The Healthcare - Practical Nursing program offers certified LPNs the opportunity to prepare for QCC’s nursing programs. Students will also be well-prepared to attend our nurse education program and transfer to a bachelor institution in science-based nursing program. This program educates individuals to work in various aspects of healthcare, including hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate of Science

You will apply the nursing process to the patient-centered care of culturally diverse clients, throughout the life span, who have actual, common, well-defined, or potential, health-deviation requisites. You will gain an understanding of the biological sciences relative to the healthcare professions and use therapeutic communication effectively with clients, families, and members of the collaborative healthcare team.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

4 Semesters

60 credits

QCC was the best choice because of the program, the great reviews, and the location. It was great to be able to be a part of something in the community. For anyone considering enrolling in QCC's nursing program, I think it's a great choice. The professors are awesome and they're so compassionate about what they do. I've heard from so many people that QCC has a great nursing program and I'm really seeing that for myself.

- René, Nursing Alumna

Learn Online

This program may be completed 90% or more online.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
  • Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential (current LPN certification from any state).

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1 (Fall)

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: HCPN).
  • Meet with Career Services to credential up to 18 Healthcare Elective credits for current LPN certification.
  • Apply and get accepted to a QCC nurse education program (e.g., Program Code: NUR, NUL, etc.) as these high demand programs have waitlists; or if considering transfer (LPN to BSN), meet with a Transfer Services Advisor. See www.QCC.edu/transfer.
Upon successful completion of LP certificate, LPE certificate, or state Licensed Practical Nursing exam, 18 credits credentialed (18 credits can be transferred from regionally accredited college)Transfer Courses:
PNP 235
PNP 240
(or any combination of PNP courses)
 18 
  Total18 

Semester 2 (Spring)

  • Contact Career Services (www.QCC.edu/APexams) to receive credit for High School (HS) Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. QCC School Code: 3714.
  • Monitor status on waitlist for selected QCC nurse education program.
  • Complete BIO 111 with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Complete ENG 101; or AP English/Language and Composition, with AP Exam grade of “3” or higher, to count as ENG 101.
  • Complete PSY 101; or AP Psychology, with AP Exam grade of “3” or higher, to count as PSY 101.
Anatomy & Physiology IBIO 111F/S/SU4BIO 101 or BIO 107 or HS AP Biology or PNP 240 with a grade of “C” or higher, Coreq: ENG 101
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
StatisticsMAT 122F/S/SU3College level math course or QMAT placement score > 21 or Coreq: MAT 052
Introduction to PsychologyPSY 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total13 

Semester 3 (Fall)

  • Monitor status on waitlist for selected QCC nurse education program; or if considering transfer, meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process; or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
  • Complete BIO 112 with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Complete ENG 102; or AP English/Literature and Composition, with AP Exam grade of “3” or higher, to count as ENG 102.
Anatomy & Physiology IIBIO 112F/S/SU4BIO 111
Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
Survey of Life Span DevelopmentPSY 121F/S/SU3PSY 101
History Elective---F/S/SU3 
Humanities Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total16 

Semester 4 (Spring)

  • Monitor status on waitlist for selected QCC nurse education program; or continue with/complete the transfer application process for LPN to BSN; or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board.
  • Complete BIO 232 with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Medical MicrobiologyBIO 232F/S/SU4BIO 112 or CHM 105 or CHM 123
Introductory Sociology (Principles)SOC 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Humanities Elective---F/S/SU3 
Humanities Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total13 
Total Credits Required:  60 

Program Goals:

The Healthcare - Practical Nursing program offers certified LPNs the opportunity to prepare for QCC’s nursing programs. Students will also be well-prepared to attend our nurse education program and transfer to a bachelor institution in science-based nursing program. This program educates individuals to work in various aspects of healthcare, including hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Apply the nursing process to the patient-centered care of culturally diverse clients, throughout the life span, who have actual, common, well-defined, or potential, health-deviation requisites.
  • Use therapeutic communication effectively with clients, families, and members of the collaborative healthcare team.
  • Illustrate use of relevant technology for patient-centered care and documentation.
  • Implement goal-directed teaching plans to assist clients in resolving self-care deficits.
  • Safely manage the nursing care of clients with actual or potential common, well-defined health deviation requisites, in a variety of structured settings, in accordance with ethical, legal and professional standards.
  • Demonstrate professional attributes of a Practical Nurse in the provision of safe, effective patient-centered care.
  • Demonstrate appropriate critical thinking skills including written, verbal, and non-verbal communication.
  • Have an understanding of the biological sciences relative to the healthcare professions.
  • Strengthen the development of their general education skills with courses in English, mathematics, and humanities.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
  • Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential (current LPN certification from any state).

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 51.3901.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.