Practical Nursing (Day Schedule)

The Practical Nursing Program at Sumner College is designed to provide students with comprehensive training and education to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). The program spans 50 academic weeks, which is scheduled in 5 quarter-based terms, and consists of a total of 75.5 credit hours. Our program’s mission, goals, and expected outcomes align with the relevant professional nursing standards and guidelines, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for safe and competent nursing practice.

The program employs a multi-faceted approach to learning, incorporating classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience. Students receive theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills training in various practice settings.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Successful licensure enables graduates to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). To ensure an optimal learning environment, classroom sizes are limited to 28 students for theory courses, and 14 students per skills lab.

• New Term Every 10 Weeks
• 13 Month Program
• 97% Program Retention
• Over 100 Clinical Sites
• 24 Students: Average Class Size

What sets us apart? Let’s start with small class sizes, exceptional clinical opportunities, and employer partnerships that hire over 72% of our students at facilities where they complete their capstone clinical experience. Quarterly Career Fairs and our own Sumner College Medical Club allow students the opportunity to network with employers while attending school.

We also provide every student in the program with a Lenovo laptop computer and the support services that foster student success. This program allows students the opportunity to enter into a nursing program without completing prerequisite courses.

To be eligible for admission to the college, applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or an equivalent recognized credential. All prospective students are required to complete an initial interview with the admissions office or attendance at an information session.

Practical Nursing applicants are required to take the ACCUPLACER exam, submit an application, two essays, one letter of recommendation, and one resume to be considered for admission. A minimum score of 4 points (80% or higher in each section) must be awarded on the ACCUPLACER test and the applicant must complete the test in under 2.5 hours to proceed in the application process. A $15 non-refundable test fee is due at the time the test is scheduled.

Schedule. Practical Nursing Program, Portland: Monday – Friday, Day: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Practicum/clinical hours and days vary based on the facility availability.

Delivery. ‘Blended’ format includes both classroom and distance education instruction; specific courses are scheduled on-site for in-person learning, and other courses are delivered in an online format through Canvas.

Start dates. Classes start every 10 weeks; upcoming Practical Nursing cohort start dates are 11/30/2026, 03/01/2027, 05/17/2027, 08/09/2027 and 10/25/2027.

Tuition and fees. Location: Cascade Campus. Application Fee $50; Registration Fee $100; Tuition – Per Credit Hour $450; Program Fee $4,500; Total Tuition $33,975; Total Cost of Program $38,625. 1st Academic Year $21,375; 2nd Academic Year $12,600.

Program fee includes. Student Laptop, eBooks and Online Resources, Required Screening/Background Check, NCLEX Prep Package, Canvas (LMS), Clinical & Lab Supplies, Clinical Clearance Documents and Scrubs. Sumner College provides e-books to students as part of their tuition cost.

Other charges. A $15 non-refundable ACCUPLACER test fee is due when the test is scheduled. Course Repeat: $500 per course and Course Audit: $200 per course for 10/20/2025 start cohorts or later. Maximum Transfer Credit: 18 Credits; each credit approved for transfer will reduce the cost of the program.

Financial aid. Sumner College has the following financial aid programs available for those who qualify: Pell Grants, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), PLUS loans and VA Educational Benefits. School Code for Sumner College Portland & Bend: 014581. Students may also be eligible for trade act or tribal funding.

Sumner College Private Loan. Offered to students denied approval from a lending institution; the maximum the school can cover is $15,000 for the Practical Nursing program.

Scholarships. The Academic Excellence Scholarship (cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher) awards up to $3,000 for the PN program (apply after completing Term 3). The Sumner College High School Scholarship awards up to $2,000 for the PN program.

Payment options. Cash payments may be made monthly (fixed amount, students must utilize all Federal Funding available) or quarterly (Monday prior to start of each term).

Graduates of the Practical Nursing program may apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN); successful licensure enables graduates to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Student outcomes (Practical Nursing Fact Sheet, 2024-2025 reporting year). ABHES Job Placement Rate 78%; ABHES Retention Rate 97%; ABHES Credentialing 83%; OSBN NCLEX Pass Rates (1/1/24-12/31/24) 81% first attempt; Graduation Rate 96.4%; On-Time Graduation Rate 98.78%; Median Starting Hourly Salary $38.00.

Where grads work. US Dept of Veteran’s Affairs, Prestige Care, Avamere, Vibra Specialty Hospital, Fresenius Medical Care, Marquis Companies, Naphcare, Clackamas County Corrections, Columbia River Mental Health, The Children’s Clinic, Vancouver Clinic, Brookdale Senior Living, Mirabella and others.