About our Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are integral members of the healthcare team and function under direct or indirect supervision of an experienced registered nurse. SMCC’s LPN certificate program is designed to prepare students to become licensed practical nurses. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam upon completion of the program.
What opportunities does this program provide?
Launch Your Career
SMCC graduates in this program have gone on to work as:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Earn a Degree
Interested in continuing your education upon completing this program? Explore these related associate degree programs:
- Nursing Associate Degree
- Cardiovascular Technology Associate Degree
- Emergency Medical Services Department Offerings
- Health Sciences Associate Degree
- Medical Assisting Associate Degree
- Nutrition and Dietetics Associate Degree
- Radiography Associate Degree
- Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree
- Surgical Technology Associate Degree
- View All Health Sciences Programs
- View All Programs & Trainings
How do I complete this program?
Browse the information below to view our program requirements and how you might complete this program.
Estimated Certificate Completion Time
Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
Interested in viewing full program and course details?
- View full program details in our academic catalog.
- View a list of current major-specific courses for this program.
- View all current courses.
Are you a current student?
Be sure to view the degree program requirements for your specific program. Log into MySMCC and click My Maine Guide, MyDegree to learn more.
Prerequisites:
- A high school diploma or GED/HiSET/High School Equivalency Diploma
- A B- (2.75) or better in:
- Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
- English Composition
- Dosage Calculations
- The following nursing entrance test scores the ATI TEAS for the Nurse (RN) Program:
- Math – 68.8% or higher
- Reading – 72.3% or higher
- English – 66.7% or higher
- Science – 57.4% or higher
- Total Score – 66.1% or higher
- Learn more about the ATI TEAS
- Required: Attend a Nursing Info Session
Related Programs
Not ready to commit to a certificate program? We may have other options that work for you.
Did you know that we offer a broad array of short-term workforce training programs that allow you to enter the workforce and start earning quickly? These programs are a great way to enter a career in your area of interest and to become accustomed to college classes. They are also often grant-funded (free of charge to trainees). And, if you find you want to keep going we can help you find a related academic degree or certificate program of interest with which you can continue your education.
Accreditation, Outcome Data & Licensure Information
Accreditation
The PN Program is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing,
161 Capitol Street
158 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0158(207) 287-1133
Please note: The Maine State Board of Nursing may refuse to grant a license on the basis of criminal history record information relating to convictions denominated in Title 5, Chapter 341, Section 5301, Subsection 2 of the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated (MRSA).
Effective February 23, 2024, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on February 23, 2026.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
http://www.acenursing.com/candidates/candidacy.asp
Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.
Graduation Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes
- Systematically apply the nursing process to provide care to clients in a variety of health care settings.
- Demonstrate Patient-centered caring behaviors and actions that result in an environment of respect and trust.
- Adhere to professional behaviors within legal, ethical, and practice standards.
- Demonstrates minimal practice of clinical judgment that results in safe outcomes.
- *PN Only: Assume PN scope of responsibility for self-directed, goal-oriented growth.
Program Outcomes (as of January 2024)
- At least 70% of entering students complete the PN Program within two years—results pending.
- The program’s annual licensure examination pass rate is 80% or greater for all first-time test takers during the same 12-months—results pending.
- At Least 80% of graduates report employment as a practical nurse within 6 months of graduation—results pending.
Costs & Financial Aid
This certificate program may specific associated costs which are important to know before attending. We encourage you to apply for financial aid which provides funds in the form of grants and scholarship (free), loans (need to repay) and student employment (earned money.)
Want to learn more?
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Ready to apply?
Learn how to apply and fill out our online application when you’re ready.
Contact Us:
For more information about this program, contact:
Nursing Department: Aidan Fennessy, 207-741-5590 or afennessy@smccME.edu
Edie Forbes, 207-741-5794 or eforbes@smccME.edu
For information about enrollment, including transferring credits, contact:
Admissions: 207-741-5800 or admissions@smccME.edu
For questions about this career path contact:
Department Chair: Jessica Dreves, 207-741-5776 or jdreves@smccME.edu