The Practical Nursing program prepares the student to practice within the scope of practical nursing under the supervision of a registered nurse. The student is taught to use the nursing process at the practical nurse level in the maintenance of health and prevention of illness, the observation and nursing care of persons experiencing changes in health status, and administration of prescribed medication and treatments. The student will receive supervised learning experience in caring for individuals in a variety of health care settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities and physician clinic settings. M State offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in practical nursing on all four campuses. Students may choose to complete the diploma in practical nursing track on the Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls and Wadena campuses. After successful completion of either track, graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for the Practical Nurse. The Minnesota Board of Nursing has officially approved the Practical Nursing program on all four campuses of M State.

1. Provide safe, patient-centered, evidence-based, quality nursing care to a diverse population.
2. Demonstrate caring behaviors while providing therapeutic and individualized care of each client.
3. Communicate with patients, families and members of the interdisciplinary health care team to establish and maintain effective relationships.
4. Demonstrate personal growth and professional development through life-long learning with a spirit of inquiry.
5. Collaborate effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care.
6. Utilize data to monitor outcomes of care processes and use improvement methods to design and test changes to continuously improve quality and safety of health care systems.
7. Utilize critical thinking skills in the application of the nursing process to provide safe quality care.
8. Apply legal and ethical considerations in nursing practice.
9. Demonstrate and utilize information systems in the health care system.

Admissions
1. ACCUPLACER testing in math, reading, and writing. Any needed developmental courses must be completed before entering any PNSG prefix course.
2. Completion of the certified Nursing Assistant or evidence of NA course completion within last 5 years.
3. Completion of CPTR 100 or successful test out of the course.
4. CPR for Health Care Providers, or equivalent, is required before PNSG1216.

Employment opportunities have experienced a major expansion in recent years. Graduates are currently employed in acute-care hospitals, state hospitals, long-term care facilities including nursing homes and rehabilitation hospitals, clinics and physicians offices, group homes and child care centers, health care and public health agencies, armed services, school nursing, industry and private homes.

The PN program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, (800) 621-7440, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504.