Practical Nursing
Program Overview
Start your career in nursing with the Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma program at Johnston Community College. You’ll learn to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. After graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Credential Earned: Diploma
General Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Advanced English Skills
- American Heart Association - Healthcare Provider Level Card
- Government Issued Drivers License or Photo ID
- Government Issued Social Security Card
- Proof of Medical Insurance
- Test of Essential Academics Skills (TEAS)
What You’ll Learn
In the Practical Nursing program, you’ll build the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
You’ll learn:
- Patient Care Skills – Learn how to assist patients with daily activities, monitor vital signs, and provide comfort and safety in clinical environments.
- Pharmacology & Medication Administration – Understand how medications work in the body, calculate correct dosages, and safely administer prescribed treatments.
- Anatomy & Physiology – Gain a strong foundation in how the human body functions, including the major body systems and how illness affects them.
- Nursing Ethics & Professionalism – Explore the values, responsibilities, and ethical standards that guide professional nursing practice.
- Clinical Experience – Apply your classroom knowledge in supervised clinical settings, where you’ll work directly with patients under the guidance of experienced nurses and instructors.
How To Get Started
-
Admissions
Apply to JCCIf you are a new student, complete your admissions steps for the college. Once you finish, return to this page to continue to Step 2.
Current students (enrolled within the last 12 months), you can skip admissions and go directly to Step 2.
-
Program Application
Program ApplicationOnce you have finished the admissions process, complete the program application. You can apply for more than one program.
Career Opportunities
As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you’ll be ready to step into a high-demand role in health care. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians, providing hands-on care and support for patients of all ages.
Graduates of Johnston Community College’s Practical Nursing program find careers in a wide range of settings, including:
-
Hospitals and clinics – assisting with patient care, medications, and routine procedures
-
Long-term care and rehabilitation centers – supporting residents with daily needs, monitoring conditions, and providing comfort care
-
Home health and hospice – delivering one-on-one care for patients in their homes
-
Physician offices – preparing patients, taking vital signs, and assisting with minor procedures
-
Public health and community agencies – promoting wellness and preventive care
-
Correctional health facilities – providing essential medical care to specialized populations
- Learn More About This Field
Accreditation
The Practical Nursing program at Johnston Community College, located in Smithfield, NC, has Full Approval status from the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON).
Johnston Community College PN Program 3-year Average: TBA (1 year, 2022 & 2025, available)
2023 NCSBN National Average NCLEX-PN (PDF) for all first time test takers - US Educated: 86.67%
2023 North Carolina Average (PDF) (95% of National Avg.; NCBON Requirement): 82.33%
Have Questions?
Health Science Navigator
Still Have Questions?
