Practical Nursing: CP

Certificate of Proficiency | 38 credit hours minimum

Area of Interest: Health Professions

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Program Description:

The Certificate of Proficiency in Practical Nursing prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses. Students learn to provide direct care for clients that is based on the nursing process. Students acquire knowledge and technical skills necessary for effective communication with clients and families.

Graduates are awarded a certificate in Practical Nursing and are eligible to apply for the Practical Nursing licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN).

The didactic 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 competent practitioner. Experience is provided in a variety of agencies including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health care settings.

The licensed practical program is (tentatively) approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and pending accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Persons considering a career in nursing should have an interest in the 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 to learn.

Admission to the program is contingent on meeting the established minimum criteria as defined in the nursing program handbook. Applicants also are required to complete a health history, criminal background check, and immunization record. Applicants selected for the program are required to have a physical examination.

Graduates from this program must complete the Missouri State Board of Nursing requirements for licensure. Intravenous therapy is integrated into the Practical Nursing program. Graduates are prepared for employment as IV-certified Licensed Practical Nurses upon completion of NCLEX-PN licensure examination. 

“The Missouri State Board of Nursing may refuse to issue or reinstate any certificate of registration or authority, permit or license required pursuant to this chapter for one of any combination of causes stated in subsection two of this sections. “  (1-14) 1990. RSMo 335.066

Pre-entry Requirements

• Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.5 in high school or 15 hours of college work 100-level or higher. Students with fewer than 15 hours of college credit must have both a 2.5 GPA in high school and a 2.5 GPA in college.
• GED Applicants: must have 15 hours of (100 level) college credits with a 2.5 GPA.
• STLCC students with at least 15 college-level credits with a 2.5 GPA will have met this requirement, regardless of the GPA at other colleges.
• College transfer students with fewer than 15 STLCC credits must have a cumulative 2.5 GPA in college-level credits earned at all colleges attended.
  • NOTE: Developmental courses (numbered below 100) will NOT be counted toward the 15 hours of college work and will NOT be included in the GPA for admission to the program.
• The 2.5 GPA MUST be maintained while awaiting enrollment.
• Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) (By appointment ONLY- contact the Testing Center)
  • The TEAS test has a minimum composite score of 58.7%, taken within two years of being placed on the admissions list.
  • Minimum of eight weeks between attempts of taking the TEAS, and a maximum of three attempts in a 12 month period.
  • Additional information about the TEAS test can be found at www.atitesting.com

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Pre-Entry Courses Requirements:

• PSY 200 General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100) 
• PSY 205 Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200) 
• Math proficiency at or above MTH 140, MTH 160, MTH 161, MTH 170, MTH 185 or higher, or completion of MTH 140S with a grade of "C" or higher.
• BIO 207 Anatomy and Physiology I (MOTR LIFS 150 LAP) 

• BIO 111 Introductory Biology I (MOTR BIOL 100L) or CHM 101 Fundamentals of Chemistry I (MOTR CHEM 100L)

• ​BIO 208 Anatomy and Physiology II 

Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at South County.

Licensure. This program meets the educational requirements for state licensure in Missouri. Students interested in pursuing licensure in a different state should contact the program coordinator for more information.

Related Programs. The Nursing Department also offers an associate in the following area:

                                              Nursing, Associate in Applied Science

Cost of Attendance.  For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES. 

Program Career and Salary Information.  Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest. 

The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.

Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.   

At the completion of the program, students are expected to:

1. demonstrate the role of the practical nurse by utilizing the nursing process and applying legal, ethical, and regulatory standards.
2. implement effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication with the multi-disciplinary health care team, clients, families, and communities across the lifespan.
3. implement teaching strategies to foster learning across the clients lifespan that facilitate health promotion and maintenance, and reduction of risks specific to clients, families, and communities across the lifespan.
4. coordinate client-centered care as part of a multidisciplinary health care team.
5. formulate self-awareness as it applies to health care concepts, and recognize cultural diversity to promote a practice of life-long learning.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

Pre-Nursing Requirements (prior to enrolling in LPN 101)