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) leading to a license as a practical nurse.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Laurel Ridge Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses This program is G3 eligible. IN-DEMAND credentials and education programs that are eligible for more funding than ever before through the G3 Scholarship. This is a competetive enrollment program, meaning students must apply and be accepted in order to complete the program. Not all applicants will be accepted. The application includes course and GPA requirements, an entrance exam, physical examination, immunications, criminal background check, drug screening, and more. For full details please visit our website.
Doing More With Your Degree Students with a current, unrestricted LPN license can go on to complete our Associate Degree in Nursing in preparation to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Program Successes & Highlights The Practical Nursing program is approved by the VCCS and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Related Programs & Certifications
Expand or Shrink Accordion
On Completion You Are Ready For
Credential
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing
Link
On Completion You Are Ready For
Credential
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing: Advanced Placement Option for Licensed Practical Nurses
Link
Credential That Prepares You For This Program
Credential
Career Studies Certificate in Patient Care Technician/Nurse Aide
Link
Certifications You Can Now Complete
Certified Nurse Aide
Program Credit Requirements
Expand or Shrink Accordion
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Certificate in Practical Nursing
47
Certificate in Practical Nursing
47
Course Grad Req 157 (2024-25 Catalog)
47
1st Semester Requirements
19
Student Development Requirement
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
BIO 145 Requirement
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
BIO 141 and BIO 142 are required for continuing nursing education past the LPN level.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PNE 161 Requirement
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PNE 174 Requirement
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PSY 230 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
2nd Semester Requirements
15
PNE 136 Requirement
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PNE 162 Requirement
11
Earn 11 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
3rd Semester Requirements
13
PNE 158 Requirement
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PNE 164 Requirement
10
Earn 10 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PNE 175 Requirement
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Residency
47
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 35 credits may be applied to this program.
GPA
47
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students transferring to Laurel Ridge with an Associate Degree or higher already completed will be able to transfer in applicable credits to their degree and will have SDV 100 waived.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Laurel Ridge does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning https://laurelridge.edu/credit-for-prior-learning/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Laurel Ridge Community College
College Level Information
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market. We offer many courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. Our student life team offers many ways for students to get involved including clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities.
Transfer Student Catalog Year The catalog year in effect at the time a student was formally admitted into their curriculum at Laurel Ridge.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog placement is tied to semester start selected in the application.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://laurelridge.edu/transfer/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
Expand or Shrink Accordion
This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Registered Nursing (RN) - Advanced Placement Option (APO)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing - Hybrid Distance EducationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeNursing, A.A.S.AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Nursing AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Rappahannock Community CollegeAAS Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-BSN SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate in Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Lpn To Rn - NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science with a major in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing-TradAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Danville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies - Specialization Pre-BSNAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies -Specialization in Criminal JusticeAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Mountain Empire Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Patrick & Henry Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College Associate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Professional Nursing - Registered NurseAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
Expand or Shrink Accordion
O*Net Code Name Description Parent
29-2061.00Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational NursesCare 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.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
31-1131.00Nursing AssistantsProvide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.Healthcare Support Occupations
29-1141.01Acute Care NursesProvide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1141.02Advanced Practice Psychiatric NursesAssess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1141.04Clinical Nurse SpecialistsDirect nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1141.03Critical Care NursesProvide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
25-1072.00Nursing Instructors and Teachers, PostsecondaryDemonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
29-1141.00Registered NursesAssess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
Cost To Complete
Expand or Shrink Accordion

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 47 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Certificate in Practical Nursing at Laurel Ridge Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 3 semesters or 1.5 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $163 Per Credit $7,661 $0 $7,661
Fees
Student Activity Fee $2 Per Credit $94 0 $94
Auxiliary Fee $4 Per Credit $188 0 $188
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Some courses include materials fees in the cost of tuition or use free materials, and other courses require students to purchase texbooks or other materials. Laurel Ridge does not charge fees for parking or graduation. Tuition and fees are the same regardless of whether students attend online or in person. Tuition and Fees are subject to change.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.
Ready To Enroll?
  • Find the program you want and apply here.
    • OR
  • Contact a navigator using the form below and they will guide you through the enrollment process.