Nursing: Practical Nursing

Would you like to work in the exciting field of healthcare providing direct patient care within a team of healthcare providers? The Practical Nursing diploma prepares you to assist with planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or other approved licensed healthcare professional. You must pass a licensing exam (NCLEX-PN) in order to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Employment opportunities are found in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities and physician offices. The Practical Nursing program at GTCC is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Credentialing Options

Frequently Asked Questions

The Practical Nursing program has a selective admissions process with a cap of 30 students with the annual fall enrollment. 

Students interested in applying to this program must follow guidelines on our Limited Entry Programs page.

Nursing Faculty
Name Title
David Tanner, MSN, RN, CPN Director of Nursing Programs
Martha Barham, MSN, RN Associate Professor, Nursing
Rhonda Owens, MSN-Ed, RN Associate Professor, Nursing
Debra Coleman, MSN, RN Nursing Instructor
Barbara Tornblom, MSN, RN, CNEn Nursing Instructor
Christina Weaver, MSN, RN Assistant Professor
Stefanie Wortham, DNP, RNC, WHNP-BC Assistant Professor
Melissa Casey, MSN, RN Nursing Instructor
Susan Mayes, MSN, RN Nursing Instructor
Karen Harvell MSN, RN Nursing Instructor
Tajauana Robinson, MSN, RN Nursing Instructor
Emily Rothermel, MSN, RN Nursing Instructor
Kristy Rowley DNP, RN Nursing Instructor
Datra Delk-Patrick MSN, RN Clinical Coordinator

Financial aid is available if you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822 Option 3.

Students will receive a letter acknowledging their acceptance into the program with additional information on a mandatory orientation session prior to the start of classes.  At the orientation, students will be provided information on health requirements, background/drug screening, clinical requirements, uniforms, etc. 

Students who are not accepted may want to apply for the next admission of the same program if they are certain it is what they want. Students may be counseled as to how to improve their ranking chances for the next admission. They may also be provided with information on other programs that they may be interested in attending. 

Each PN course has a clinical component ranging from six to nine hours per week. Clinical experiences occur in area hospitals and long term care facilities. Students will be assigned to the various agencies in order to get a broad range of clinical experience. The days/times for clinical experiences are dictated by the clinical agencies. For these reasons, students cannot request a specific location or day or time for their experiences. Every student needs to have transportation and be willing to travel to the assigned location.

Practical Nursing Diploma (3 semesters)
Item Cost
Tuition (in-state) $76/hr
Fees (campus access, parking, security, activity, technology, insurance, malpractice insurance, etc.) $100/semester
Textbooks/Resources/Standardized Assessments $800
Uniforms/Supplies $150
Health requirements $250
Criminal Background Check/Drug Screen $97
CPR Training $50
NCLEX Review Course $250
Nursing Assistant I Listing $108
Nursing Assistant II Listing $24
Graduation Fee $35
NCLEX-PN (Application Fee for licensure after graduation) $315
Estimated Total Cost for the program $5,000

Prior to graduation, students will have a review course and receive information on the licensing exam for Licensed Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN).  Upon graduation, the student will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN.  Students should be aware that the North Carolina Board of Nursing requires background screening prior to licensure and may deny licensure based on the results of the screening.