About the Program
Lake Michigan College's Practical Nursing program is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Graduates qualify to take the Michigan State Board Examination for practical Nurse licensure (NCLEX-PN).

Students enrolled in the one-year Practical Nursing program share the same first two semesters with those enrolled in the Registered Nursing program. The differences in the programs are College graduation and Support Course requirements.

This arrangement makes it possible for LMC's Practical Nursing graduates and other Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who meet Advanced Standing requirements (see nursing student handbook or program advisor) to enter the second year of the nursing program after completing the Support Courses from the first year of the program and qualifying for admission to the associate's degree program.

Nursing program applicants should be aware that the Michigan Board of Nursing, in its Practice Act, states that it can deny a license to an applicant if any of the following are true:

1. Has been convicted of a criminal offense in a court of law.
2. Is habitually intemperate in the use of alcoholic beverages.
3. Is addicted to, or has improperly obtained, possessed, used or distributed habit-forming drugs or narcotics.
4. Is guilty of dishonesty or unethical conduct.
5. Has violated or aided or abetted others in violation of any provision of this act.

This is not an inclusive list. If there are questions about a situation, please call the Board of Nursing, (517) 335-0918, and/or check in the Nursing lab for a copy of the Public Health Code.

Nursing Program Handbook
In addition to the rules stated in this catalog, Lake Michigan College Nursing students are required to abide by rules stated in the nursing student handbook. You can get a copy of the LIMB from the Health Science advisor or review it in the College library.

Clinical Assignments
In addition to classroom work, you will participate in clinical assignments. The eight-hour shifts are scheduled during days, evenings, and weekends at facilities throughout the region and attendance is required. Because clinical schedules are not flexible, you will need to work your schedule around these times, have dependable child care, and have access to dependable transportation in order to travel to the assignments. You should also plan for additional time outside of the printed schedule for practice, clinical preparation, and study.

Expenses
As a student in the Nursing program, you should expect costs greater than the average LMC student. These additional costs will include a greater number of textbooks, school-approved uniforms, a pre-program physical exam, immunization for specified communicable diseases, nametags, and testing.

Degree Requirements

Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to several general scholarships that are based on academic excellence, need, and other criteria, the following scholarships are available to students enrolled in the Nursing program:

• Virginia Kowerduck Scholarship
• Marie Pastrick Olney Endowed Scholarship
• Jack and Fredda Sparks Educational Opportunities Scholarship
• Organ Transplants of Southwestern Michigan/Edward F. Heyn Memorial Scholarship

To see if you qualify for one of these scholarship, please visit the Financial Aid section of our website.