<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>The Diploma in Practical Nursing program at ECPI University is designed to teach nursing fundamentals, including pharmacology and anatomy. As a student nurse, you will have opportunities to learn to provide basic care for patients who are ill or recuperating from any number of ailments. Skills that you could acquire include taking vital signs, dressing wounds, giving injections, and attending to patients' personal hygiene. By law, prospective practical and vocational nurses must be licensed before they can practice. Your program coursework is designed to prepare you to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This program is available at select ECPI University campuses. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Prior to enrolling in the Diploma in Practical Nursing program at ECPI University, you must have a high school diploma or GED. As an applicant to the program, you must be able to sit and stand for extended amounts of time, and you should be capable of lifting 50 pounds or more. Computer proficiency is also important. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>There are 48 semester credit hours in this Diploma in Practical Nursing program. Course requirements may vary slightly by campus. Please contact ECPI University for up-to-date program information. </p> <p><u>Core Curriculum Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code </th><th> Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>FRS 114 </td><td> Freshman Orientation</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 164 </td><td> Anatomy &amp; Physiology I</td></tr> <tr><td>MED 165 </td><td> Anatomy &amp; Physiology II</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 107 </td><td> Dosage Calculations</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 101 </td><td> Foundations of Nursing I</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 102 </td><td> Foundations of Nursing II</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 104 </td><td> Foundations of Nursing III</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 105 </td><td> Foundations of Nursing IV</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 149 </td><td> Pharmacology I</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 152 </td><td> Pharmacology II</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 190 </td><td> Medical Surgical Nursing I</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 201 </td><td> Medical Surgical Nursing II</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 208 </td><td> Medical Surgical Nursing I</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 210 </td><td> Acute Care Nursing I</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 211 </td><td> Acute Care Nursing II</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 213 </td><td> Acute Care Nursing III</td></tr> <tr><td>NUR 232 </td><td> Nursing Leadership</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 108 </td><td> Normal Lifespan</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Once you have satisfied all educational requirements and obtained a state license, you could pursue entry-level positions in the field. You could seek employment with hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health care agencies, or medical practices. You might apply for opportunities such as: </p> <ul><li>Licensed Practical Nurse </li><li>Licensed Vocational Nurse </li><li>Private Duty Nurse </li><li>Office Nurse </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>After working as a practical nurse, you might decide you'd like the opportunity to pursue more advanced nursing opportunities. Practical nurses who obtain education and licensure as registered nurses could increase their critical-thinking skills and could be able to seek greater responsibilities. Some educational program options include: </p> <ul><li>Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) </li><li>LPN to RN Completion Program (Associate of Applied Science in Nursing)</li></ul>