Practical Nurse

The Practical Nurse program at Compass Career College provides comprehensive vocational nursing education designed to prepare students for the responsibilities of practical nursing. Students develop essential knowledge in patient care, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and medical terminology while gaining valuable clinical experience in healthcare settings. The program blends classroom instruction, skills laboratory practice, and supervised clinical training to help students understand both the science and compassion behind patient care.

The Practical Nurse program is designed to prepare students for entry-level practical nursing practice and eligibility to seek licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in accordance with Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE) requirements. Students develop the knowledge, clinical judgment, technical skills, and professional behaviors necessary to provide safe, effective, and compassionate nursing care to individuals across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings. Instruction includes classroom, laboratory, simulation, and supervised clinical experiences in accordance with program and regulatory requirements.

As part of the Practical Nurse curriculum, students complete the Nurse Aide Training coursework, providing a foundation in direct patient care and creating the opportunity to earn an embedded Nurse Aide Training credential upon successful completion of applicable coursework and regulatory requirements.

Program goals.

• Provide a strong foundation in practical nursing knowledge and patient care skills
• Support the development of clinical judgment, professionalism, and communication
• Prepare students for participation in healthcare teams across a variety of medical environments
• Encourage ethical practice and respect for diverse patient populations

Hands-On Learning. Students learn by doing. Our hands-on training approach builds confidence and develops the practical job skills needed in today's competitive job market.

Experienced Instructors. Our instructors bring real-world industry experience into the classroom, giving students insights that go beyond textbooks — and beyond what online courses can offer.

Career-Oriented Programs. Compass Career College offers state-approved career training programs designed to prepare students for employment in Louisiana's growing industries.

Open Admissions. Compass Career College maintains an open-admission philosophy and is committed to providing access to career training. Admission to programs is based on established requirements and availability. Some programs have specific admission criteria or limited enrollment.

Supportive Learning Environment. Students benefit from a supportive educational community where instructors and staff are committed to helping each student succeed from day one.

Dedicated Workforce Development. Compass Career College focuses on career training, workforce development, and practical education — helping students gain the skills relevant to today’s workforce.

The admission process begins with an enrollment application. Please bring photo identification, your high school diploma or your general equivalency diploma. Bring any academic transcripts you may have, which will be evaluated for transfer credits. If you have previously earned certifications other than your high school diploma, bring these with you.

The Practical Nurse program at Compass Career College has limited enrollment, and applicants must complete the admissions process before being considered for acceptance. Acceptance is determined by entrance test scores together with the state board evaluation admission form. Applicants must meet additional admission requirements established by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE), including identity verification, health certification, fingerprinting, and background screening requirements in accordance with Louisiana Administrative Code Title 46, Part XLVII.

Theory classes are normally Monday – Friday from 8:30 – 3:30 (class times will vary based upon clinical assignments). Clinical experiences are generally scheduled for eight (8) to twelve (12) hours per day and are determined by clinical site availability; they may include days, evenings, nights, and weekends.

Practical Nurse programs have 2 starts per year approximately 6 months apart. The next Practical Nurse start in Hammond is December 2, 2026.

Program costs.

• Tuition: $30,456
• Registration Fee: $100
• Supply Fee: $600
• Instructional Materials: $2,019
• Background Check: $75
• ID Badge & Lanyard: $10
• Drug Screen: $90
• CPR Certification: $50
• C.N.A State Certification: $100

Total contract price. $33,500.

Other out-of-pocket expenses (PN Handbook, List of Fees 2026). LSBPNE application fee $50.90; scrub uniforms $75.00+ per set; stethoscope $150.00; TB skin test (est.) $25.00; FBI criminal background check/fingerprints $59 each, $118 total; LSBPNE application testing fee $130.00; NCLEX-PN registration fee $200.00; diploma/pinning ceremony (optional, est.) $125.00; student malpractice insurance (optional) $42.00; PN student association dues (optional) $25.00-$40.00.

Instructional materials. This fee covers required instructional materials, which may include textbooks, workbooks, study guides, or electronic learning resources, as applicable to the program. Prices of required text are determined by various publishers and subject to change.

Registration fee. A one-time, non-refundable fee (except as required by law) assessed at enrollment to cover administrative costs associated with application processing, enrollment documentation, and student record setup. A $20 application fee is also listed on the College's online payment page.

Financial aid. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Students interested in financial assistance should apply online using the Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); Compass Career College's federal school code is 040403. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to remain eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Financial assistance programs. Compass Career College participates in various financial assistance programs, which may include Federal Student Aid Programs (including Pell Grants and Direct Loans), TOPS Tech, the MJ Foster Promise Program, Louisiana National Guard Education Programs, Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation, the Louisiana Workforce Investment Act (WIOA), the CHAFEE Educational and Training Voucher, Motivational Education and Training (MET), the Louisiana START Saving Program and AmeriCorps. At this time, Compass Career College does not offer institutional scholarships.

Payment options. Students who are not using financial aid enter into an institutional payment agreement (internal payment contract); payment plan options are available. Title IV funds go towards the student’s contract costs which include tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

M.J. Foster Promise. Louisiana residents enrolled in our Practical Nurse program may also qualify for the M.J. Foster Promise Program, which provides financial support for students earning credentials aligned with high-demand jobs in fields like healthcare. Only the Practical Nurse program is eligible for this award at Compass Career College.

Net price calculator. A Practical Nurse net price calculator is available on the College's Net Price Calculator page.

Graduates of the Practical Nurse program are prepared for entry-level employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, physician offices, clinics, home health agencies, schools, and other healthcare environments. Employment opportunities may include Licensed Practical Nurse positions in general medical-surgical care, long-term care, home health, clinic and physician office practice, rehabilitation services, and other healthcare specialties, subject to employer requirements and licensure.

Graduates may be eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by taking the NCLEX-PN examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Student outcomes (2023-2024 aid year). Completion rate 26%; placement rate 100%; licensure rate 100%. These rates are calculated according to the guidelines set forth by our National Accreditor the Council on Occupational Education.

Job placement assistance. The College provides job placement assistance to students and graduates to support their transition from education to employment related to their field of study. Compass Career College does not guarantee employment. Job placement assistance is provided as a support service and is available at no additional cost to graduates.

Medical Training Campus. Compass Career College is located at 42353 Deluxe Plaza, Hammond, Louisiana. Business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Compass Career College utilizes equipment comparable to that used in the student’s chosen field of study. Compass’ Medical Training Campus is housed in a 7,500 square foot building. The facility is comprised of six classrooms. One is primarily used for phlebotomy, one is a computer lab, one classroom is practical nurse training, and the remainder of the classrooms are used for other lecture courses.

Student parking. Student parking is located at the rear of the building. Students must enter the building through the rear door labeled Student Entrance.