Practical Nurse (P.N.)

  • Health, Public Safety & Human Services

The Certificate of Achievement pathway is designed for persons who wish to become Practical Nurses.

The pathway combines classroom experience on the Joliet Junior College campus with clinical experience in community health care facilities. A student who completes the pathway is awarded a Certificate of Achievement and is eligible to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as an L.P.N. in Illinois.

What is Unique About Our Practical Nurse (P.N.) Pathway?

  • State-of-the-Art simulation labs.
  • Save thousands of dollars.
  • Joliet Junior College NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate in 2023 was 96 percent.
  • Joliet Junior College works closely with local universities so graduates can make a seamless transition and complete their bachelor’s degree.
  • According to RegisteredNursing.org, JJC's Nursing program is ranked one of the top 10 in the state of Illinois.
  • According to PracticalNursing.org, JJC's LPN program is ranked one of the top 10 in the state of Illinois.

Please Note:

This program is not a stand-alone track, but rather an integrated part of the traditional RN curriculum. Students who successfully complete the first two semesters of nursing coursework earn a Certificate of Achievement, which qualifies them to sit for the PN-NCLEX. Afterward, they continue with the final two semesters of the RN program, ultimately preparing them to take the RN-NCLEX. This pathway offers a structured and supportive progression toward becoming a licensed registered nurse.

What Degree/Certificate will I receive?

Certificate

What Are My Career Opportunities?

  • Licensed practical nurses provide basic nursing care and work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors.
  • Licensed practical nurses work in a variety of settings, including nursing homes and extended care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and private homes. Most work full time.
  • Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
  • The median annual wage for licensed practical nurse was $50,090 in May 2020. (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).

  • How To Apply

    JJC's Nursing Program has a selective admissions process. Students will be required to obtain a physical examination with titers and/or immunizations, an annual TB test (also Clinical site specific 2-step TB tests), an American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR card, an annual flu shot, a criminal background check and drug screen. Forms will be provided upon acceptance into the program. These requirements are subject to change.

    Visit the Admissions web page and select the tab labeled "Nursing" for details. It is strongly recommended that any student who is considering nursing as a major make an appointment with a nursing adviser at (815) 280-2435 as soon as possible.

Health, Public Safety & Human Services

If you are a quick problem solver, enjoy lab work and conducting research, this field was designed for you.

Explore This Pathway