Prepare for a new career sooner than you think
Have you always dreamed of being in the health care field, helping patients with their basic needs during appointments and stays? Gain the fundamental knowledge about the nursing profession and health care system by becoming a vocational nurse.
Learn the Fundamentals of Patient Care
- Learn foundational skills to care for patients from birth to senior.
- Program includes NCLEX-PN review to help you prepare for the licensure exam.
- Complete your diploma in as few as 13-months.
Program Overview
Train to become an important member of the health care team-and to qualify to pursue roles in a variety of health care settings. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide basic care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians.
As an LPN, you could do everything from helping feed new babies, changing bandages in acute care, keeping chemotherapy patients comfortable during treatment, and helping older patients dress. You’ll also update patient charts and communicate important information to the rest of the health care team.
Daytime students can complete their diploma in as few as 13-months.
Schedule a Private Tour Today
Think you’d love to work as a practical nurse? Schedule a virtual or in-person Career Planning Session and tour the Concorde Portland campus.
**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for licensed practical/vocational nurses 2023-2033 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.
Curriculum
Concorde Portland’s practical nursing diploma teaches the knowledge and skills you need to prepare to serve patients with a wide range of conditions and needs. You’ll learn practical skills for taking vital signs, inserting catheters and more in the classroom. Then, you’ll apply those skills during clinical experience in a variety of real-world settings.
Nursing Learning Concepts
- Foundations of Nursing
- Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology
- Human Growth and Development
- Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing Care
- NCLEX Review
- Pharmacology
End of Program Student Learning Outcomes (EOPSLO)
- Provide safe, caring and compassionate nursing care to diverse patients across the lifespan in various healthcare settings using evidenced based practice to improve outcomes.
- Function as a competent, entry-level healthcare provider applying leadership and management skills and embracing ethical and legal principles in the provision of culturally appropriate nursing care.
- Collaborate with members of the inter-professional healthcare team to provide optimal care for diverse patients and their families.
- Communicate effectively through verbal, nonverbal and technological methods with patients, families and members of the inter-professional healthcare team.
Faculty
Portland Nursing Program Director
Debra Cohen, RN, MSN-NE
When I was around 9, I thought that I wanted to be a ballerina, until I figured out that my toes weren't strong enough for pointe work. So I went into nursing, and my feet are grateful. Kidding aside, I think that I always wanted to be a nurse. I was always the person jumping into help deal with an injury or care for someone in pain. Nursing was my true calling.
Becoming a nurse isn't easy. Our students quickly discover that there is a lot to learn in our accelerated program. To be successful in school and as a licensed nurse, you'll need to commit yourself to being an active listener and constantly learning by staying up-to-date. You have to be flexible as schedules can change; in school it might be due to staff or clinical placement availability. Later as a practical nurse: schedules, staffing and patient assignments can change overnight - you've got to learn to adapt to change. But while you're in our program, know that we are here to help.
I love to teach both staff and students. There's a huge sense of accomplishment when a student who has worked hard experiences that "lightbulb" moment; finally getting a new concept or skill. Working together with our nursing faculty to help educate the next generation of nurses is like a well choreographed ballet, without the blisters.
Career Outlook
Nurses are Key to a Health Care System
The nursing field is expected to continue to grow nationally, driven in part by projected growth in the population and aging baby boomer generation.
Growth is expected for a number of reasons, including and increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity and demand for healthcare services from aging population. While people live longer, more people will retire, and this will include nursing professionals.
While the very population that needs nursing care grows, the gap in active nursing professionals will grow. A challenge that will drive additional demand for skilled nursing graduates.
*Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.
Financial Aid
As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.
Accreditation
Accreditation and licensure are an important part of an academic institution’s operation. Visit our Accreditations and Licensure page for more details about our accreditations and licensure.
BON: Granted Continuing Board Approval
The Practical Nursing program at Concorde Career College-Portland campus has been granted continuing Board approval by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
You may also be interested in the following programs
