Practical Nursing

The practical nursing program will prepare you for entry-level employment in the health care field. This program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Coursework includes standard class work, laboratory simulation, and clinical education. The course schedule is rigid and must be taken in a specific order to progress.

My nursing Journey is a true testament to perseverance, determination, and never giving up on your dreams. My story did not begin with success. In fact, I was unsuccessful in nursing school twice before finally achieving my goal of becoming a nurse. Those setbacks were some of the most challenging moments of my life, but they taught me lessons that I carry with me every single day. I refused to allow failure to define my future, and looking back, I realize that those obstacles were preparing me for a much greater purpose.

National Park College played a major role in shaping me into the nurse and educator I am today. As a former student in the Practical Nurse Program at NPC, I experienced firsthand the dedication, encouragement, and high expectations that the faculty had for their students. NPC did more than prepare me to pass the NCLEX. It helped me develop the confidence, critical thinking skills, compassion, and work ethic needed to become a successful nurse.

After becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2021, I continued my education and earned my Associate's degree and RN license in 2023. Throughout my nursing career, I have gained experience in long-term care, nursing leadership, and emergency nursing. Each of these experiences has helped me grow both personally and professionally, but my passion for nursing education has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career. 

Today, I have the incredible privilege of serving as a Practical Nurse Program Instructor at National Park College, teaching in the very same program where I was once a student. To go from failing nursing school to standing at the front of the classroom teaching future nurses is truly a full-circle moment. I once sat in these same classrooms, faced those same challenges, and wondered whether I would ever reach my goals. Now, I get to be the person encouraging students who may be questioning themselves just as I once did.

My experiences have shaped the way I teach. I understand that nursing school is not easy, and I know what it feels like to struggle. I hold my students to high standards because I know what they are capable of, but I also want them to know that one failed exam, one difficult semester, or even one setback does not determine their future. Sometimes the journey may take a little longer than expected, and this is perfectly okay. 

National Park College will always hold a special place in my heart because it helped turn my dreams into reality. Being able to return as an educator and pour into the next generation of nurses is an opportunity I will never take for granted. I am living proof that your setbacks do not have to be the end of your story. Sometime, they are simply part of the journey that leads you right back to where you started, but this time with a greater purpose.  

- Katera West, RN, NPC PN Faculty

For applicants that are seniors in High School, a minimum GPA (grade point average) of a 2.75 for admission. Selection process for the applicant that is graduating from High School in May, acceptance year, is through a point ranking system that includes the following: TEAS score, ACT scores, and Medical Professions program participant. Candidates will be conditionally accepted pending completion of a clear criminal background check and drug screening.

The admission process to the Certificate (PN) Nursing Program is selective. It is 41 credit hours that are designed as an 11-month program that begins in July and students graduate in May with a full-time schedule Monday through Friday. Courses are taken in sequence requiring that each class be successfully completed before progressing to the next course. There are no pre-requisite courses for admission. College courses like Anatomy and Physiology may be accepted toward the PN certificate. Evaluation of college course work completion will be done by the Program Director and the Dean of Nursing. Science courses cannot be over seven years old at the time of entry into the nursing program. Applicants for the Certificate (PN) Nursing Program are chosen using a ranking system. Applicants receive points in the ranking system for the following: TEAS score, certifications; recent work experience in health care; and selected college credit. Visit the PN admissions page for more information. Candidates will be conditionally accepted pending completion of a clear criminal background check and drug screening. 

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View the Practical Nursing Technical Certificate degree plan for a complete course listing.

After completing this 11-month program, you will be prepared to take the National Licensure exam for an LPN license (Licensed Practical Nurse) or to continue advancing your education in the nursing field. The Nursing Regulatory Board (Arkansas State Board of Nursing) determines examination eligibility and graduation alone does not guarantee authorization to test.