Nursing: Practical

*SEE UPDATES AND CLARIFICATIONS SECTION IN THE 2024-2025 CATALOG

This program is designed to prepare the graduate to function with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for the role of the beginning practical nurse to provide care in a variety of health care settings. The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Work and Employment

Licensed practical nurses assist in patient care with other interprofessional members under the direction of registered nurses, physicians, dentists or podiatrists. They perform procedures and treatments such as measuring vital signs, applying dressings and administering medications. LPNs work for nursing homes, clinics, and other health care facilities where patients with chronic conditions receive care. Advancement in health care education is generally required for acute care and the specialized areas of nursing practice. 

Special Considerations

In order to become licensed as a practical nurse, a person must complete a state-approved program like SVCC's and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for practical nurses (PN).

Admission Requirements

Satisfy all of the following academic criteria:

1.  Active CNA certificate on file with IDPH with verification of work history or documentation of successful completion of a state approved program, NRS 121 (recertification), or VOC 121 within the last 2 years. CNA work history verification can be documented via: tax records, payment stub, IDPH registry (if clinical updates are present) or a letter from the employer. 

2.  Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5 or above.

3.  ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (Note: only one of the following must be met. The most recent score or grade will be utilized.)

• SVCC placement test, SAT, or ACT writing score validating minimum ENG 101 placement.            
• Completed ELA 099 or higher with a grade of "C" or better. 

4.  MATH (Note: only one of the following must be met. Applicants are encouraged to complete higher level math courses without risk to points earned. The highest level points achieved within the passing standard of a "C" or better will be used)

• Placed into intermediate algebra (MAT 080, 081) or higher using placement, SAT, or ACT score
• Completed beginning algebra (MAT 074 or 075), Preparatory Math for Non-STEM Majors (MAT 078), or higher level with grade "C" or better OR Preparatory Math for Non Stem Majors (MAT 078), or higher level with grade "C" or better
• Completed an equivalent course at another college or university with a grade of "C" or higher
• Two semesters of high school algebra or Math1 within the last five (5) years of when the math was taken 

Admission Procedure

Further admission information is available in the Nursing Admission Handbook (obtained at the required nursing informational meeting).

• Complete the College's general admission procedure.
• Attend a nursing information meeting.
• Meet with the health career education Advisor in the semester of intended application prior to the admissions deadline and develop an academic progression plan.
• File a current nursing application form with the Dean of Health Professions.
• Submit two letters of recommendation to the Dean of Health Professions.

 TEAS Testing-Requirement for All Nursing Applicants

• All new applicants to the nursing program must take the ATI TEAS test. Reapplicants can opt to retake the ATI TEAS test.
• TEAS testing must be completed prior to the application deadline date.
• Testing will include areas of Reading, English, Mathematics and Science.
• Applicants may not test any more than once per semester.  Retesting allowed in subsequent semesters.  Test may be repeated three times.
• TEAS testing applicable for admission MUST be completed at SVCC or additional charges for official ATI transcripts are incurred.
• You must set up an ATI account with a user name and password.
  • Go to www.atitesting.com
• Contact the Academic Advising office at 815-835-6354 to submit a request to the Testing Center to schedule the TEAS test.
  • Fee will be paid to ATI per credit card at the time of testing.
• BRING THE FOLLOWING TO THE TESTING SESSION:
  • ATI user name, password and ID number
  • Photo ID
  • Credit card for payment to ATI
• Study guides are available in the SVCC Library or may be purchased online at www.atitesting.com.  For free practice tests, please visit www.testprepreview.com/teas_practice.html.
• TEAS score valid for 3 years.

Points will be awarded according to your score as detailed in the Nursing Admission Handbook.

Application Deadlines

The admission requirements and the admission procedure must be completed by March 1 of the year the applicant wishes to be admitted. If the class is not filled, candidates must meet the second candidate evaluation deadline of June 1.

Out-of-District Application

Sauk Valley Community College is required by the Illinois Community College Act (110 ILCS 805/3-17) to give preference to in-district resident candidates. Out-of-district applicants will be considered if space is available after June 1 of the year of application to enter the program. Out-of-district applicants to the program coming from colleges with cooperative agreements will be given the same consideration (March 1 deadline) as in-district applicants.

Program Requirements

A grade of "C" is the minimum passing grade for all major field requirements, social science, and natural science. Successful completion of a nursing course requires a "C" in the classroom, satisfactory clinical performance and on skills testing. A student who is unsatisfactory in any one of those areas will receive a failing grade for the course. If an NRS course is failed, it may be repeated once. No more than one NRS course may be repeated.