Military BenefitsPractical Nursing
Diploma
In as few as 12 months, you’ll be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and start your career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN).1 There's no wait list at most campuses and you only need to apply once and you’re in the program, on your way to earning your Diploma in Practical Nursing through a mix of online and on-campus classes. You’ll develop critical patient care skills in our on-campus nursing simulation laboratory, so you’re prepared to care for patients during clinical training and beyond. And at select campuses, you’ll be able to choose between weekday, evening or weekend course options.
You’ll also take advantage of the projected strong job growth for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)—12.3% job growth in Minnesota and 19.1% job growth in Florida.3 Take the first step toward a rewarding career in nursing—where you go after is up to you, but while you’re here you’ll receive extensive support from those dedicated to your success; expert faculty members, academic advisors, tutors, financial aid and 24/7 tech support. Get started now in the nursing career you’ve imagined.
Regional and Programmatic Accreditation
Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Visit our Accreditation page to see accredited programs within our Nursing school. Learn more about programmatic accreditation and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
#1 Educator of Practical Nursing Grads
Rasmussen College is the #1 educator of Practical Nursing grads in Florida and Minnesota. How did we get there? Innovative, foundational curriculum is taught by dedicated and experienced faculty. Use of simulation, along with clinical experience, in the practical nursing program helps develop skills and prepares you to care for diverse healthcare needs.
NCLEX Support From Expert Faculty
Our program starts preparing you for the NCLEX-PN exam from day one. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitude to confidently sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. Our clinicals let you experience various work environments and hands-on experience before earning your Diploma and seeking licensure.
Get Started Sooner
You only need to apply once and you’re in the program. Four calendar starts a year, no prerequisites and no wait list at many campuses for qualified candidates means whenever you’re ready to start your education, a new class of students is getting ready to begin the adventure with you.
Practical Nursing
Diploma
Finish in as few as
12 months1
Learning options
- On-Campus and Online Classes
- Field Experience
- Flex Choice® (Optional)
Intended for
Students wanting to take the first step into becoming a nurse with small class sizes in a supportive environment.
Prepares you for
- Home Healthcare Services
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Clinics
- Assisted Living Centers
- Outpatient/Ambulatory Care Centers
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Hospitals
Learn More About Our Nursing Program at a Nursing Information Session
Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!
A Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Levels of Nursing Credentials
The fact that there are different credentials in the nursing profession is exciting news. It means there are potential opportunities out there for those wanting to make an impact in the healthcare field—no matter their level of educational attainment. And the options don’t end once you’re employed, either—you can mold your career to fit your passions and priorities.
Read moreYour Nursing Career Path
Our program is designed to give you the nursing education, skills, knowledge and attitude to confidently sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, which is essential to becoming an LPN. If you choose to advance your training after becoming an LPN, we’ve made it easy by offering classes and credentials that let you continue working as you further your education. Our Career Path diagram below shows you how our curriculum is designed to let you smoothly transfer from one credential to the next, until you've reached your goal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning a degree, regardless of the field of study, can improve income potential.2 Here are just a few of the examples of where a Nursing degree can take you.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPN)
Registered Nurses (RN)
Nursing school is a huge commitment; you can’t just do things part-way. You have to be prepared to give it everything.
Jessie
Practical Nursing Graduate
Accreditation and Licensing Information
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The Rasmussen College Practical Nursing Diploma program in Land O’Lakes/East Pasco, Florida, and Eagan, Mankato, Moorhead and St. Cloud, Minnesota, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3343 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000
http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
Rasmussen College – Brooklyn Park School of Nursing wishes to announce that it will host a site review for initial accreditation of its Practical Nursing Diploma program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). You are invited to meet the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled at 2:15pm CST on February 11, 2020 at our Brooklyn Park campus, 8301 93rd Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445.
Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted directly to:
Dr. Marsal Stoll, Chief Executive Officer
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
Or e-mail: mstoll@acenursing.org
All written comments should be received by the ACEN by January 28, 2020.
Effective April 26, 2018, the Practical Nursing Diploma program at Rasmussen College - Brooklyn Park is a Candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This Candidacy status expires in April 2020.
Candidate status does not guarantee that a program will achieve initial accreditation.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3343 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000
http://www.acenursing.us/candidates/candidacy.asp
The Practical Nursing Diploma program meets the educational requirement to apply for licensure as a Practical Nurse (PN) in Florida and Minnesota. Other eligibility requirements may apply; please verify your eligibility against board of nursing rules. This program may not meet the educational requirements for licensure as a nurse in states not listed above.
The ACEN requires that student achievement data be made publicly accessible. View Practical Nursing program outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The Nursing Field
What does a practical nurse do?
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides basic nursing care, working under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. This can include monitoring patients’ health, administering basic patient care, discussing and reporting on patients’ concerns and keeping records on patients’ health.
Are LPNs in high demand?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth for LPNs from 2019 to 2028; with 12.3% in Minnesota, 19.1% in Florida and a national projected job growth at 11%, which is much faster than average and translates to an estimated 78,100 new jobs.
What is the NCLEX-PN exam?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses and the NCLEX-PN is the exam that must be passed in order to start working as an LPN. It is not as daunting as it sounds; your program has exam preparation built into the coursework and you have a suite of support services helping you along the way.
What kinds of nursing jobs can I get and where could I work as a practical nurse?
With a Practical Nursing Diploma, the expected job outcome is to work as an LPN—which can mean providing in-home healthcare services or working at long-term care facilities, clinics, assisted living centers, outpatient/ambulatory care centers and rehabilitation centers.
-
Our Nursing Program
How long does it take to earn a Practical Nursing Diploma?
The Diploma can be completed in as few as 12 months through our combination of on-campus and online courses that help you manage your time and busy schedule.
How long does it take to become an LPN?
After you earn your Diploma, you’ll need to sit for the NCLEX-PN national certification exam. On top of the time spent in the program (as few as 12 months), the time it takes to become an LPN depends on when, and in how many attempts, the NCLEX-PN exam is passed.
What are the requirements to become an LPN?
Completing a state-approved educational program (earning your Diploma at Rasmussen College) and passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
What kind of support will I receive while enrolled in this program?
You’ll benefit from robust student support services, which include academic advising, tutoring, financial aid and 24/7 technical support—who are all dedicated and ready to assist with your success.
Is this an online Practical Nursing Diploma program?
Though we do not have a fully online Practical Nursing Diploma program, there is online coursework and self-directed assessments. The program is largely hands-on and campus-based—where you’ll get career-focused nursing training through onsite clinicals. Depending on your campus, you may be able to choose between weekday, evening or weekend course options.
What does nursing accreditation mean?
Having accreditation means the College has met established quality standards as set by the accreditation body. Achieving accreditation tells the public that an entity meets industry expectations for quality, and students can have confidence that quality control checks have been carried out by a third party.
Does this program align with my goals to become a nurse?
The Practical Nursing Diploma program is a great way to get into a nursing role, with plenty of paths to take and advance in the field. After earning your Diploma and becoming an LPN, you can advance your education to prepare for a role as an RN.
What are the prerequisites for the program?
Unlike many other nursing schools, there are no prerequisites and there are no wait lists at many campuses. You only need to apply once and you can begin your LPN classes on one of four calendar starts a year.
- Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
- Does not apply in the state of Illinois.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed May 21, 2019] https://www.bls.gov/oes/. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed May 30, 2018] www.bls.gov/ooh/. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- According to 2016, 2017 and 2018 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training conferrals as reported in IPEDS.