Practical Nursing - Certificate of Specialization

The Olympic College Practical Nursing Program is a one-year program that 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 includes classroom study, laboratory application, high-fidelity simulation, and supervised clinical experiences (client care). The curriculum includes 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, Bremerton Campus located in Bremerton, WA is in Candidacy Status for the initial accreditation as of February 12, 2021 in accordance with Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing Program is valid through February 2023.

The Olympic College Licensed Practical Nursing Program is approved by:

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. 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.
2. Facilitate person-centered care supporting and improving equitable outcomes.
3. Apply foundational elements of quality, safety, and ethics in the coordination and delivery of care to achieve quality person-centered outcomes.
4. Utilize clinical informatics and healthcare technology to enhance person-centered care through system efficiency and responsible allocation of resources.
5. Support healthcare systems through interdisciplinary collaboration in the unique role of nursing.
6. Pursue a spirit of inquiry, reflection, self-care, and resiliency that fosters professional growth and accountability.

Program Outcomes

• Program completion rates: number of students who complete the program within 150% of the time of the stated program length.
• Job placement rates: number of graduates, one year after graduation, employed in a position for which the program prepared them.
• Licensure pass rates: performance on the licensure examination for first time writers.
• Program satisfaction: perceptions of the graduates and employers as to the adequacy and effectiveness of the program.

Admission to the Practical Nursing Program

Application to the Practical Nursing Program is a separate procedure in addition to the application to Olympic College. Because enrollment in the Practical Nursing Program is limited, admission to Olympic College does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing Program.

To be considered for Winter Quarter admission, all documentation must be received by the Office of Admissions by August 31. Please visit www.olympic.edu/nursing for application instructions and admission information.