Practical Nursing
Program Overview
In the Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma program at Johnston Community College, you’ll learn how to provide safe, high-quality care that supports the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients. This hands-on nursing program prepares you for real-world healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
After completing the program, you’ll be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and begin your career in nursing.
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
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Admissions
Apply NowIf 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 proceed to Step 2.
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The Health Science Programs & Policies document is an important part of your admission and enrollment process. Take time to read it carefully so you understand the requirements for admission and successful program completion.
Your signature confirms that you’ve reviewed your program information.
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:
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Hospitals and clinics – assisting with patient care, medications, and routine procedures
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Long-term care and rehabilitation centers – supporting residents with daily needs, monitoring conditions, and providing comfort care
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Home health and hospice – delivering one-on-one care for patients in their homes
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Physician offices – preparing patients, taking vital signs, and assisting with minor procedures
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Public health and community agencies – promoting wellness and preventive care
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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).
| 2024 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Graduates | 12 | 5% |
| NCLEX-PN Pass Rate |
100%
|
100%
|
| On-Time Completion |
100% |
31.3% |
| Job Placement at Time of Graduation |
83% |
80% (4/5) |
| Job Placement with in 6 months of Graduation |
100% |
80% (4/5) |
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?
Nickie Gregory
Health Science Navigator
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