Montgomery College 2024-2025 Catalog 
    
    Dec 05, 2025  
Montgomery College 2024-2025 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Practical Nursing Certificate, Statewide Program: 575


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(TP/SS): 575

Students who plan to major in the Practical Nursing Program will be assigned the temporary major of pre-licensed practical nursing with POS code 575 until they are officially admitted to the practical nursing program. Students may take preparatory courses and courses that fulfill General Education requirements during the waiting period. As an alternative to being assigned a temporary major, students waiting for admission to the Practical Nursing Program may choose to major in general studies or any other open-admission program. The Records and Registration Office at Takoma Park/Silver Spring will assign a matriculated code once students are admitted to the practical nursing program. 

The Practical Nursing (PN) curriculum, approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, covers the essential education for the licensed practical nurse (LPN). This program prepares students to deliver competent nursing care as part of a team with registered nurses (RNs), other LPNs, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in both acute care and long-term care environments. Clinical courses take place in a variety of healthcare facilities in the region, according to the course’s focus. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the graduate is awarded a certificate in practical nursing and is eligible to sit for the (NCLEX-PN) board examination. The PN program can be completed in one year or less. 

In addition to the scholastic standards required of all students in the College, PN students are required to achieve a grade of C or better in each nursing course to continue in the program.

This is a selective program with specific admissions requirements. Applications should be received in the Records and Registration Office by April 1 for fall semester, by August 1 for spring semester and December 1 for summer session I. For additional information, contact the Nursing Program, nursing.program@montgomerycollege.edu.

After acceptance into the Practical Nursing Program, all students must obtain current CPR certification for “Healthcare Provider” or “Professional Rescuer” as well as a TB test or chest X-ray showing no evidence of tubercular disease. Clinical agencies require documented evidence (titers) of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B (immunization series may be in progress with titer obtained at its conclusion). In addition, knowledge of varicella (chicken pox) immune status by blood titer is required.

This program is not yet approved for Federal or State student financial aid.

General Education Course Selections


Click here to view the Foundation/Distribution Courses  for selection to fulfill the General Education course requirements.

Practical Nursing Certificate for New Students


The following PN curriculum is for new students applying to the program. Students must complete the pre-admission courses below and may take required open enrollment courses prior to admission (ENGL 101  and PSYC 100 ). PN students are required to achieve a grade of C or better in each nursing course to continue in the program.

Total Credit Hours for Practical Nursing Certificate for New Students: 32


* seven-week course.

BIOL 212  and BIOL 213  accepted as substitutes for BIOL 130  and BIOL 131 .

ENGL 102  or ENGL 103  accepted as substitute for ENGL 101 .

Practical Nursing Certificate for Students Transitioning From the Nursing Associate of Science


The following PN curriculum is for students transitioning from the nursing associate of science. PN students are required to achieve a grade of C or better in each nursing course to continue in the program.

Total Credit Hours for Students Transitioning From the Nursing Associate of Science: 36


* seven-week course.

Program Outcomes


Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

  • Apply legal and ethical standards and adhere to professional codes of conduct of LPN practice.
  • Utilize clinical reasoning skills to provide safe and effective care within the LPN scope.
  • Prioritize the needs and preferences of patients, incorporating cultural, spiritual, and ethical considerations into their care.
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with RNs, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to promote patient outcomes and interdisciplinary care.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of electronic health records (EHRs), medical devices, and other technological tools relevant to the LPN scope of practice.
  • Identify and implement safety measures to prevent injury or harm to patients, themselves, and others in the healthcare environment.

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