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Diploma Program

Practical Nursing Program (LPN Prep)
Birmingham, AL

Program Length

12 Mo.

Format

On-campus

Credits

48

Training

Hands-on
calendar

NEXT START May 5th

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Earn a PN diploma in Birmingham and become possible

AccreditationAccredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditUp to 27 approved credits
FormatOnline general education classes + core on-campus courses at our Birmingham, Alabama campus
PathwaysPathways to further your nursing education (ASN, BSN, MSN)
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

Learn More Today!

Classes start: May 5th

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A second home near you

Join a vibrant class of students and faculty eager to help you find your way to a new career path.

Herzing University Birmingham Campus

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280 West Valley Avenue
Birmingham, AL 35209

Practical Nursing Diploma Program - Birmingham, AL

The Diploma in Practical Nursing is a 48-credit career diploma program which prepares you to register/apply to the Board of Nursing for clearance. If approved, the graduates can apply to sit for the NCLEX-PN.

The Birmingham campus program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in patient assessment, medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child nursing, mental health nursing, and much more.

Herzing nursing students

  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Flexible schedule

    We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

  • Rolling admissions

    No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Curriculum

What you'll learn in the Herzing University PN diploma program

The practical nursing program at Herzing University in Birmingham, Alabama provides theoretical, academic and clinical instruction in many different types of nursing to bridge the patient lifespan: including surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health.

Over the course of the program, you will learn the basics of nursing procedures, measuring vital signs, administering medication, and develop communication skills necessary to easily collaborate with other healthcare providers.

Most courses are delivered on-campus in Birmingham; you may complete general education courses online.

ProgramMonths iCredit
Diploma in Practical Nursing1248

Average number of months for students to complete program

Required Courses

All courses, 40.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course provides the basis upon which all other nursing courses are built. The history of nursing introduces the student to the origin and development of nursing practice and the theories and scientific principles upon which the profession is built. Concepts integrated throughout the course include cultural diversity, nutrition, critical thinking, physiological, and psychosocial needs of the individual as well as legal and ethical issues and communication techniques. Focus is placed on the nursing process, nursing principles in the disease process, and wellness and safety, with an emphasis placed on patient goals and outcomes. Integration of practical nursing skills will be implemented throughout the course, including history and physicals, vital sign attainment, reviewing charts, wound dressing changes, sterile technique, isolation precautions, medication administration, and dosage calculations. After completion of this course, with theory and psychomotor nursing competencies in lab, the student will possess essential nursing skills. Emphasis is placed on nursing foundations in the healthcare environment, communication techniques, developmental and psychosocial concerns, health promotion, infection control, fundamental nursing care, and psychomotor nursing skills. The student will demonstrate competency in performing basic nursing skills for client populations with common health alterations, to include vital signs, different medication administration, and drug dosage calculations.

Students will begin their orientation in caring for adult (elderly) clients. They will actively participate in the daily care for the client, including bed-making and assisting with hygiene, providing nutrition, ambulation, and companionship. The student will become familiar with wound care in this client and will use communication techniques in this lonely patient population.

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn content and skills related to taking histories and providing physical examinations. Students have the opportunity to practice communication techniques related to taking histories and skills required to perform accurate physical examinations. Learning opportunities are directed toward all age groups with a focus on the adult population. Emphasis is placed on the identification, clustering, and analysis of symptoms. Assessment will focus on physical and psychosocial aspects of functioning as well as the process of growth and development. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills in relation to the identification and analysis of health alterations. Formulation of pertinent nursing diagnoses and related documentation will be stressed.

This course introduces students to the science of pharmacology. Emphasis is placed on the basic pharmacologic concepts related to the delivery of medications, dosage calculations, forms and techniques of administration, and safe practice. Learning activities are designed to ensure competence in both oral and written communication regarding drugs and their administration.

This course provides content instruction on the care of adults experiencing alterations in health, using a body systems approach. Focus is placed on recognizing and performing appropriate nursing interventions and developing critical thinking skills required to provide effective nursing care in a safe manner. Concepts of nutrition, communication, cultural diversity, legal/ethical issues, and psychosocial concerns are suitably integrated throughout the course. Content also includes health promotion and patient teaching, with emphasis on the nursing process, nursing evaluation and interventions, and pharmacology and therapeutic communication.

This medical surgical nursing clinical allows the student a hands-on experience in caring for patients with different disease processes and undergoing different surgical procedures. Students will recognize and apply appropriate nursing interventions to care for specific clients in these populations, both pre-operatively and post-operatively. The student will demonstrate knowledge in regards to normal versus abnormal findings and intervene appropriately according to hospital policy and procedure protocols.

This course focuses on content related to the practical nurse to meet physiological, psychosocial, cultural, and developmental needs of maternal and child clients. Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care are emphasized. Content related to complications of pregnancy, newborn care, growth and development, pediatric care, and health alterations of the pediatric client are presented. Nutritional and pharmacological needs, as well as content related to cultural diversity, are presented. Healthcare technology, communication, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, critical thinking, and the nursing process are integrated throughout course content. Students will utilize the nursing process and develop and implement nursing care plans to provide nursing care for maternal and newborn clients.

The student will observe and participate in the care of the maternal/child client. The student will demonstrate knowledge in regards to normal versus abnormal findings and intervene appropriately according to hospital policy and procedures.

This course emphasizes care of the client throughout the life span. The course is designed to assist the student in addressing complex alterations in health. Additional content is provided on care of the client experiencing burns, cancer, and emergent conditions. Care of the adult and child are integrated throughout the course.

The student will observe, assess, and participate in the care of the adult client who has experienced traumatic life situations. Clients who have fallen victim to emergent life crises, as well as those diagnosed with cancer, will be the main focus of this part of clinical. The pediatric client will receive most attention during the clinical course. Students will assess the pediatric client in both tertiary and primary care settings. Through observation and participation, the student will become familiar with common childhood illnesses and their treatment.

The mental health component of this course discusses the care of adults and the elderly with disorders requiring psychiatric management. Topics include therapeutic communication skills, normal and abnormal behaviors, treatment modalities, and developmental needs across the life span. The geriatric component presents the theories and concepts of aging, the physiologic and psychosocial changes and problems associated with the process, and appropriate nursing interventions. Additional content includes appropriate communication techniques, nutritional needs, legal and ethical issues, and end-of-life care.

The clinical portion of this course exposes students to adults suffering from psychiatric disorders. The student will observe and participate in various therapeutic modalities used in the treatment of such illnesses. The student will concentrate on using appropriate interpersonal relationship skills as well as identifying and actively participating in care of patients with various mental disorders.

This course provides the student with knowledge to make the transition from student to practical nurse. The course covers essential nursing content from all core clinical areas, the nursing process, and client needs categories. Students will have the opportunity to develop and improve their test-taking skills through computer simulations and practice tests. Extensive student performance evaluation is provided throughout the course to aid in identifying and strengthening necessary content areas.

Required General Education Courses

Both courses, 6.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course introduces the principles and practices of effective written communication. Topics include writing for various audiences and purposes, using the writing process to develop and maintain unity and coherence, and incorporating research into written work. Critical thinking in the writing and reading processes will also be covered and may include addressing assumptions underlying an argument, using sound logic in support of claims, including evidence relevant to the purpose and position of the document, refuting counterarguments, analyzing information, and synthesizing information from multiple sources.


The following general education course must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to continue in the nursing program. 

This course covers topics of algebra including linear functions, equations, inequalities, systems of equations in two variables, polynomial functions, quadratic equations, and rational and radical equations.

Nursing Program Support Courses

3.00 semester credit hours are required.  The following nursing support course must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better.  Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program.

This course provides an introduction to the study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include an introduction to homeostasis, cells, and tissues, along with a survey level study of organ systems and their interrelationships. The lab component of this course provides active learning to reinforce and clarify anatomical and physiological features of the body.

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success.  Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course Course Lecture Lab Clinical Total Contact Hours Credits EN 104 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 MA 109 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 SC 144 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 PN 108 75.00 30.00 0.00 105.00 6.00 PN 109 0.00 0.00 45.00 45.00 1.00 PN 111 0.00 45.00 0.00 45.00 1.50 PN 112 22.50 0.00 0.00 22.50 1.50 PN 212 90.00 0.00 0.00 90.00 6.00 PN 213 0.00 0.00 90.00 90.00 2.00 PN 222 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 PN 223 0.00 0.00 45.00 45.00 1.00 PN 228 60.00 0.00 0.00 60.00 4.00 PN 229 0.00 0.00 135.00 135.00 3.00 PN 246 30.00 0.00 0.00 30.00 2.00 PN 247 0.00 0.00 45.00 45.00 1.00 PN 255 60.00 0.00 0.00 60.00 4.00 Personal/Professional Development 30.00 0.00 0.00 30.00 2.00 Totals 547.50 105.00 360.00 1012.50 48.00

Requirements

Enrollment requirements

To be considered for admission into the Practical Nursing program, you must hold a high school diploma or equivalent (Diploma, HSED or GED) and meet the following criteria based on your cumulative GPA:

Cumulative GPAiScience RequirementTEAS ii
3.50–4.00NoneNone
3.00–3.49"B" or better in Anatomy & PhysiologyiiiNone
2.00 and higherNoneComposite TEAS of 48

i. Students with 18 or more transferable collegiate credits will be assessed on their collegiate cumulative GPA. Otherwise, the high school GPA will be used.

ii. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) from the Assessment Technology Institute (ATI).

iii. Students in the 3.00-3.49 GPA range who do not meet this requirement must earn a composite score of 48 on the TEAS.

Classes Start: May 5th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

Request Info Apply Now 

Natalie Hassan Became Possible

Experienced PN program faculty helped Natalie both professionally and personally, changing her life for the better in many ways.

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Careers

Enrolling in a PN program is step #1 to starting your new career

LPN Nursing Students Image
Image

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse happens in 4 steps:

  1. Enroll in the Herzing University practical nursing program
  2. Graduate and get your PN diploma
  3. Take and pass the NCLEX-PN to get licensed
  4. Find your first job!

How long does it take to become an LPN?

The Herzing University PN program can take as little as 12 months to complete. After your training and earning your PN diploma, all that’s left for you is passing the NCLEX-PN exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Alabama.

I want to become a registered nurse (RN). Do I need more than a diploma in practical nursing?

Yes—you’ll need at least an associate’s degree in nursing to become a registered nurse, although we encourage you to pursue a bachelor's degree if you’re serious about becoming an RN.  Hospitals and medical facilities are more often recommending or outright requiring nurses to earn their BSN degree.

Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn an average salary of $60,790 per year ($29.23 per hour).* Discover the average salary for a licensed practical nurse broken down by state.

Although the majority of LPNs work in nursing homes, retirement communities or assisted living facilities, many LPNs work in:

  • Physician's offices
  • Hospitals
  • Colleges
  • Insurance carriers
  • Home care
  • Community food and housing

You can see a full industry profile for Licensed Practical Nurses from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

PN program coursework is meant to be challenging, but not impossible.  As a Herzing student you’ll find support every step of the way, from faculty, staff, instructors and other students enrolled in the program. You’re never alone—and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

Learn more about how hard nursing school is at Herzing University, and read some testimonials from former students describing their experience.

No, there are no accredited PN programs that are 100% online. LPN programs describing themselves as “online” will offer a hybrid option where you can take some classes online to supplement your primary classroom coursework.

Students enrolled in the Herzing PN program may complete general education courses online—but the bulk of the coursework must be completed on campus.

Ultimately there is no replacement for real hands-on clinical experience, practice in simulation labs and direct in-person support from nursing instructors with real healthcare experience. Learning the skills required to become an LPN requires the live educational experience to become an excellent Licensed Practical Nurse.

Apply now!

You may find some programs offering 6 month or 9 month paths to a PN diploma to become an LPN. Be mindful that accelerated diploma/degree programs aren’t for everyone and such a fast track can be overwhelming. If you’re considering a few months’ difference in time as a tipping point in your decision, remember the quality of your education is most important!

Herzing University’s 1-year PN diploma program gets you an excellent hands-on education in a short amount of time. You’ll learn the foundational concepts and skills in nursing needed to excel in your new career as an LPN.

While Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) often work together in collaboration in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, their roles and responsibilities are very different. Learn more about the biggest differences between practical nurses (LPN/LVN) and registered nurses (RN).

Potential employers may prefer a candidate with experience as a CNA, but it’s not necessarily a requirement for getting a job as an LPN (same goes for going from CNA to RN).

You aren't required to go from CNA to LPN and there is no prerequisite to be a CNA before enrolling in the Herzing University PN program.

Because many hospitals are upping their educational requirements for nurses in general, the demand for LPNs in hospitals is falling relative to registered nurses with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

However, any claim they are being “phased out” isn’t accurate. LPNs remain in demand in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care and many other environments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job opportunities for LPNs will rise approximately 5% from 2022-2032.*

The landscape is changing, but LPNs remain a vital contributor in the nursing community.

Considering a career as an LPN?

Your first step is to get a hands-on education to learn the fundamentals of nursing in a career-focused program. Herzing University's practical nursing program combines classwork with clinical experiences to help you earn your diploma and prepare you to become an LPN in as few as 12 months. Our program is available at several of our ground campuses:

Quite simply, yes! A PN diploma and a job as a LPN is a great way to quickly get involved in the nursing profession and get a better feel for what it means to be a nurse. Earning your diploma helps get you into a career with above average pay, and can springboard you into the next level of nursing education should you choose to continue advancing your education and career.

We can help you come to a better determination. Send us a request for more information and we can answer any questions you have about the PN program, and discuss how beneficial it can be for you to become a LPN.

While practical nurses (LPN) and medical assistants often perform similar tasks, there are a few key differences to be aware of, including:

  • Educational requirements
  • Average salary
  • Scope of practice
  • Ongoing career opportunities
  • Future outlook for jobs

Learn more about the difference between practical nursing and medical assisting and how to go from MA to LPN.

Request Info 

The Student Experience at Herzing

Herzing helped me complete my program by constantly encouraging me and offering tutoring when needed.

Theresa P. Jones
Nursing Student | Birmingham Campus

The support I received from the staff at Herzing University during my toughest moments reinforced my determination to succeed, not just for myself, but to set an example of resilience for my children.

Rayisha Moore
Nursing Student | Brookfield/Milwaukee Campus

Though nursing school is tough and there will be a time that you want to give up, don't! It's all worth it in the end!

Danielle Baldwin
Nursing Student | Kenosha Campus

I chose to enroll at Herzing University because I have a passion for nursing and I knew that it was the right career for me.

LaTasha Carr
Nursing Student | Birmingham Campus

I’m amazed at how quickly things went by – I’m already done!

Eileen Saint-fleur
Nursing Student | Orlando Campus
Disclosures

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. The Practical Nursing program at Herzing University – Birmingham located in Birmingham, Alabama is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 ǀ Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing program is Initial Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs.

The Diploma in Practical Nursing program at Herzing University-Birmingham is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing (RSA Plaza, 770 Washington Avenue, Suite 250, Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, 334-293-5200, www.abn.alabama.gov). Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to the State Board of Nursing to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-PN) licensing exam.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

Herzing University Birmingham Nursing Student Handbook

Diploma in Nursing Gainful Employment

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

View Program Outcomes

2023 Calendar Year

CampusNCLEX® Pass RateiCompletion RateCompletion Rate 150%
Akron85.71%30.51%32.20%
Birmingham100.00%15.97%18.49%
Brookfield82.81%29.46%32.14%
Kenosha84.44%29.31%31.90%
Madison100.00%36.11%38.89%
NashvilleiiN/AN/AN/A
Orlando85.71%23.08%28.21%
Tampa100.00%25.94%28.44%

iNCLEX® pass rates reflect the rates as published by the respective board of nursing.

iiThe Nashville Campus will not graduate their first cohort of PN students until 2024.

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Classes Start: May 5th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

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