Philosophy
Nursing practice combines the science of health and the art of caring. A humanistic blend of scientific knowledge, nursing philosophy, clinical practice, and general education, this program upholds the values and standards of nursing practice and teaches that learning is a lifelong process. General education courses, along with general education skills integrated into technical courses, assist students in becoming contributing members of society, enhance career goals, and provide appropriate background to students who wish to gain further education in the profession. Through general education, students develop, synthesize, and internalize personal values increase their awareness of the human condition; strengthen basic skills in communications and computation; and integrate general and career-specific learning.

Instructors create a learning environment that allows individual input, growth, and evaluation, with a learning process proceeding from the simple to the complex. The clinical and academic experiences in the professional curriculum are interdependent and reinforce each other, with the academic setting providing an information and theory base that is integrated, expanded, and verified in the clinical setting. Because health care and nursing are constantly changing, students learn that licensed practical nurses must exhibit a flexible and holistic approach to health care delivery, understand the changing health care environment, and develop strategies for continually seeking new treatment information. Students learn that practical nurses are integral and valuable members of the health care team, functioning under the guidance of a registered nurse and demonstrating ethical, legal, and professional conduct of the highest order in their personal and vocational relationships.

Objectives
Upon completion of the program, students will 

1. Demonstrate knowledge of scientific principles in providing patient care.
2. Attain the necessary skills to perform treatments and administer medications safely.
3. Demonstrate kindness, rapport, and empathy in giving patient care.
4. Recognize deviations from normal health, including specialty areas such as pregnancy and the newborn.
5. Develop skills of observing, recording, and reporting on the condition of the patient.
6. Use effective communication skills while working with patients, families, staff, and peers.
7. Display the technical knowledge and skills necessary to move into middle and upper management positions in their field, given the necessary time on the job to build expertise and accumulate experience.
8. Understand that nursing is lifetime learning, critical thinking, and problem solving skills are used for patient care through evidence-based practice.
9. Be able to communicate correctly and accurately in speech and writing and to reason mathematically.

Admission Criteria
Applicants are admitted to this program only after meeting specific selection criteria. Information about these criteria is available from the Admissions Officer/Recruiter. Students who are selected for the program are expected to attend full-time and take all courses in the prescribed sequence. Applications for the LPN classes beginning in January (Melbourne 18-month and Ash Flat Night-Weekend programs) are accepted September 1 – November 1.
For classes starting in August, (Ash Flat 11-month, Melbourne 18-month, and Mountain View 11-month) applications are accepted February 1 – April 1.

Clinical experiences will be in a variety of clinical settings within the four county area as well as some sites in Missouri. All travel and expenses are the responsibility of the student.

The hours required for the LPN Program meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the Technical College System. This program requires three regular semesters on the Melbourne Campus, with no summer classes, and three semesters including summer for the 11 month programs on the Ash Flat and Mountain View campuses.
Graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN) to be licensed to practice. All accepted applicants must undergo a criminal background check. Persons convicted of certain crimes may or may not be allowed to take the examination. Approval of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing will need to be obtained.