Diploma in Practical Nursing


Colorado Technical University's diploma in Practical Nursing (PN) program is designed to prepare you to enter the field of nursing. You can learn basic patient care techniques, assessment skills, IV therapy, and how to assist clients with life/wellness needs. The program also includes the study of disease pathologies. You can practice your skill in acute care, long-term care and community settings.

The Practical Nursing program at the North Kansas City campus is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Successful completion of the program may permit you to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.*

What skills can I learn?

Students who successfully complete the diploma in Practical Nursing should be able to:
  • Practice within the role of the LPN in health care settings (hospitals, long-term care facilities, physician clinics, community and home health care settings).
  • Provide safe, competent, efficient and effective nursing care for individuals and groups across the life span.
  • Promote rehabilitation and health promotion.
  • Practice within ethical and legal frameworks consistent with the Nurse Practice Act and other standards of nursing practice.
  • Function effectively as a team member of the nursing and health care staff.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in medication knowledge, communication skills, therapeutic interventions and computer skills.
  • Demonstrate the ability to successfully pass the National Council Licensing Exam for Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN exam).

Built-in CTU Academic Certificates

The diploma in Practical Nursing includes the following built-in CTU Academic Certificate:
  • CPR Certification (American Heart Association Health Care Provider)

This CTU Academic Certificate can be earned without additional courses.

* CTU does not guarantee third-party certifications. Certification requirements for taking and passing certification examinations are not controlled by CTU but by outside agencies and are subject to change by the agencies without notice to CTU. Therefore, CTU cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take certification examinations, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.