The Olympic College Certificate of Specialization in Practical Nursing (PN) Program prepares graduates to provide safe, direct patient care as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in a variety of settings, including acute care, long term care, home health, and ambulatory care.
The program is comprised of two pathways. The Practical Nursing (PN) Pathway is designed to prepare qualified candidates to become LPNs in one year. The Corpsman/Medic Bridge to Practical Nursing (CM-PN) Pathway is designed to prepared qualified military medics and corpsmen to become LPNs in two quarters. The curriculum includes a balance of classroom study, laboratory application, high-fidelity simulation, and supervised clinical experiences (client care) in diverse learning experiences consistent with the Practical Nursing Program outcomes. Varied clinical experiences provide opportunities to learn and provide care to clients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Concepts of social, behavioral, and biological foundations are incorporated into the curriculum. The role of the LPN in relation to client needs, safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, and psychosocial and physiological integrity are integrated throughout the curriculum.
A certificate of Specialization is awarded upon completion of the Practical Nursing Program requirements.
Pending satisfactory completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-PN). The license permits the practical nurse to use the legal title of Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Washington.
The Practical Nursing program at Olympic College at the Bremerton Campus located in Bremerton, WA is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
-View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm.
The Olympic College Licensed Practical Nursing Program is approved by:
Washington State’s Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 47865
Olympia, WA 98504-7865
https://nursing.wa.gov/
Admission to the Practical Nursing Program
Application to the Practical Nursing Program is a separate procedure in addition to the application to Olympic College. Admission to Olympic College does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing Program. Acceptance into the Practical Nursing Program is based on a factoring system that includes academic and non-academic metrics. Please visit www.olympic.edu/nursing for application instructions and admission information.
Advanced Standing
Transferring Students
Students who have completed some formal nursing education must complete prerequisite coursework and meet grade requirements and are required to enter the applicant pool. If accepted to the Practical Nursing (PN) Program, previous coursework may be reviewed to determine advanced standing. Applicants must provide a letter from their previous nursing school stating they left in good standing.
Re-entering Olympic College Nursing Students
Reentering Olympic College Nursing students must complete an application for reentry by the specified date.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Utilize empirical and evidence-based knowledge from nursing, including a foundation in natural and social sciences to form the basis for clinical judgement and innovation in nursing practice.
- Facilitate person-centered care supporting and improving equitable outcomes.
- Apply foundational elements of quality, safety, and ethics in the coordination and delivery of care to achieve quality person-centered outcomes.
- Utilize clinical informatics and healthcare technology to enhance person-centered care through system efficiency and responsible allocation of resources.
- Support healthcare systems through interdisciplinary collaboration in the unique role of nursing.
- Pursue a spirit of inquiry, reflection, self-care, and resiliency that fosters professional growth and accountability.
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