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Practical Nursing

Certificates
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The Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate is a 44-credit-hour, three-semester program designed to prepare individuals for entry-level practice as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Offered primarily in the Rockbridge area and open to students across all regions, this rigorous program combines classroom instruction, laboratory simulation, and hands-on clinical experience. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Program at a Glance

Program Aspect Details
Award Earned Certificate
Program Major Practical Nursing (PN)
Total Credits / Length 44 Credit Hours (3 Semesters of Study)
Primary Location Rockbridge Area (Open to students from all locations)
Licensure Exam Eligible for NCLEX-PN (Leading to Licensed Practical Nurse credential)
Funding Eligibility G3 Eligible (Tuition assistance for eligible Virginia residents)
Program Head Catherine Hiler — chiler@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2800

💰 G3 Program Eligible — Low or No-Cost Tuition

This program qualifies for Virginia’s G3 Financial Assistance Program (Get a Skill, Get a Job, Get Ahead). G3 provides tuition support and financial assistance for eligible Virginia residents enrolling in high-demand healthcare programs. Contact Student Services or Financial Aid to verify your eligibility.

Application Deadlines & Essential Links

Admission to the Practical Nursing program is competitive and requires completion of specific entrance steps, including the TEAS admission exam.

📅 Upcoming Application Deadline: April 1, 2027

Essential Application Materials & Links:

Practical Nursing Role & Clinical Training

Licensed Practical Nurses provide direct bedside care under the supervision of physicians or registered nurses in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and home health settings:

  • Vital Signs & Assessment: Measure and record vital health parameters (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration).
  • Medication & Treatment Administration: Safely prepare and administer prescribed medications, immunizations, injections, and therapeutic treatments.
  • Patient Comfort & Hygiene: Assist patients with personal hygiene, mobility, positioning, feeding, and daily living activities.
  • Clinical Supervision: Experienced LPNs often oversee and direct certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and direct care aides.

ℹ️ Curriculum Update Notice: Our Practical Nursing curriculum is currently being updated to reflect the latest state standards in nursing education and clinical practice. Updated course details will be posted as soon as they are finalized.

State Approvals, Accreditation & Federal Disclosures

State Board Approval

The MGCC Practical Nursing program holds Full Approval from the Virginia Board of Nursing:

Virginia Board of Nursing

Perimeter Center, 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233-1463

Phone: (804) 367-4515 | Website: dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing

National Accreditation Standards

The program meets all requirements for nationally recognized accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

U.S. Department of Education Federal Regulation Disclosure (34 CFR 668.43)

Pursuant to 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v), Mountain Gateway Community College provides the following licensure information:

  • Virginia Licensure: The MGCC PN curriculum meets all educational requirements for pre-licensure practical nursing in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): Virginia participates in the NLC, allowing multi-state practice with 32+ member states. View Uniform Licensure Requirements and NLC Member States.
  • Out-of-State Practice: MGCC has not made a determination regarding whether the PN curriculum meets educational requirements for non-NLC jurisdictions outside Virginia. Prospective students intending to practice outside Virginia should review specific State Board Requirements.

Stackable Career & Academic Pathways

Graduates of the PN Certificate program can enter immediate nursing employment or advance their education through stackable MGCC health pathways:

Program Contact & Admissions

Ready to apply or have questions about the TEAS exam or G3 tuition funding? Contact our Nursing Department or Admissions:

MGCC Nursing Department

Phone: (540) 863-2838 | Email: chiler@mgcc.edu

Office Location: Backels Hall, Room 209 (Clifton Forge Campus)

MGCC Student Services Suite

Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu

Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)