Practical Nursing is a one-year certificate program designed to prepare individuals to assume the roles and responsibilities of the practical nurse. Consult a KCC advisor or the “Information on Health Career Programs” handout for program entry requirements. Upon successful completion of the program, the individual is eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
Program eligibility standards apply; consult a KCC advisor.
Students in health career programs are advised to consult the Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations, section 13.4. This regulation concerns completion of all courses in health career curricula being completed with a grade of C or better.
Each student in this program must have a physical exam, criminal background check without any disqualifying convictions, a negative drug screen, and current CPR certification from the American Heart Association (BLS for Healthcare Provider) or American Red Cross (Professional Rescuer: adult, child & infant or AED).
The curriculum of record for students applying to, but not yet accepted into, competitive entry health careers programs will be the Associate in General Studies.
- Examine practices within the definition of a Licensed Practical Nurse as contained in the Nurse Practice Act.
- Implement effective verbal, nonverbal, and written communication with clients, families and health care team members.
- Utilize the nursing process to deliver safe and effective care to clients throughout the life span.
- Relate evidenced-based research findings to nursing care and clinical decision making.
- Organize a caring, person-centered environment where client choices related to cultural values, beliefs, and lifestyle are respected.
- Demonstrate effective utilization of resources to meet client needs.
Health Careers Requirements - Consult this information for steps to apply and enroll in a health program, deadlines, eligibility worksheets, and essential physical capabilities and functions.
General education courses
Courses listed in the General Education requirements section can be completed prior to program acceptance.
Program-specific courses
General education
The biology course(s) must be completed prior to PNUR 1140.
Fall semester
Spring semester
Summer term
The following achievement data is provided to demonstrate the preparedness of KCC's Practical Nursing graduates:
- NCLEX-PN pass rate: 73% (2021), 86% (2022), 100% (2023), 100% (2024), 100% (2025)
- On-time program completion: 39% (2021), 56% (2022), 62% (2023), 65% (2024), 71% (2025)
- Ultimate program completion: 44% (2021), 56% (2022), 77% (2023), 81% (2024), 77% (2025)
- Current job placement: 100% (2020), 100% (2021), 100% (2022), 100% (2023), 100% (2024)
The practical nursing certificate program at Kankakee Community College located in Kankakee, Illinois, is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the practical nursing certificate program is: Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/acen-programs-05202024/kankakee-community-college-d29c2.
The Practical Nursing program at Kankakee Community College meets the state education requirements for a practical nursing license in the state of Illinois. KCC has not determined if the practical nursing program at KCC meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has resources that may be helpful.
Learn more about this program: Practical Nursing, Advanced Certificate