CPI Practical Nursing Diploma Program

Upon completion of the program, the graduate, based on preparation, knowledge skills, understanding and as a member of the health team functioning under the supervision of a licensed professional nurse, licensed physician or licensed dentist, shall consistently use sound nursing judgment to:

  1. Assess the clients biopsychosocial and spiritual needs in order to coordinate nursing care in all settings
  2. Analyze collaboratively with the professional nurse to develop the nursing diagnosis
  3. Contribute to the development of nursing care plans to facilitate expected client outcomes
  4. Assist the client of any age in meeting his/her biopsychosocial spiritual needs
    • Employ effective communication skills
    • Demonstrate a mastery of selected nursing skills
    • Organize comprehensive nursing care
    • Provide safe nursing care
    • Utilize the client’s family as a support system
    • Participate in health teaching of client and family
  1. Participate in evaluating achievement of expected outcomes
    • Participate in modification of the care plan
    • Participate in evaluation of the teaching/learning process
  1. Demonstrate accountability for personal and professional behavior
    • Independently seek new learning experiences
    • Identify own strengths and weaknesses for improvement of the practice of nursing

Nursing Program Checklist

Thinking of going into the nursing profession? Here is a checklist of what you have to do to register for the Nursing Program at CPI.

After achieving a passing score on the Pre-entrance exam:

  • Request High School Transcripts or GED sent to the PN Program.
  • 2 Reference forms filled out by a Supervisor.

  • Informational session with PN Coordinator.

  • Receive Acceptance Letter.

Application Form

Fill out Practical Nursing Application Form

More info
Pre-entrance Exam Form

Entrance testing information and the registration form

More info
Nursing Handbook

Download the 2025 Practical Nursing Student Handbook

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Transcript Request

Download the Transcript Request Form

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Financial Aid Information

Financial Aid Handbook

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For assistance preparing for the practical nursing entrance exam, please contact the Central Intermediate Unit 10 Adult Education Office.

Curriculum

Length of Program: 12 months- full time classes and 2 years- part-time class, 1500 hours, including vacation/holidays.

Read course descriptions for the four different levels of the Practical Nursing Program at CPI.

  • 105 Theory/Lab hours
  • 136 Clinical hours
  • 241 Total hours

This course includes a theoretical approach to the history of nursing, legal and ethical aspects in practical nursing and the health care delivery system with emphasis on the role of the practical nurse. The nursing process is introduced and utilized to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care. The nursing process is also utilized to write nursing care plans. The teaching of basic health practices to patients and families is also introduced in this course. Basic nursing skills are taught in theory, practiced in the laboratory and implemented into the nursing of patients with medical conditions and in an extended care facility.

  • 48 Theory hours

This course is designed to introduce the concept of human needs, as well as, patient behaviors and nurse-patient interactions. The theories of personality development are explored. The course also includes the communication process and selected information regarding the aging process and death and dying. The spiritual aspect is discussed and the nurse’s role in assessment of spiritual needs and care is defined. This course also presents an introduction to Mental Health. Universal concepts of normal human behavior provide a basis for understanding mental health, as well as, alterations of mental health.

  • 50 Theory Hours

This course introduces basic principles of chemistry and physics. In the first unit the course also introduces the basic concepts of the structure and function of the body. It serves as a pre-requisite for certain fundamental concepts offered in Level I. The systems covered are integumentary, digestive, cardiovascular, excretory and respiratory. In addition, the course offers an introduction to micro-organisms, kinds, growth and destruction, infection and control. This unit is designed to increase student awareness of micro-organism and their part in the maintenance of health.

  • 35 Theory Hours

The course provides an introduction to the principles of nutrition as well as nutrition in health promotion and clinical nursing practice.

  • 40 Theory Hours

This course is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. The presentation of the remaining systems; nervous, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, immunology, reproduction, plus the basics of acid/base balance are designed to enhance the students’ learning of Medical/Surgical Nursing courses offered in this level.

  • 89 Theory/Lab hours
  • 200 Clinical hours
  • 289 Total hours

This course presents the application of the nursing process to medical/surgical nursing. The course includes theory and experience in giving safe and effective care to adult patients with a variety of medical and surgical disorders. Included is an independent learning program of mathematics required in medication calculations.

  • 46 Theory/Lab hours

This course of study deals with the practical nurse’s responsibility, the legal implications and quality assurance in the administration of medications, allergy preparations, intravenous fluids, as well as the calculations of dosages using the nursing process. The course includes the administration of medications to selected clients in the clinical setting under close supervision. Client instruction of medication actions and side effects is emphasized.

  • 35 Theory/Lab hours
  • 24 Clinical hours
  • 59 Total hours

This course provides a background in pharmacodynamics of common medications according to body systems. Additional experience in the administration of medications is included.

  • 60 Theory hours
  • 216 Clinical hours
  • 276 Total hours

This course presents the application of the nursing process to medical/surgical nursing. The course includes the theory necessary to provide safe and effective care to adult patients with a variety of medical and surgical disorders. The student will utilize the nursing process to assist the patient meet biopsychosocial needs. Health maintenance of adult patients is included. This course also includes the nursing care of patients with disorders of the reproductive, endocrine, sensory, gastrointestinal and integumentary systems, as well as, allergic conditions. Preventive as well as restorative care is emphasized.

  • 73 Theory/Lab hours

This course presents the application of the nursing process to maternal and child nursing. The course presents normal neonatal development and the normal processes of pregnancy, labor and delivery and postpartum. The needs of the expectant and new mother are discussed, covering both physical and emotional aspects. With the normal processes there is introduction of selected disorders with treatment and nursing care. This course presents the application of the nursing process to maternal child nursing. This course includes a study of the ante partum period, labor, delivery and the post-partum. Problems of both mother and child will be considered. Family planning is presented. Also included is a study of common medical and surgical disorders of children and adolescents. The problems of death and dying, rape, suicide and teenage pregnancy are discussed. The nursing process is used to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care adapted to the maternal, child or adolescent child. Experience is provided in the care of the patient with obstetrical complications, newborns, or hospitalized children and adolescents. Fetal development is studied, including factors influencing this process. The course also covers nursing care of the newborn, including newborn characteristics.

  • 80 Theory hours
  • 248 Clinical hours
  • 328 Total hours

This course provides a theoretical basis and clinical experiences with clients having a variety of medical/surgical nursing concerns of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system. Health maintenance for adult clients is included. The unit on cancer prepares the students to provide palliative care and increases their knowledge of hospice and other treatment modalities.

  • 39 Theory hours

This course is designed to prepare the student for practice following graduation. Content includes: leadership, licensure, transition to practice, the nurses’ role in disaster situations, and current issues and trends in healthcare to prepare the graduate for his or her role in nursing. Included in this course, is preparation/ review for the upcoming NCLEX-PN exam.
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Admission Requirements

  • Submit a completed application form with application fee
  • Take pre-admission test at CPI
  • Submit high school transcript, GED or other course grades to school
  • Submit two (2) personal references on appropriate forms
  • Have a personal interview with the coordinator
  • Obtain American Heart Association BLS course CPR certification before admission
  • Submit current criminal record check and Child Abuse Clearance
  • Complete physical exam, drug screen, lab tests and immunizations

CPI Nursing changed my life. I love my job, I’m changing lives, and I’m able to provide a nice life for my family. I felt extremely prepared for boards and the workforce. I had multiple job offers before I even graduated.

Madigan D.

I received excellent training that prepared me for the NCLEX and a career in nursing.

Bob L.