Licensed Practical Nursing


Mission Statement

The ECC Practical Nursing Program provides nursing education in our community with the goal of preparing graduates who are empowered with the knowledge, skills, attitude, and values required to deliver competent, entry-level practical nursing care to all persons along the healthcare continuum.

The Practical Nursing program is offered at the East Central College Rolla Main campus located at the Rolla Technical Center.  The 11-month certificate program prepares students to practice as licensed practical nurses under the direction of the Professional Registered Nurse and/or a Licensed Physician. The program combines theory and clinical education to prepare students to work in a variety of healthcare arenas such as hospitals, long-term care settings, out-patient surgery centers or rehabilitation centers, community health, industrial or school nursing, clinics and
physician offices.

The purpose of practical nursing is designed to assist students to acquire the attitudes, skills, and knowledge essential to the role of the competent practical nurse.  Upon successful completion of this program, graduates receive a certificate of graduation and are qualified to apply to sit for the national licensure examination (NCLEX-PN).

The classroom and clinical components of the curriculum are interrelated to provide a strong background for the student in attaining the objectives of the program and in becoming a safe and competent practitioner.

Those persons considering a career in nursing should have an interest in health sciences and in working closely with people. In addition, they should be able to meet the academic demands of a program that requires a commitment of time, energy, and motivation. In order to achieve success in the nursing program, a student is expected to spend an additional average of 20-30 hours per week outside of class studying, practicing, and preparing.

A selective admission process is utilized. Students are accepted based on academic points. All applicants take a HESI A2 admission test. Details regarding the test, score requirements, and registration for the test can be found on this website. LPN to RN applicants are required to successfully complete the HESI LPN to RN mobility exam prior to admission. Admission criteria and the selection process is outlined in the Admissions tab.

Admission is contingent upon a successful drug screen and criminal background check. Applicants with a prior criminal history should review the Missouri State Board of Nursing Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Prior Criminal History found in the Admissions tab.

The ECC Practical Nursing Program has the full approval of the Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN).

The Practical Nursing program at East Central College meets the state education requirements for a practical nursing license in the state of Missouri. East Central College graduates sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing NCLEX-PN.  Individual state boards of nursing may have individual education level requirements.  East Central College has not determined if the Practical Nursing program at East Central College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.

Additional Information & Helpful Links:

Licensure Requirements by State & State Practice Acts
Missouri State Board of Nursing

Scholarships:  Applications are available online only at: https://eastcentral.academicworks.com/users/sign_in

To enter this course of study, students must meet these institution and program-specific criteria:

  • High school diploma or the equivalent
    (documentation must be sent to the registration office)
  • Application for admission to ECC
  • A placement test as specified by the college
    (some coursework requires minimum placement results)
  • Cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or greater
  • Completion of prerequisites with a “C” or better
  • HESI PN-A2 Exam with a score of 77 or greater in Reading Comprehension within the last 2 years
  • Satisfactory criminal background check and
    drug screening once accepted to the program

Nursing Program Admissions Tests – HESI PN-A2

Application Information:

ECC Practical Nursing Program Application 2024
*Due May 1, 2024

The Practical Nursing Information Session will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Rolla Main Campus 500 Forum Drive in room 146. Attendance is required for all applicants.  Information will be presented regarding the selection process and student expectations upon acceptance into the program. Applicants will complete a 10-question quiz covering basic mathematics concepts.  There will also be an opportunity to meet with faculty and ask questions.  

Additional Information & Links: 

Additional Information & Links:

Practical Nursing Curriculum Outcome Measures

Upon completion of the East Central College program of practical nursing, the graduate practical nurse shall:

  1. Provide safe, evidence-based, client-centered nursing care utilizing the nursing process to restore, promote,
    and maintain both physical and mental health throughout the lifespan in diversified healthcare settings.

    1. Conduct focused physical, behavioral, and spiritual assessments of health and illness in clients
      experiencing health problems utilizing a developmentally and culturally appropriate approach.
    2. Collaborate with the professional nurse or other healthcare providers to identify client needs based upon
      assessment findings.
    3. Contribute to the plan of care under guidance from the professional nurse utilizing all steps of the nursing
      process.
    4. Assist with the revision of the plan of care based upon ongoing collection of patient data including
      recognition of alterations to previous client conditions.
    5. Reinforce client teaching that reflects patient preferences, individual learning needs while utilizing health
      literacy considerations.
  2. Use clinical reasoning to make sound clinical judgement regarding care decisions within the scope of
    practice of the Practical Nurse.

    1. Demonstrate evidence-based clinical reasoning and judgment to ensure accurate and safe care when
      implementing all steps of the nursing process.
    2. Anticipate risks, predict, and manage potential complications for clients experiencing common health
      problems, both expected and unexpected.
    3. Prioritize client care while providing and promoting physiological and psychosocial safety
    4. Perform nursing skills proficiently while following guidelines of evidence-based practice.
  3. Collaborate with the interprofessional team, the client, and the client’s support system utilizing therapeutic
    communication.

    1. Communicate pertinent, accurate, and complete information with the interprofessional healthcare team.
    2. Utilize principles of therapeutic communication.
    3. Utilize information technology to communicate, manage, and document nursing care.
    4. Collaborate with the professional nurse to plan client safety and implement quality improvements.
    5. Delegate appropriate nursing care tasks to unlicensed personnel, consistent with their educational
      preparation, skill, and experience.
    6. Accept responsibility and accountability for the nursing care provided and the care delegated to others.
    7. Advocate for clients, their families, and members of the healthcare team to promote healthy lifestyles,
      involving them in decision making and management of care, being sensitive to cultural diversity and
      specific needs.
  4. Functions as a valued member of the profession of nursing.
    1. Accepts responsibility and accountability for one’s own professional behavior.
    2. Practices within the nursing profession’s moral, ethical, legal, and regulatory framework as outlined for
      the Practical Nurse.
    3. Utilizes current best practice guidelines to support nursing practice and quality improvement processes.
    4. Identify situations in which should seek assistance that require knowledge/actions beyond individual
      expertise and scope of the PN practice to provide safe, quality care.
    5. Utilize performance evaluations as means of continually improving one’s own nursing practice.
    6. Cultivate accountability, integrity, and responsibility for ongoing professional growth in nursing practice
      as a valid member of the health care team.

Practical Nursing Curriculum Outcome Measures (PDF)

Program Contact: For additional information, please contact any of the following individuals:

Michelle Chick, MSN, RN
Program Director
ECC – Rolla Main – Office 102B
500 Forum Drive
Rolla, MO 65401
573-899-8056
michelle.chick@eastcentral.edu

Jessica Fisher, BSN, RN
Clinical Coordinator 
ECC – Rolla Main-Office 102A
500 Forum Drive
Rolla, MO 65401
573-899-8057
jessica.fisher@eastcentral.edu

Nancy Mitchell, MSN, RN
Dean of Health Sciences
Health Science Building -Suite 105
1964 Prairie Dell Road
Union, MO 63084
636-584-6616
nancy.mitchell@eastcentral.edu

Julie Beck
Program Assistant for Allied Health
Health Science Building – Suite 105
1964 Prairie Dell Road
Union, MO 63084
636-584-6616
julie.beck@eastcentral.edu

Employment Opportunities and Salary Information

  • Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (LPNs and LVNs) is projected to grow 9 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs and LVNs will be needed in residential care facilities and in-home health environments to care for older patients. In addition, many procedures that once could be done only in hospitals are now being done outside of hospitals, creating demand in other settings, such as outpatient care centers. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook) Individual salaries vary by geographic location, amount of education and experience, and the type and size of the employer. On average, an LPN will start with an annual salary of $35,000-$65,000. For more information about a career in licensed practical nursing please refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Career Opportunities Practical Nursing

  • Hospitals
  • Community or Public Health
  • Home Health
  • Outpatient surgical centers
  • Clinics & Physician Offices
  • Long-Term Care Facilities
  • Industrial or school nursing