Practical Nursing Certificate (Rockbridge area)

ATTENTION:  The DSLCC ADN Program is undergoing curriculum review. As a result, the LPN Bridge Program will be delayed until Fall 2012...no new applications to LPN Bridge Program will be taken until April 2012. 

This does not affect any students applying for admission to the ADN program for Fall 2011.

Applications to the ADN Program for Fall 2012 will begin being processed Jan. 3, 2012.

The Practical Nursing Certificate is a 41 credit hour certificate program designed to prepare individuals to function as entry level practical nurses.  This program is offered in the Rockbridge area, but students who reside in any location may apply for admission. 

LPNs are vital to the health care industry.  Many LPNs measure and record patients' vital signs such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration.  They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, dress wounds, and give alcohol rubs and massages,  To help keep patients comfortable, they assist with bathing, dressing and personal hygiene, moving in bed, standing and walking.  They may also feed patients who need help eating. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides.

The curriculum for this program complies with VCCS standards and has been approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination leading to licensure as a practical nurse (NCLEX-PN exam).

Completion of this certificate program, however, does NOT allow the student to automatically be enrolled in the DSLCC program leading to an associate degree in nursing (ADN) which is a program based on the main campus.  Students who have completed the Certificate and wish to pursue additional nursing credentials MUST apply to the ADN program and be accepted.

Available documents:  Information Packet, Application Packet

Program Requirements

The Practical Nursing Certificate begins in mid-July of each year.  The classroom and clinical schedule are seven (7) hours daily, and include extensive practical learning experiences associated with hospital procedures and routines.  Clinical experiences in geriatrics, medical, surgical, obstetrics, and pediatrics are coordinated through the Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital and other facilities as needed.