Overview
Career outlook
Employers hire licensed practical nurses to provide basic patient care such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily needs under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
Getting in
What Ellsworth Community College asks for, taken from its own admissions page.
What you'll need
- Transcripts
- Prerequisite courses
- Background check
- Immunizations
- CPR certification
Source is the ECC Practical Nursing (LPN) entrance requirements checklist PDF (04/2026). Full-time on-campus program of two semesters plus a five-week summer session, new class each fall; applications accepted year-round but the nursing admissions folder must be complete by March 15 for full consideration. Requires ECC application, official HS transcript or GED, college transcripts, proof of Nurse Aide written and skills tests (Direct Care Worker registry), prerequisite courses (BIO 151, 168, 173, 186 and EDU 160 or PSY 121) with C- or better and GPA 2.70 or higher, sciences within 10 years, and ATI TEAS minimums (Reading 47.6%, Math 46.7%, Science 33%, English 40%; waived with a bachelor's degree). Background check, physical, immunizations and CPR after acceptance.
Checked Oct 2026 on the school's site. Requirements change each cycle, so confirm before you apply.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites you'll need to meet to apply to this program at Ellsworth Community College. Open a category to see each one.