The Practical Nursing program prepares the student to care for patients with a variety of common medical-surgical problems in various stages of illness. The licensed practical nurse is dedicated to helping assess the patient’s physical and mental health, including the patient’s reaction to illnesses and treatment regimens; recording and reporting the results of the nursing assessment; participating in implementing the health care plan developed for the patient by other authorized health care professionals; reinforcing the teaching and counseling of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or dentist; and recording and reporting the nursing care rendered and the patient’s response to that care.

Approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and recommended as a candidate for accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) following the completion of the initial survey, the 3-semester program involves both classroom and clinical activities. The program focuses on theory and practice in a broad range of nursing activities. These activities encompass direct patient care in relatively stable nursing situations. In addition to instruction in nursing care, the student completes related general education courses and is also introduced to microcomputers. Formal classroom study takes place at Durham Technical Community College. Practical experience is gained through clinical courses taken concurrently with theory and conducted under the instructor’s supervision. Clinical experiences take place at Duke University Medical Center, Durham Regional Hospital, Lincoln Community Health Center, and other area health care facilities.

Program graduates are awarded diplomas in Practical Nursing. They are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is required for practice as a practical nurse. Licensed practical nurses are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, extended-care facilities, clinics, physicians’ and dentists’ offices, and other health care agencies.

Classes are offered during the day and may be completed in 3-semesters if the three non-nursing courses are taken prior to entry into the nursing component. New students are enrolled in the fall semester.