The Practical Nursing (PN) program prepares students for entry-level positions, to provide nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Physician. The first two semesters are identical in both the Practical Nursing (PN) program and the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, enabling students to finish the Practical Nursing program after the first summer, or to continue in the Associate Degree Nursing program. The Practical Nursing program will educate you for this career in concentrated classroom studies, along with extensive clinical work (360 hours) based in a wide-range of health care settings.

Course Schedule

More Information

You must apply to Iowa Central and be accepted before you can apply to the Practical Nursing Program. Nursing Applications will be open May 15th through September 15th for a spring start and October 15th through March 15th for a fall start.

Applicants must apply to Iowa Central and be accepted before they can apply to the program.

Gainful Employment

Click to view Gainful Employment Information about this program.

Accreditation Information

Click here to download Practical Nursing Program Accreditation information

Iowa Community colleges have developed the following Core Performance Standards for all applicants to Health Care Career Programs. These standards are based upon required abilities that are compatible with effective performance in health care careers.  Applicants unable to meet the Core Performance Standards are responsible for discussing the possibility of reasonable accommodations with the designated institutional office.  To view the full Iowa Core Performance Standards, click here.

Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Information

For more on Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Information, click here.

Practical Nursing Careers

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Physician’s Offices
• Assisted Care Facilities
• Medical-Surgical Units
• Long-Term Care
• Facilities
• Operating Rooms