Practical Nursing
The Practical Nursing program is one year in length and includes 32 credits. The program is approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing and has applied for Candidacy with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Students are admitted to the program every fall at the Eau Claire campus.
Students develop the knowledge and skills required by a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in today's rapidly changing healthcare environment. Students gain an understanding of the LPN's role in the management and care of patients with a variety of health conditions and learn about the roles and responsibilities of delegation and supervision within the LPN scope of practice.
The nursing program includes theory, lab, and clinical courses. Courses are offered in a traditional face - to - face format and also in a hybrid or blended format (i.e., a combination of both online and face - to - face). Theory courses provide the foundational information needed to provide safe and effective nursing care. Lab courses are designed to assist students in developing competence in the performance of nursing skills. Faculty demonstrate skills, supervise practice, and evaluate competence in the performance of skills. In clinical courses, students progress from providing basic nursing care for individual patients to managing multiple patients with acute health conditions in a variety of healthcare settings.
The simulation lab is also incorporated into courses to allow students the opportunity to use critical thinking and apply their nursing knowledge to simulated patient care in a safe environment.
Upon successful completion of the one - year program, students receive a Practical Nursing Degree from CVTC and are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse (NCLEX - PN). If approved by the State Board of Nursing and successful on the licensure examination, students may then be employed as an LPN.
Students must complete the following Admission Requirements before starting the Practical Nursing Academy.
- 543 - 300 Nursing Assistant*
- 806 - 177 General Anatomy & Physiology (high school or college chemistry with a "C" or better or 836 - 133 Prep for Basic Chemistry is a prerequisite)*
- 809 - 188 Developmental Psychology
- 801 - 136 English Composition 1 or 801 - 219 English Composition 1
- 801 - 196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication or 801 - 198 Speech
August 25 - December 12, 2025
Date: TBD | Time: TBD
| Course Title | Course Schedule |
Nursing Fundamentals 2 Credits | August 25 - December 12, 2025 Date: TBD | Time: TBD |
Nursing Skills 3 Credits | August 25 - December 12, 2025 Date: TBD | Time: TBD |
Nursing Pharmacology 2 Credits | August 25 - December 12, 2025 Date: TBD | Time: TBD |
Nursing: Intro to Clinical Practice 2 Credits | September - December 12, 2025 |
| Nursing Health Alterations 3 Credits | January 26 - May 22, 2026 Date: TBD | Time: TBD |
| Nursing Health Promotions 3 credits | January 26 - May 22, 2026 Date: TBD | Time: TBD |
| Nursing Clinical Care Across Lifespan 2 Credits | March - May 2026 Date: TBD | Time: TBD |
| Nursing Intro to Clinical Care Mgt. 2 Credits | January - April 2026 Date: TBD | Time: TBD |
Course Descriptions
543 - 101 Nursing Fundamentals (2 Credits)
This course focuses on basic nursing concepts that the beginning nurse will need to provide care to diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Current and historical issues impacting nursing will be explored within the scope of nursing practice. The nursing process will be introduced as a framework for organizing the are of patients with alterations in cognition, elimination, comfort, grief/loss, mobility, integument, and fluid/electrolyte balance. Note: For online offerings of this course: Online test dates are announced/posted in advance for students. Faculty will list in syllabus how far ahead students may work in an online course. Online courses are not self - paced or independent study. Faculty will list in the syllabus use of acceptable proctors. Faculty will not leave tests open more then one day unless pre - arranged and agreed upon in advance.
543 - 102 Nursing Skills (3 Credits)
This course focuses on development of clinical skills and physical assessment across the lifespan. Content includes mathematic calculations and conversations related to clinical skills, blood pressure assessment, aseptic technique, wound care, oxygen administration, tracheostomy care, suctioning, management of enteral tubes, basic medication administration, glucose testing, enemas, ostomy care, and catheterization. In addition the course includes techniques related to obtaining a health history and basic physical assessment skills using a body systems approach.
543 - 104 NSG: Intro Clinical Practice (2 Credits)
This introductory clinical course emphasizes basic nursing skills and application of the nursing process in meeting the needs of diverse clients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed of performing basic nursing skills, the formation of nurse - client relationships, communication, data collection, documentation, and medication administration.
543 - 103 Nursing Pharmacology (2 Credits)
This course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. Emphasis is on the use of the components of the nursing process when administering medications. Note: For online offerings of this course: Online test dates are announced/posted in advance for students. Faculty will list in the syllabus how far ahead students may work in an online course. Online courses are not self - paced or independent study. Faculty will list in the syllabus the use of acceptable proctors. Faculty will not leave tests open more than one day unless pre - arranged and agreed upon in advance.
543 - 105 Nursing Health Alterations (3 Credits)
This course elaborates upon the basic concepts of health and illness as presented in Nursing Fundamentals. It applies theories of nursing in the care of clients through the lifespan, utilizing problem solving and critical thinking. This course will provide an opportunity to study conditions affecting different body systems and apply therapeutic nursing interventions. It will also introduce concepts of leadership, team building, and scope of practice.
543 - 106 Nursing Health Promotion (3 Credits)
This course will cover topics related to health promotion in the context of the family throughout the lifespan. We will cover nursing care of the developing family, which includes reproductive issues, pregnancy, labor and deliver, post - partum, the newborn, and the child. Recognizing the spectrum of health families we will discern patterns associated with adaptive and maladaptive behaviors applying mental health principles. An emphasis is placed on teaching and supporting healthy lifestyle choices for individuals of all ages. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, empowerment, and risk reduction practices are highlighted.
543 - 107 NSG: Clin Care Across Lifespan (2 Credits)
This clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic interventions to clients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to concepts of teaching and learning. Extending care to include the family is emphasized.
543 - 108 NSG: Intro Clinical Care Mgt (2 Credits)
This clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic nursing interventions to groups of clients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to leadership, management, and team building.
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Ready to apply for this high school academy?
Apply NowStill have questions? Please contact our HS Academies Team at 715-852-1365 for more information.
Learn more about CVTC High School Academies at cvtc.edu/HSAcademies