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 originally approved by the Kansas Board of Regents in June 2008. After going through the realignment process with the Kansas Council of Practical Nurse Educators (KCPNE), the Kansas Board of Nursing (KSBN) approved the amended Practical Nursing Program Alignment on July 28, 2023, and the Technical Education Authority on November 16, 2023. Colleges are granted one year from the approval date to implement the alignment. Implementation due by Fall 2025.
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. Colleges may choose to require an active Certified Nurse Aide credential for entrance into PN programs.
Alignment Map
Click here (pdf)
Support Courses (7 credit hours)
Institutions may utilize existing like course titles for Support Courses that adhere to the agreed upon course lengths. These courses may serve as potential articulation and transfer of coursework between secondary and postsecondary partners. The sequencing of courses is determined by the institution.
| 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Evidence based practice: use current evidence as a basis for nursing practice.
- Informatics: use information and client care technology to support the delivery of safe, quality client care.
- Quality Improvement: participate in quality improvement activities assessing their effect on client outcomes.
- Safety: provide an environment that is safe and reduces risk of harm for clients, self, and others.
- Professionalism: demonstrate accountability for client care that incorporates legal and ethical principles, regulatory guidelines, and standards of nursing practice.
- 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.