Diploma in Licensed Practical Nursing

Southwestern Community College

The curriculum offers students learning experiences in courses emphasizing concepts of the nursing process, the health-illness continuum, critical thinking, ethics, communications, the sciences, and the professional nursing practice role. Students spend time in the classroom and two days per week at a health care facility. A variety of clinical sites provide excellent experiences with direct supervision by skilled clinical faculty.

SWCC’s nursing program has participated in the Iowa Articulation Plan and therefore graduates of SWCC’s associate degree nursing program have been able to articulate easily into four-year colleges' Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) programs in Iowa. So, if your plan is to stay in Iowa and obtain your BSN from an Iowa school, SWCC is the place for you.

Students participate in a local student nurse organization which provides opportunities to develop knowledge and problem solving skills in leadership roles, community activities, and in nursing.

Employment opportunities for RNs and LPNs are very good. Wear the Southwestern Pin with pride as you accomplish your goals for the future!

Potential Careers

Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
Registered nurse (RN)

Upon completion of the practical nursing education program, the graduate is prepared to function as a beginning Licensed Practical Nurse as defined in the Nurse Practice Act of Iowa.

Develop behavioral, cognitive and psychomotor skills necessary to assume role of LPN, safely providing nursing care using the nursing process.

Provide competent supportive or restorative care under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician using the nursing process which includes data collection (assessment), planning, implementation, and evaluation. Students will be able to assist in the formulation of nursing diagnosis.
Apply basic scientific and psychological principles in the classroom/clinical setting.
Communicate effectively with patients, family and significant others, and with all members of the health care system and society.
Recognize the role of the Licensed Practical Nurse in the overall concept of the nursing team.
Successfully complete the NCLEX exam for state licensure as a practical nurse.

Demonstrate professional work behaviors of LPN.

Demonstrate professional attributes.
Maintain the ethical and legal parameters of practical nursing.
Practice confidentiality regarding the patient, the family, and the health team.

Develop skills to participate in continuing education to maintain competency and to advance education.

Graduation Outcomes

Performance on the practical nursing license exam:

- SWCC three-year mean for NCLEX-PN will be at or above the national mean for the same 3 year period.

Program completion: Expected level of achievement for program completion:
- PN graduation target rate will be equal to or greater than 65 percent.
- PN attrition target rate will be less than 35 percent.

Job placement rates: Expected level of achievement for placement rates:
- Practical nursing program job placement target rate will be at 60 percent six months after graduation.
- Graduates will utilize the nursing process to provide individualized, holistic care to enhance the health of the clients in a variety of health care and community based settings.