Program Details
Certificate in Practical Nursing
CertificateSouthside Virginia Community College
The major in practical nursing is designed to prepare beginning practitioners with the knowledge and skills to care for clients of all age groups. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Utilizing the nursing process, graduates will: a. Assist in assessing the clients physical and mental health. b. Participate in planning and implementing the health care plan. c. Record and report the nursing care rendered and the clients response to care. d. Communicate effectively with clients, their families, and other members of the health care team. e. Recognize legal and self-limitations in the provision of care. f. Serve as contributing members in the community. g. Develop professionally to their fullest potential by taking advantage of available educational opportunities.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | This program is designed to prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the healthcare team, rendering direct patient care as beginning practitioners of practical nursing in a variety of health service facilities.Ê |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Additionally, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements as defined by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services.Ê |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

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.
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.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The student development (SDV 100) requirement at SVCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students earning an associate degree while in high school are not eligible for guaranteed admission programs. All courses are evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree. |
Credit for Prior Learning | We accept AP, IB, Dantes, and CLEP results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Some of main reasons that students pick SVCC are the location, affordability, and student-centered focus of the employees. SVCC is located in southside Virginia with two campuses and five off-site centers, often making it a short drive. SVCC offers small class sizes which allows for a personable experience with faculty. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance or year placement in the program of study. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance or year placement in the program of study. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at SVCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the SVCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

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 |
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Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Registered Nursing (RN) - Advanced Placement Option (APO) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing - Hybrid Distance Education | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing: Advanced Placement Option for Licensed Practical Nurses | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Nursing, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Rappahannock Community College | AAS Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-BSN Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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29-2061.00 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Care 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 |
Cost To Complete

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