Purpose: This program is designed to prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the healthcare team, rendering direct patient care as beginning practitioners of practical nursing in a variety of health service facilities. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination leading to licensure as a practical nurse (LPN).

Program Outcomes: At the completion of this certificate program, the graduates will:

Outcomes for Practical Nursing Program

1. Provide client centered care promoting therapeutic relationships, caring behaviors, and self-determination across the lifespan for diverse populations.
2. Practice safe nursing care that minimizes risk of harm across systems and client populations.
3. Demonstrate nursing judgment through the use of clinical reasoning, the nursing process, and evidence-based practice in the provision of safe, quality care.
4. Demonstrate accountability for personal and professional development and work within their scope of practice and legal boundaries.
5. Use cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills in providing direct and/or indirect care for clients to facilitate optimal wellness safely.
6. Demonstrate collaboration within the nursing and interdisciplinary teams and respect for boundaries.

Program Approval: The Practical Nursing Program is conditionally approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233- 1463, (804) 367-4515. VA Board of Nursing Order

Nursing Performance Standards: Students admitted to the Germanna Community College nursing program can be expected to complete course requirements that prepare students to perform essential job functions as a licensed practical nurse. Those functions or skills that are deemed essential to the profession must be performed with or without accommodations. Any student who thinks he/she does not possess one or more of these functions should contact the Special Needs Counselor in the Office of Student Development Services. Provisions for accommodations will be made in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Occupational Objectives: Through comprehensive educational experiences, students will emerge as motivated health care providers in their field and possess the potential for lifelong learning. Upon licensure graduates of the program will be eligible for employment in nursing homes, clinics, schools, physician’s offices, and other community health settings.

Admission Requirements:

Germanna Community College utilizes a guided admissions process to prepare students for healthcare professions program enrollment. To learn more about the special admissions requirements, please click here.

Program Information:
Prospective applicants without previous college courses completed should contact Advising to begin taking pre-nursing courses. 

A current working knowledge of the principles of biology, math, chemistry, and computer literacy is expected. Math, science, and computer literacy prerequisite courses should have been successfully completed within the previous five years. Equivalent prerequisite courses are available at Germanna and may be taken prior to admission to the program.

Students will be responsible for transportation to and from the College and health agencies utilized for clinical experiences. Information on scholarships and financial assistance is available in the Financial Aid Office.

When a student progresses from one semester of nursing major courses into another semester of nursing major courses, the student is accountable for providing documentation of completed updated credentials. 

A transferring or readmitted nursing student must provide current copies of all credentials. In addition, a transferring or readmitted student must complete a new drug screen.