PRACTICAL NURSE TRAINING (LPN)

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The Practical Nursing (PN) program at FSTE is approved by the Illinois Nursing Board, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE.) Practical nurses (PN) function as members of the health team and are actively involved with care throughout the life span. FSTEs curriculum is approved and meets all the requirements for the successful candidate to be eligible to take the Illinois NCLEX-PN examination. Functioning within the provisions of the Illinois Nurse Practice Act of 2017 (Article 55) and State of Illinois Nursing Rules (Administrative Code: Title 68(b), the practical nurse provides and manages care and participates in teaching and research under the supervision of a registered professional nurse, licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist. Practical nursing education combines clinical experiences and theoretical knowledge encompassing the nursing process, communication, and the biological and social sciences. Education incorporates a teaching-learning process resulting in positive changes within each student. FSTE applies the Novice to Expert theory by Patricia Benner throughout the threads of the Practical nurse program. Novice to Expert theory reveals knowledge is accrued and embedded in nursing education and practice over time. The faculty fosters an environment and curriculum which increases the knowledge and skill acquisition of the perspective student.

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FSTE's Practical Nursing program is a Certificate program consisting of 1080 clock hours; preparing individuals to function in the practical nurse role. Individuals completing the practical nursing program at FSTE meet the education requirements and are eligible to sit for the Illinois NCLEX-PN exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN.)

Currently the Practical Nurse Certification Program is being delivered via the “hybrid” methodology. Theory/class sessions are conducted currently via ZOOM; laboratory sessions are delivered on site at FSTE, and clinical sessions are delivered in person at affiliating health facilities. The Practical Nurse Training Program is designed to be completed in18 months (1year and one-half year.) As a Hybrid program portion of the courses are covered online via ZOOM, on specific course scheduled days with students completing at least 6-8 hours of assigned work online. As a Hybrid program, a portion of the classes are covered online, and students attend lab and clinical sessions at designated sites. Students are required to adhere to an asynchronous schedule that includes scheduled testing dates and times. Students must have a computer and have good computer skills and the ability to manage their time well, be strong independent learners and be accountable for course material deadlines. Students who successfully complete the Practical Nurse Training Program will receive a Certificate of Completion and be able to sit for the Illinois NCLEX-PN state licensure exam. https://www.nclex.com

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 

PRACTICAL NURSE TRAINING PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Students must meet the minimum admissions requirements listed in the student handbook.
Applicants are evaluated and students are selected for admission by the Admissions committee
based on their potential to successfully complete the program objectives.

 

• Must be 18 years of age upon registration.

• Official High School Transcripts/GED/College Transcripts, Certified Nurse Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician

• GPA 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

• Required criminal Background check – In compliance with the Health Care Worker Background Check. Applicants with disqualifying felony convictions are discouraged from continuing with the program until a Waiver from IDPH is obtained.

• State-issued picture identification and Social Security card.

• ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), evaluating reading, math, science, and English. Acceptable score(s) 59% or higher. TEAS Scores will be accepted if taken within 1 year. The exam is non-refundable $70.00

• All students seeking admission to FSTE’s LPN program who have not taken the

• TEAS exam will be provided with two (2) attempts at TEAS entrance exam.

• Students much achieve a score of 59% or higher to be considered for admission. 

• Students not achieving 59% on TEAS admission testing may be admitted under a probationary status.

• Students who have taken College level Anatomy & Physiology and received a C or better within the last 2 years will not be required to take Anatomy and

• Physiology at FSTE. An official transcript must be submitted for review.

• Students who do not have college level Anatomy & Physiology must take A&P Prep course at FSTE. .

• Foreign Transcripts – students must request to have official transcripts sent to a recognized credential evaluation service. The results of the evaluation must be sent from the agency. (See Transfer student policy)

• Certified Nurse Assistant certification, or Certified EMT in good standing on Illinois Department of Public Health Nurse Aide Registry.

•  Submit three (3) letters of reference with admissions application.

• One (1) supervisory work reference on letter head and signed with

  demographic information.

   

•  Two (2) character references from persons not related to theapplicant, signed with contact information.

• 500 Word typed Essay on topic chosen by Admissions committee.

• If accepted: Mandatory Orientation

  
  ADDITIONAL ADMISSION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Current CPR (BLS)

• Physical Examination by a licensed physician (including Titers: see clinical requirements.) TB screening

• Flu vaccine required if admitted October – May.

• Drug Screen (5 panel drug screen some facilities may require a 10 panel screen)

• Liability Insurance – Clinical training involves lifting, direct contact with patients/residents, and other activities. Each student is responsible for acquiring and maintaining necessary insurance coverage through his/her enrollment in the program. Proof of coverage is to be presented to FSTE prior to the start of the program. (https://www.nso.com)

• Medical Insurance

• If accepted, must attend mandatory Orientation Session

• Initial Background screening is obtained by FSTE through Health Care Workers Screen. Fingerprints, if required, are obtained from Accurate Biometrics: 5401 S. Wentworth #11C; Chicago, IL 60609, 773-685-5699.

• 10 or 5-Panel Urine Drug Screen is completed by TASC – 2320 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 312-738-8933 or TASC 700 S. Clinton, Chicago, IL 60607, 312-787-0208

• HPSO – Student Professional Liability Insurance 1800-982-9491

• Student Liability Insurance – 1800-375-2764