Information on the alignment requirements for the Practical Nursing Program

CIP Code:51.3901
CIP Name:Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
Definition: A program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment.

Approval Status

The Practical Nursing Alignment was approved by the Kansas Board of Nursing on June 13, 2018 with the recommended implementation date no later than Fall 2020.  The Kansas Board of Regents approved the alignment on September 20, 2018.

State Business and Industry Committee recommendation

The Kansas State Board of Nursing recommends the current curriculum requirements for accredited nursing programs as defined in the Nurse Practice Act be utilized as the basis for alignment.  Participants must sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam.  All students should obtain the Practical Nurse (PN) credential which is required for employment.  

An active Certified Nurse Aide credential is required for entrance into PN programs. 

Alignment Map

Click here (pdf)

Common Courses  (13 credit hours)
Common Courses serve as potential articulation and transfer of coursework between secondary and postsecondary partners.  These courses shall have the same title, credit hour allocation, and competencies.  Institutions may add additional competencies based on local demand.  The sequencing of common courses is determined by the institution.

KSPN Foundations of Nursing 4 credit hours (pdf)
KSPN Fundamentals of Pharmacology and Safe Medication Administration 2 credit hours (pdf)
KSPN Care of Aging Adults 2 credit hours (pdf)
KSPN Mental Health Nursing 2 credit hours (pdf)
KSPN Maternal Child Nursing 2 credit hours (pdf)
KSPN Maternal Child Nursing Clinical 1 credit hour  (pdf)

Common Courses with Flex Credits: (12-20 credit hours)

KSPN Nursing Care of Adults I 4-5 credit hours (pdf)
KSPN Nursing Care of Adults II 4-5 credit hours (pdf)
KSPN Foundations of Nursing Clinical 1-2 credit hours (pdf)
KSPN Nursing Care of Adults I Clinical 1-3 credit hours (pdf)
KSPN Nursing Care of Adults II Clinical  1-3 credit hours (pdf)
KSPN Leadership, Roles, and Issues  1-2 credit hours (pdf)

Support Courses (7 credit hours)
Institutions may utilize existing like courses which adhere to the agreed upon course lengths and competencies.

Human Anatomy and Physiology 4 credit hours (min)
Human Growth and Development 3 credit hours


LPN Alignment Program Outcomes
At the completion of the Practical Nursing program, the graduate will demonstrate the following in a structured setting:

  1. Relationship-centered care: provide nursing care that is relationship-centered, caring, culturally sensitive and based on the physiological, psychosocial and spiritual needs of clients with commonly occurring health alterations that have predictable outcomes.
  2. Teamwork and Collaboration: collaborate with the client and members of the interprofessional health care team to promote continuity of client care and shared decision-making.
  3. Evidence based practice: use current evidence as a basis for nursing practice.
  4. Informatics: use information and client care technology to support the delivery of safe, quality client care.
  5. Quality Improvement: participate in quality improvement activities assessing their effect on client outcomes.
  6. Safety: provide an environment that is safe and reduces risk of harm for clients, self, and others.
  7. Professionalism: demonstrate accountability for client care that incorporates legal and ethical principles, regulatory guidelines, and standards of nursing practice.
  8. Leadership: use leadership skills that support the provision and coordination of client care.

To learn where this program is available in Kansas, visit the Kansas Career Technical Education Program Search.