Practical Nursing (LPN)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide basic patient care in various health care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health care. Responsibilities typically include individualized patient care, documentation, collaboration with other members of the healthcare team, and focused patient assessments.

The Practical Nursing Diploma is a one-year program that prepares graduates to test for the NCLEX-PN to become LPNs.

High-tech, hands-on simulation centers prepare students to work in a variety of settings and with a variety of patients or clients. Clinical experiences with qualified Nursing faculty are part of the Practical Nursing program.

Admission into the program is a competitive process.

Application Process

• Apply to Ridgewater College, be admitted, and have “Pre-Nursing” as one of your majors.
• Attend a Nursing Information Session.
• Complete prerequisite courses with a “C” or higher & earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0+ between
  those courses:
  • ENGL 1210 – College Composition 1
  • PSYC 1310 – Intro to Psychology
  • BIOL 1080 – Human Biology (or both BIOL 2100 – Human Anatomy & BIOL 2110 – Human Physiology)
  • HLTH 1130 – Medical Terminology
• Be current on the MN Nursing Assistant Registry. If you’re not on the registry, complete the Nursing Assistant course or complete the test out if you were previously on the registry. Nursing Assistant courses are available at Ridgewater through Customized Training and Continuing Education.
• Apply to the Nursing program

Program Timeline

Program Application will be available April 1 – June 1 to be considered for a Fall Start. Prerequisites must be completed upon application.  Students with prerequisites in progress may be considered if space allows.