NEWARK – Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) will begin offering its in-demand practical nursing certificate at the college’s Knox campus in downtown Mount Vernon this summer. Classes will start on May 16. The practical nursing certificate program can be completed in one year (three semesters). Graduates of the program are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
“Demand for licensed practical nurses is at an all-time high,” said Sandra Walker, EJD, MS, RN, FAADN, COTC dean of technical studies. “Once licensure is achieved, the potential employment opportunities are plentiful. Many health-care employers are also providing sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement.”
Career Options
LPNs find employment in a wide variety of health-care settings, including long-term care and assisted-living facilities, industrial settings, medical offices, private homes or acute care hospitals. Due to a recent shortage of registered nurses (RNs), there is a critical demand for LPNs. The median annual wage for LPNs in Ohio is more than $46,000, according to 2020 Ohio labor market information. Students can complete a practical nursing certificate program in one year and later enter COTC’s LPN to associate degree nursing program to obtain their RN license. COTC offers its three-semester LPN to associate degree nursing transition program at its Knox campus and its three other campuses in Newark, Coshocton and Pataskala.
Academic Excellence
COTC’s nursing programs are widely recognized among the best in central Ohio. Graduates of COTC’s practical nursing certificate program have achieved NCLEX-PN pass rates exceeding the national average for the past three years. COTC’s nursing programs are fully accredited by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
How to Apply
COTC health-care programs are selective, competitive-entry programs. Students interested in pursuing the practical nurse certificate program at COTC are required to attend an information meeting to learn about the program and application requirements, including prerequisite courses. The application deadline for summer 2022 is Feb. 1. Learn more at cotc.edu/practical-nursing-certificate. To contact an admissions counselor, email cotcadmissions@mail.cotc.edu or call the COTC Knox campus at 740-392-2526.
