Feb 15, 2026  
2026-2027 Catalog Draft 
    
2026-2027 Catalog Draft

Practical Nursing - LPN Step-out Certificate (PNSO.CT)


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Group photo of nursing students

The Practical Nursing (PN) Step-Out Program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and provides an option for current AAS Nursing students wishing to ‘step-out’ of the RN program and gain employment as a practical nurse. Upon satisfactory completion of the first year of the AAS nursing program the graduate receives a certificate and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-LPN). Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-LPN, the graduate is eligible to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Arizona.

Program Student Learning Outcomes: 
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate professional behaviors within the legal & ethical standards and LPN scope of practice (2, 3, 4)
  2. Use the Nursing Process as a framework for critical thinking to assess, plan, prioritize, implement, and evaluate safe, effective, patient-centered nursing care for those that have predictable nursing needs. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  3. Coordinate care with multiple healthcare professionals to ensure safe, quality patient care. (2, 3, 4, 6) 4. 
  4. Apply safe and effective use of informatics & technology in professional practice. (3, 5, 6)

Recommended Program Pathway


NOTE: Courses with an asterik (*) indicates the course is a program requirement.

First Semester: 10 credits


Second Semester: 12 credits


  • Credits: 6 *
  • Credits: 3 *
  • Credits: 3 *
  •  

    Notes:

    • Confirm program requirements and course expectations early in the term. 
    • Review important academic dates, including add/drop and withdrawal deadlines, to support timely completion. 
    • Explore career options or pathways for further education and connect with available support resources, such as tutoring, workshops, or career services. 
    • Verify that all coursework is complete and submit any required forms to receive your certificate or degree for graduation. 

Total Certificate Credits: 55


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