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Advisors: Alayna Barr, Ty Jones, and Megan Martinez
The LPN Step-Out Curriculum prepares students in an RN program to qualify for practical nursing licensure after completing designated coursework. It focuses on foundational nursing skills used under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed healthcare provider. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) deliver essential nursing care and work in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team. After successfully completing the program, graduates are qualified to apply for and take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Admission into the nursing program is required.
Note: Students who complete this curriculum are eligible to sit for the Arizona Board of Nursing NCLEX-PN Examination.
The Arizona State Board of Nursing may not consider applications for LPN licensure from individuals with felony convictions unless the applicant has received an absolute discharge from all felony sentences five or more years before the application is processed. Licensure requirements also include proof of legal presence in the United States and disclosure of any felony conviction(s).
Graduates are prepared for entry level employment in healthcare facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and other healthcare environments. Courses in the program may require vaccinations or other medical tests. See course descriptions for additional information.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Patient-Centered Care: The student will provide individualized nursing care to childbearing patients and family units.
2. Communication: The student will demonstrate effective communication with diverse patient populations and with other healthcare professionals.
3. Professionalism: The student will exhibit professionalism and practice within legal and ethical guidelines and the scope of practice for a practical nurse.
4. Teamwork and collaboration: The student will operate as an integral member of the healthcare team, recognizing the roles of other members and one’s own scope of practice.
5. Safety: The student will apply safety principles in nursing care for all populations and in multiple healthcare settings.
6. Quality Improvement: The student will contribute to the quality improvement of nursing care dependent on various healthcare settings.
7. Evidence-Based Practice: The student will identify evidence-based practices for positive patient outcomes.
8. Informatics: The student will utilize informatics as appropriate with various patient populations and in various healthcare settings.
Application Requirements
The following are required to be completed prior to applying for the Nursing program.
● Submit a copy of a valid Department of Public Safety fingerprint clearance card (allow 4-6 weeks).
● Reading Competency at the twelfth-grade level or above (fulfill one of the following):
o 12th grade reading competency on a GCC approved reading test
o TEAS Reading score of 72.4% or higher
o SAT score 480 or higher; ACT score 22 or higher
o College Degree (Associate or higher)
● TEAS Nursing Entrance Exam with a minimum of proficient score or higher or HESI A2 score at 80% or higher (taken within 2 years from the date of application)
● Current American Heart Association CPR Basic Life Support Card (must be maintained throughout the program)
● Current Arizona Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) number in good standing
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Immunizations/Approved Exemption/Physical Exam
The following prerequisite courses are required to be completed with a minimum grade of “C” or better prior to starting the Nursing program.
● HCE 112 Medical Terminology or competency exam
● HCE 116 Medical Dosage Calculations or competency exam
● CHM 130 Fundamental Chemistry or higher - (CHM 138 preferred) (4 credits)
● BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
● MAT 142 College Mathematics or higher (3 credits)
● NUR 105 Pharmacology for Nursing (3 credits)
● ENG 101 Written Communications (3 credits)
Curriculum Related Requirements
Curriculum Requirement
All curriculum requirements (NUR prefix) must be passed with a grade of "B" or higher
General Education Requirements
Written and Oral Communication
Quantitative Reasoning
Natural Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Total General Education Requirements
In addition to completing each of the courses listed above with a grade of “C” or better (NUR courses with B or better), you must meet the following general graduation requirements to obtain this degree:
● Complete at least 16 credits at Gila Community College.
● Attain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher.
● File a Graduation Petition at least 60 calendar days prior to the end of the semester in which graduation is anticipated.
● Remove any indebtedness to the college.