Practical Nursing, Diploma
Prepare for the NCLEX-PN and build the hands-on skills to provide everyday patient care through classroom, lab, and clinical training in St. Louis.
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Questions? Call (636) 529-0000
Why LPN
As an LPN, you're at the bedside, taking vital signs, providing basic care and comfort, listening to patients' concerns, and helping them through illness or recovery. Depending on state regulations and training, LPNs may also administer medication or start IVs.1 It's hands-on, meaningful work that gives you direct responsibility for patient care.
The need for LPNs remains significant, with approximately 54,400 job openings projected each year through 2034.1
That need is shaped in part by an aging population and the widespread prevalence of chronic conditions. Adults age 65 and older now represent 18% of the U.S. population2, while more than three-quarters of U.S. adults report at least one chronic condition.3 LPNs play a particularly important role in nursing and residential care facilities and home healthcare, which together employ many of the country's LPNs and LVNs.4
What You'll Learn
Our Practical Nursing program prepares you to provide hands-on, everyday patient care across a range of settings.
Program Format
Online and in-person classes and labs
Complete your didactic coursework in a hybrid format for added flexibility, then apply your skills through clinical rotations completed in person.
Clinicals are always in-person so you build real hands-on patient care experience.
Curriculum
Build your nursing knowledge and clinical skills semester by semester, from foundational science through NCLEX-PN preparation.
Semester 1
Prerequisite coursework in anatomy & physiology, math, and critical thinking — the groundwork for everything that follows.
Semester 2
Your first nursing-specific coursework: fundamentals theory and lab, plus geriatric care — the core skills you'll use every day as an LPN.
Semester 3
Your first hands-on clinical practicum, alongside adult, mental health, and maternal-child nursing care.
Semester 4
A second clinical practicum, pediatric nursing care, and a dedicated review course to prepare you for the NCLEX-PN.
After Graduation
Stepful College graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Missouri.
After completing the program, you will be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), a required step toward becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.
The exam is computer-adaptive and pass/fail — there's no numeric score. It adjusts to your performance as you go and is administered at an official testing center.
Career opportunities
LPNs provide direct patient care across a range of healthcare settings.
LPN employment in home healthcare is projected to grow 11.6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the occupation overall.
Your Next Step
Begin your nursing career as an LPN, then continue building toward an RN or BSN through programs designed to support your next step.
Diploma
Associate Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Approval & Accreditation
The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Stepful College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
The Practical Nursing, LPN-to-RN, and RN-to-BSN programs are pre-accredited by the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA).
Admissions
Complete the admissions steps below to be considered for the Practical Nursing program. Contact admissions to confirm current deadlines and documentation requirements.
Submit an official high school or equivalency transcript.
Complete and earn a passing score on the Practical Nursing entrance exam.
Submit your application, required transcripts and supporting materials, and meet with an admissions representative.
Complete the required background screening.
Additional health and clinical requirements
Before beginning clinical training, students may need to complete a physical exam, immunization and tuberculosis documentation, CPR certification, fingerprinting, and drug screening.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition is charged per credit. Additional costs are spread throughout the program and may include books, uniforms, supplies, clinical requirements, and licensure expenses. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment options may be available to eligible students.
Additional cost & aid information
Books, uniforms, supplies, lab and technology fees, clinical requirements, graduation, and licensure costs are estimated at approximately $5,600 across the program.
These costs are not all due at once.
Federal financial aid and workforce funding may be available to eligible students.
Stepful College offers institutional scholarships for eligible students, with awards based on each scholarship's requirements and available funding.
Students may be able to arrange a payment plan for balances not covered by financial aid.
Please note: SLCHC is no longer accepting applications for the Practical Nursing Program at the City Campus. Applications are still accepted for the County Campus.
Request information to learn more about admissions, upcoming start dates, tuition, and the Practical Nursing program.
Questions? Call (636) 529-0000
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