Practical Nursing Program Overview

Earn your Practical Nursing diploma in as little as 12 months

Our Practical Nursing program provides you with the hands-on training and industry support you need to pursue a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). In fact, our program is specifically designed to prepare aspiring nurses for success. You can now benefit from online instruction as well as clinical simulations. In addition, we assist you with passing the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) so that you can become a Licensed Practical Nurse after graduation.

Click here to read our PN licensure disclosure.

Due to the pandemic, we have converted into an online hybrid program. While future classes will require on-ground attendance, you can complete the first module entirely online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What you need to know

We welcome students from all around the world to enroll at Unitek College. Since our Practical Nursing program is based out of our Nevada campus, the majority of our Practical Nursing students are either from Reno or commute from one of the following nearby cities.

We serve Practical Nursing students across all of northwest Nevada:

Reno, NV Carson City, NV Fallon, NV
Fernley, NV Sun Valley, NV Sparks, NV
Auburn, CA Cameron Park, CA Grass Valley, CA
Lincoln, CA North Auburn, CA Placerville, CA
Rocklin, CA South Lake Tahoe, CA Susanville, CA
Truckee, CA

Licensed Practical Nurses provide basic medical care under the direction of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. Their job duties often vary and depend on their employer as well as the state in which they work.

As of May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average salary for Licensed Practical Nurses was $50,090. The highest 10 percent earned up to $65,520 per year, or more.

Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees’ years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 11/15/2021)

Yes, LPNs and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) represent the same job. One of the two titles will be used depending on your current location in the United States.

The first step is to pursue an approved educational program as well as the licensure exam (NCLEX-PN). If you choose a diploma program, you can typically complete your studies in one to two years. However, our PN program can be completed in as little as 12 months.

Click here to read our PN licensure disclosure.

A Practical Nursing program seeks to prepare aspiring nurses for the challenges they will undertake as a licensed nurse. Some programs will also assist students with passing the national licensure exam. 

Click here to read our PN licensure disclosure.

Our Practical Nursing program at Unitek College can be completed in as little as 12 months. If you’d like to pursue a healthcare career without spending years in school, this might be an ideal choice for you.

Like most healthcare programs, the fees paid by each student can vary depending on their individual situation. A variety of financial aid options are available to our students at Unitek. For more information, reach out to our friendly admissions representatives.

The Practical Nursing program at Unitek College is currently presented in a blended format. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it will include both online and on-ground courses. However, students will not participate in on-ground simulations until it is safe to do so.

If you are a Licensed Vocational Nurse from Nevada, you must contact the Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) and apply for licensure. The likelihood of California licensure is high if you have a current active unrestricted license and you graduated from an accredited Practical Nursing program.

Practical Nursing Admissions Requirements

The enrollment process for Unitek College can be completed entirely online. To enroll in our Practical Nursing program at Unitek College, you must complete the following steps:

  • Career planning session and admissions interview
  • Submit proof of high school education or equivalent
  • Entrance assessment test
  • Admissions application
  • Enrollment agreement
  • Financing arrangements and, if applicable, all documents needed to obtain an official award letter for Federal Student Aid

Tuition and Financial Aid

As a potential Unitek College student, you might have many options for student financial aid. Our experienced financial aid representatives can help you determine eligibility and apply. For example, loans can be used to help you cover expenses like the following:

  • Tuition
  • Books & Supplies
  • Room and Board
  • Living Expenses

Reach out to a financial aid representative for more information.

Practical Nursing Career

Nursing is a healthcare career that’s in demand. Not only does the BLS predict a 9 percent growth by 2030, but healthcare occupations in general are expected to create 2.4 million new jobs. Licensed Practical Nurses play a vital role in this field, working alongside RNs and physicians while providing basic care. Their job duties can change depending on the location and employer, but they typically include some variation of the following:

  • Assess and monitor patients
  • Report adverse reactions to medication or treatment
  • Gather information from patients, including their health history and how they are currently feeling
  • Administer prescribed medications, start intravenous fluids, and provide care to ventilator-dependent patients according to state regulations

Practical Nursing Campus Locations

Contact our Reno campus to learn more about how to become a Practical Nurse or to enroll in the program.  Your future starts at Unitek College.