LPN Curriculum

Anatomy and Physiology is the study of the structures and functions of the human body. Anatomy and Physiology I is the first of two courses that covers the basics of human anatomy and physiology including anatomical terminology, principles of chemistry and microbiology, cells, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscles, central nervous system, sensory system, endocrine system, and reproductive system. This course includes examining changes in the structure and function as they relate to disease process.

Anatomy & Physiology is the study of the structures and functions of the human body. Anatomy & Physiology II covers the gastrointestinal system, urinary system, cardiovascular system, hematologic system, respiratory system, and lymphatic system. This course includes examining changes in structure and function as they relate to disease process.

This course deals with the normal physical, psychological, and social patterns of development. Included are theory and related clinical experience in the care of mothers and newborn infants; physiology and mechanics of reproduction, pregnancy, antepartum, parturition, and post-partum. Psychosocial aspects of patient care and the concept of the family unit is emphasized. Applied Diet Therapy and Drug Therapy are included.

The Fundamentals of Nursing course provides the students with the knowledge to provide both basic and advanced nursing care to patients across the lifespan utilizing the nursing process. Nursing principles of assessment, vital signs, comfort measures, positioning, transferring, nutritional requirements, aseptic and sterile technique, death and dying, and effective communication are covered in this course. Course emphasizes the theory behind procedures, development of skills in therapeutic measures, and preparation of patients for diagnostic tests. Transcultural nursing concepts are introduced. Related clinical labs and clinical experiences are scheduled to correlate theory and practice.

The study of specific diseases and disorders affecting the central nervous system, sensory system, musculoskeletal system, endocrine system, reproductive system and integumentary system of adults and children. The course covers the symptoms, diagnostic studies, treatment regimens (including diet therapy and related pharmacology), and nursing care as it relates to the specific disorder. Mental health concepts of the adult and child are covered in this course. The nursing process is emphasized as the foundation upon which nursing care is based.

This course builds upon the study of specific diseases and disorders that affect the body systems of adults and children. The body systems covered include respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urinary, and immune. The course covers the symptoms, diagnostic studies, treatment regimens (including diet therapy and related pharmacology), and nursing care as it relates to the specific disorder. The nursing process is emphasized as the foundation upon which all nursing care is based. The course includes the study of basic leadership and management skills. Various cultural aspects will be studied, as well as community services available to the public.

Students will learn the fundamental principles of medication administration and develop the skills to administer specific drugs used in the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of disease; and the ability to implement appropriate nursing actions to maximize the desired outcomes of therapy. In Pharmacology I, students will learn safe and effective drug administration, drug calculations, appropriate assessments, and documentation, implementation, evaluation, and communication skills in a controlled laboratory setting. Course also includes various systems of measurements and the conversions between the systems. Note: Course includes 6 hours of lab and 8.5 clinical lab hours.

Safe and effective drug administration is an important component in providing high quality patient care for all nurses in all settings. To perform this vital role, the practical nurse must understand the fundamental principles of drug action; develop skills to administer specific drugs in the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of disease; develop the ability to implement appropriate nursing actions to maximize the desired outcomes of therapy; and possess the observational skills to determine patient response. The course includes the basic principles and practices for the implementation of IV therapy as mandated by 49 PA Code Regulations 21.145 and 21.203.

Safe and effective drug administration is an important component in providing high quality patient care for all nurses in all settings. To perform this vital role, the practical nurse must understand the fundamental principles of drug action; develop skills to administer specific drugs in the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of disease; develop the ability to implement appropriate nursing actions to maximize the desired outcomes of therapy; and possess the observational skills to determine patient response. Students will learn about medications and the nursing process related to the diseases processes of the following body systems; respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and urinary.

A presentation of the program of studies, rules, and regulations with a review of the Student Handbook provides the new student with insight into his/her role and responsibilities. Student is oriented to the health delivery system and preliminary preparation for Nursing Assistant certification. A brief history of nursing is also presented as part of this course.

Preparation for the world of work including job interview skills, resume writing, and professional accountability are discussed. The process of applying for licensure and the NCLEX are included in this unit. Current health care trends and basic leadership skills are taught in the classroom. Students are also scheduled for leadership clinical rotation to practice the application of these skills.

Following the completion of ATI Capstone the student practical nurse will have the opportunity to engage in Virtual- ATI, a 12-week, personalized innovative, online partnership to help prepare them for NCLEX-PN success. The student will be assigned a personal nurse educator who will work one-on-one with them to guide them through a comprehensive content review. The student will receive a “Green Light” when the Virtual-ATI nurse educator deems they are ready to pass the NCLEX-PN. This is an independent, optional experience afforded to the student practical nurse following graduation. Students are highly encouraged to actively participate in this experience; however, it is not mandatory and opting out of the experience does not prevent the student from taking their NCLEX-PN if they have successfully completed the program.

Clinical Practicum progresses from basic to complex nursing care. Each clinical practicum is planned to augment the theory component presented in a given term. Each clinical practicum is a unique entry in and of itself. Progression through these practicums requires the student to perform at a progressively more independent level. Evening clinical rotations may be necessary in the acute care setting based on the availability of the site.

Students are introduces to nursing care in a geriatric setting. This rotation provides an opportunity to practice communication skills, basic hygienic care procedures, socialization, and teamwork skills. The student will practice nursing care measures, as indicated, under close supervision. These include, but not limited to, vital signs, hygiene, transfers, and medical aspects.

Students are assigned to a long-term care facility where they will function under supervision of program faculty to give safe and efficient nursing care. The nursing process will be utilized as a basis for that care. Students begin to perform procedures using both medical and surgical aseptic techniques. Students will be introduced to administering medication in the long-term care setting. Students will also be assigned to an acute care facility where they will function under supervision of program faculty to give safe and efficient nursing care to the stable acutely ill client. Students will have the opportunity to prepare clients for specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and administer medications. This rotation is also planned to acquaint the students with various specialty units, outpatient clinics, rehabilitative services, and the emergency department. Observational experiences, as well as the care of patients with specialized nursing problems (e.g. oncology, respiratory, coronary) will be assigned during this rotation. The nursing process will be applied in each setting.

This clinical rotation in the long-term setting is designed to expose the student to the multiple roles and responsibilities of the practical nurse in a geriatric setting such as charge nurse, treatment nurse, and medication nurse. Leadership skills learned in the classroom are applied in the clinical setting.  This clinical rotation in the acute care setting is planned to provide an opportunity for the student to utilize the nursing process while caring for patients with complex nursing problems. Under supervision, the student is expected to consider legal and ethical boundaries while functioning as a member of the health care team.

The Practical Nursing program consists of 1545 hours. Students receive 768 hours of theory and 777 hours of clinical and lab experience.

This program encompasses the giving of direct patient care, recording data, performing treatments, assisting with restoration of function, and administration of medications. Practical Nursing also involves participation in assessment of planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care in all settings where nursing takes place.