Licensed Practical Nursing

Certificate

Dalton State College School of Health Professions offers a nursing program leading to a certificate in Practical Nursing (PN). This program provides graduates with the knowledge and clinical expertise necessary to give direct nursing care to patients in a variety of settings. Some clinical experiences involve out-of-town travel and may include evening hours. Prospective students should be aware that all clinical sites are tobacco-free areas and smoking is prohibited. The program of study includes general education and nursing theory which provides opportunities to care for patients of all ages. This program has full approval with the Georgia Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure. There are specific practices and/or acts delineated in the Nurse Practice Act which might prevent a candidate from being granted a license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Clinical facilities used by the program require students to submit to background checks and drug screenings before they are allowed in the facility. Based on the information obtained, these facilities can refuse student access. Failure to be accepted into clinical facilities may jeopardize a student’s ability to complete the program. For more information, contact the Department of Nursing.

LPN Program admission requirements are:

1. Official acceptance to Dalton State College;
2. Submit a LPN online application found on the LPN web page (Spring application dates are July 15 - October 15 and Summer application dates are December 1 - March 1).
3. Complete each program prerequisite with a “C” or better and achieve a minimum 2.5 Overall GPA. Overall GPA includes all coursework from all colleges attended by the application deadline.
4. Students must score 50th percentile or above on the TEAS Test (overall percentage score) for class selection.  TEAS scores must be obtained within the last three years and must be submitted by the application deadline.

Students meeting the above criteria are not guaranteed admission to the Licensed Practical Nursing program. Since enrollment in the program is limited, those students meeting admission requirements will be evaluated using the LPN Admission Worksheet. Students may repeat only one nursing course for academic reasons. Students are ineligible to enter, re-enter or remain in the nursing sequence if unable to pass any of the required biological science or math courses after two attempts for three years. Students must graduate within two years of entry into the LPN sequence. Students must also comply with all LPN and Dalton State College policies.

Selection Criteria

1. Completion of Biology 1100 or Biology 2251K and BIOL 2252K*; Math 1001, 1101, 1111 or 1113; and English 1101 (10 semester hours) by the application deadline with a grade of C or better. The letter grade from these courses will be used to compute your points on the admission worksheet. Be aware that Dalton State does not accept transfer credit for BIOL 2251K and BIOL 2252K from regionally non-accredited colleges and technical schools. Transfer students are encouraged to check with the Registrar's Office about their transfer credit before the application deadline.
2. The overall GPA (includes coursework from all colleges attended) will be used for ranking purposes. The overall GPA must be at least 2.5.
3. Completion of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) application (found on the Nursing Department's LPN web page on the DSC web site). Spring application dates are July 15 - October 15) and summer application dates are December 1 - March 1.
4. 50th percentile overall on the ATI TEAS Test. Applicants have unlimited attempts on the TEAS test. Scores must be submitted by the application deadline.

The Science prerequisites must have been taken within six years of admission or transfer into the program, or they must be repeated. Students must have a grade of C or better in these pre-application courses.

The following documents must be submitted AFTER acceptance into the program:

1. Physical examination report, with documentation of required immunizations (including influenza and COVID). Waivers are also available for these immunizations.
2. CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS Provider). 
3. Background check and drug screen (on initial entry) into nursing cohort.
4. Please be advised that there are additional costs for uniforms, equipment, testing, liability insurance, skills tote bag, books and other items, as needed. 

LPN Program Curriculum

Students shall earn a minimum grade of “C” in all nursing courses, biological science courses, and math course (Math 1001, 1101, 1111, OR 1113) or the course shall be repeated.  

*

If BIOL 2251K is taken instead of BIOL 1100, student must take BIOL 2252K prior to starting the program or as a co-requisite of LPNS 1006.

**

Science prerequisites must have been taken within six years of admission or transfer into the program or they must be repeated.