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  1. Home
  2. Community Outreach & Engagement
  3. Practical Nursing Program

Practical Nursing Course Descriptions

The curriculum is divided into four levels, which will be offered consecutively over 18 months during evenings and weekends. The levels are as follows:

Module I – HSSCI 6000 and 6001L&C
Module II – HSSCI 6002L&C
Module III – HSSCI 6003L&C
Module IV - HSSCI 6004L&C

Each level will run approximately 17 weeks with at least a one week break between each level. There are a total of 617 classroom hours and 958 clinical practice hours; total of 1,575 hours. Grades will be awarded for classroom instruction and the clinical/lab practicum portion will be graded on the pass/fail basis. Students must maintain a 75% or higher average for classroom instruction and a passing grade for clinical practice.

Module I

HSSCI 6000 - Structure and Function of the Human Body - 96 hours

Introduction to human anatomy and physiology as it relates to the body in health and disease. The relationship between the structure and function in each body system is emphasized. Students explore the interrelationships among all body systems for the maintenance of homeostasis.

HSSCI 6001L - Fundamentals of Practical Nursing -120 Class Hours
HSSCI 6001C - 184 Clinical Hours

The course offers an orientation to the practical nursing program including objectives and requirements, responsibilities of the student nurse, communication skills, basic nursing knowledge, legal and ethical aspects for nursing and skills common to all areas of nursing practice.

Module II

HSSCI 6002L – Concepts of Basic Medical and Surgical Nursing Care- 145 Class Hours
HSSCI 6002C- 230 Clinical Hours

This course introduces math for pharmacology and the study of drug preparation and administration. The study of nursing care of adults continues the basic medical-surgical concepts studied in Level I.

Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSSCI 6001 L/C

Module III

HSSCI 6003L – Nursing Care of Adults and Children-124 Class Hours
HSSCI 6003C- 276 Clinical Hours

The system approach to the study of diseases and disorders continues with the study of the reproductive and respiratory systems. Content includes aspects of how disease processes affect individuals throughout the life span. Concepts of pediatrics and family centered nursing are studied.

Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSSCI 6001 L/C, HSSCI 6002 L/C

Module IV

HSSCI 6004L – Nursing Care of the Adult- 132 Class Hours
HSSCI 6004C= 268 Clinical Hours

The course continues to build on the principles of medical-surgical nursing. Additional systems studied include the endocrine system, the integumentary system, and the nervous system. Mental health and illness concepts are also included. Issues and trends in nursing, nursing organizations, job seeking skills and the role of the LPN in society complete the course content.

Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSSCI 6001 L/C, HSSCI 6002 L/C, HSSCI 6003 L/C

Practical Nursing Program

  • Practical Nursing Information Sessions
  • Practical Nursing Application Procedure
  • Practical Nursing Course Descriptions
  • Practical Nursing Information Request Form
  • Practical Nursing Program's Frequently Asked Questions
Practical Nursing Application
Apply here

Practical Nursing Contact

Heather Clark
Director, Practical Nursing Program
610-285-5259 | [email protected]

Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Resources

Functions of an LPN
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Penn State Lehigh Valley

Part of the historically rich and economically vibrant Lehigh Valley for more than 100 years, Penn State Lehigh Valley allows students to pursue a globally known degree in a small, close-knit campus setting. Recently enhanced by a multi-million-dollar expansion project, PSU-LV boasts first-rate facilities and faculty, diverse extracurricular programming, and access to 275 Penn State degrees, 10 of which can be completed entirely at the campus.  
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