Practical Nursing

Are you wondering how you can make a difference in the world? Are you compassionate, reliable, conscientious, and have the ability to communicate well? Do you enjoy working hard, being a team player, and can quickly adapt to change? Practical Nursing may be your path to a rewarding and successful career.

Nursing offers an exciting work environment, where no two shifts are alike. Every day, you can positively influence the health of your patients and community. In addition, there are opportunities for work-life balance with flexible scheduling in a variety of work settings. The demand for skilled nurses continues to steadily increase.

Program Length

2 or 3 semesters (view curriculum for examples)

Average starting wage

$19.81-21.60/hour

Growth Rate for LPN Jobs in MN

12.8% (2018-2028)

 

Practical Nursing Program Pre-Requisites

  • Must meet minimum required test scores
  • Must be a CNA in the State of Minnesota
  • Must score 50 or higher on the TEAS Entrance Exam
  • Must have American Heart Association (AHA) BLS CPR certification and AHA First Aid Certification
  • Must pass DHS Background Study

 

The practical nursing program admits students each fall and spring. Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn a diploma in practical nursing and will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.

Outcome Data for ATCC Practical Nursing Program
Calendar Year2022202320242025
NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate as reported by the MN Board of Nursing -January 1-December 31. 89.83%93.55%90.70%92.00% (As of 2nd quarter 2025 results)
Starting CohortFall 2021 & Spring 2021Fall 2022 & Spring 2023Fall 2023 & Spring 2024Fall 2024 & Spring 2025
Completion Rate Within 150% of Program Length (3 semesters) 
62.8%62.9%64.6%Available Summer 2026*
Fiscal Year2022202320242025
Related Job Placement Rate 
95.8%96.0%100.0%Available Fall 2026*
*Starting with the Fall 2023 cohort, exclusions to this rate apply. 

 

 
Video courtesy of Living Alex Area and Real Films

 


NLN-CNEA Accreditation LogoThe 海角社区 Technical and Community College Diploma in Practical Nursing Program holds continuing accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 202-909-2487.