Practical Nursing Program
Purpose & Philosophy

The Practical Nursing (PN) faculty and staff support the mission, values, and goals of Chester Career College and strive to seek to provide education excellence in entry level nursing while also promoting professionalism, personal accountability, personal and professional development and encourage life-long learning. The PN Program’s purpose is intended to prepare candidates to practice as competent entry level practitioners under the direction of the registered nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, or other care professionals as authorized by law to provide supervision as determined by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Statutes and Regulations. A comprehensive exam must be taken and passed in order to successfully complete the PN Program. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, graduates can petition to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). After passing the examination, graduates will carry the title Licensed Practical Nurse and will qualify to work as an entry-level practitioner.

Practical Nursing

Chester Career College offers students the opportunity to train for a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).  As a LPN you will be responsible for providing patients with basic nursing care such as patient/family teaching, collecting samples for testing, feeding patients who need help with eating and much more.  LPN’s work in many different health-care settings such as; but not limited to; rehabilitation and long term care facilities, hospitals, physician offices, private homes, correctional facilities, and clinics.

U.S. Department of Labor estimates employment of LPN’s is expected to increase by 22% from 2010-2020 faster than the average for all occupations.  LPN’s work under the direction of Registered Nurses and Physicians where they, measure and record patient’s vital signs, prepare and administer medications, and monitor patient’s food and fluid intake and output. LPN’s are also responsible for monitoring patients and reporting any adverse reactions to medications and/or treatment.

Chester Career College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The Practical Nursing Program, however, is not accredited by a nursing education accrediting body. This program is not required to be accredited by a nursing education accrediting body. Students who successfully complete this program may petition to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). After passing this examination, graduates will carry the title Licensed Practical Nurse and will qualify to work as an entry-level practitioner.

Timeframe for taking NCLEX

The purpose of the Practical Nursing Program is to prepare a student who is clinically competent and capable of functioning as a member of the health care team in compliance with the educational preparation and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Statutes and Regulations. To function effectively in this capacity, program graduates must have current and relevant knowledge in the field of nursing, which is constantly changing and evolving. In order to ensure that educational training is current and relevant, program graduates must take the NCLEX within 6 months of graduation.

Any student who successfully completes the Practical Nursing Program but fails to take the NCLEX within the 6-month timeframe may schedule a meeting with the Program Director to discuss opportunities to refresh skills and knowledge prior to taking the exam if it has been less than one year since completion of the program. Students may be required to repeat part or all of the program. The student will not be charged for repeating any required courses, but must pass each phase of retraining in accordance with the academic requirements at the time of retraining.