Are you passionate about healthcare and eager to make a real difference in people’s lives? A career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is both rewarding and in high demand. Especially within thriving communities like the Ridge area, the need for skilled and compassionate LPNs is greater than ever. If you’re searching for a reputable and comprehensive LPN program in this region, look no further than the Ridge Career Center Lpn Program at Blue Ridge Community College.
While you might be searching for a “Ridge Career Center,” it’s important to clarify that Blue Ridge Community College serves as a vital career and education hub in the broader Blue Ridge region, effectively acting as a career center for many seeking healthcare training, including LPN certification. Blue Ridge Community College’s Practical Nursing program is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills to excel as an LPN and contribute meaningfully to patient care within your community.
Why Choose the Practical Nursing Program at Blue Ridge Community College?
The Practical Nursing (PN) curriculum at Blue Ridge Community College is meticulously crafted to provide a robust foundation in healthcare, nursing practices, and holistic patient care. The program emphasizes patient safety, individualized care approaches, and collaborative teamwork within interdisciplinary healthcare settings. You’ll learn to integrate evidence-based practices, quality improvement methodologies, and healthcare informatics into your daily nursing routines.
Key benefits of the program include:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The coursework is structured to progressively build your understanding across crucial healthcare domains. You’ll delve into the specifics of nursing practice and learn to address the needs of the whole individual – encompassing physical, emotional, and social well-being.
- Career-Focused Training: The program directly prepares you for a successful LPN career. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), a mandatory step to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
- High Demand Profession: LPNs are in significant demand across North Carolina and the entire nation. The healthcare sector is experiencing growth, and practical nurses play a vital role in various settings. Projections indicate a growing shortage of LPNs, highlighting the job security and career opportunities this path offers.
- Diverse Employment Settings: As a graduate, you’ll have access to a wide array of employment options. These include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, home healthcare agencies, clinics, and physicians’ offices. Your LPN qualification will open doors to diverse and fulfilling roles within the healthcare landscape.
- Approved and Accredited Program: Blue Ridge Community College’s Practical Nursing program holds approvals from recognized bodies, including the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This accreditation ensures the program meets high educational standards and provides quality training.
Curriculum Overview: Spring, Summer, and Fall Semesters
The Practical Nursing program at Blue Ridge Community College is designed as a diploma program, with coursework strategically distributed across Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. This structured approach ensures a balanced and progressive learning experience.
Here’s a glimpse into the curriculum:
Spring Semester:
- ACA 122 – College Transfer Success
- BIO 168 – Anatomy and Physiology I
- ENG 111 – Writing and Inquiry
- NUR 101* – Introduction to Practical Nursing
Summer Semester:
- BIO 169 – Anatomy and Physiology II
- NUR 102* – Practical Nursing I
Fall Semester:
- NUR 103* – Practical Nursing II
- PSY 150 – General Psychology
*Note: NUR (Nursing) courses are conveniently offered during evening hours at the Health Sciences Center, accommodating students with daytime commitments.
This curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of nursing, preparing you for the challenges and rewards of an LPN career.
Applying to the Practical Nursing Program: Spring 2026 Entry
Blue Ridge Community College welcomes applications for the Spring 2026 Practical Nursing Diploma Program. Admission to the program is selective, reflecting the commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring student success.
Important Application Dates for Spring 2026:
- Application Period Opens: June 2, 2025
- Priority Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
- Late Submission Deadline: September 26, 2025
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
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NC Residency Determination: Begin by confirming your residency status through the NC Residency Determination Service (RDS) at https://www.blueridge.edu/admissions/residency/. This is a crucial first step for all North Carolina community college applicants.
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Online Application: Complete the Blue Ridge Community College online application, accessible through CFNC.org: https://www2.cfnc.org/exclusive.html#/applicationlogin/BlueRCC/NCCCSUndergraduate/BlueRCCUndergradApp. When applying, select “AGE-Nursing (Practical Nursing)” as your program of interest. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email outlining further steps regarding admissions, orientation, financial aid, and registration.
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Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from high school, high school equivalency programs, and any colleges you have attended. Ensure these are sent to the Registrar’s Office at Blue Ridge Community College. Refer to https://www.blueridge.edu/services-support/registrars-office/#transcr for detailed transcript submission guidelines.
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Pre-Enrollment Placement Test: Consult with an Admissions Counselor to determine if placement testing is required for your application. Schedule a testing session as needed. Information about placement testing can be found at https://www.blueridge.edu/admissions/placement-testing/.
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FAFSA Application: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the relevant academic year. For Spring 2026 entry, you will likely need to complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA. Access the FAFSA application at https://studentaid.gov/.
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Practical Nursing Program Additional Admissions Procedures: Complete the specific admissions requirements for the Practical Nursing program. Detailed procedures and checklists are available for download:
- Admissions Procedures for Spring 2026 Practical Nursing Program
- Admissions Requirements Checklist (ARC) for Spring 2026 Practical Nursing Program
Key admission requirements include:
- Biology coursework (high school or college) with a grade of “C” or better.
- Active listing on the NC Nurse Aide Registry, valid through the program start date in Spring 2026.
- A minimum composite score of 60 on the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam, Version 7, taken within the last three years.
TEAS Exam Information:
Blue Ridge Community College requires the ATI TEAS, Version 7. You can register for remote testing through ATI: https://www.atitesting.com/teas/register. Request that your official TEAS score transcript be sent to [email protected].
Study resources for the TEAS exam are available at https://www.atitesting.com/teas-prep.
Financial Aid and Support
Investing in your education is a significant step, and Blue Ridge Community College is committed to helping you explore financial aid options. Numerous resources are available to assist you in funding your Practical Nursing program.
- Financial Aid Office: Learn about various financial aid opportunities and how to apply by visiting Applying for Financial Aid.
- Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation: Explore scholarship opportunities offered through the college’s Educational Foundation at scholarship opportunities.
Contact the Financial Aid office at Contact us to discuss your specific circumstances and discover the best financial pathways to support your nursing education.
Take the First Step Towards Your LPN Career Today!
The Practical Nursing program at Blue Ridge Community College, serving the Ridge Career Center area and beyond, offers an exceptional pathway to a fulfilling and in-demand healthcare career. With a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and robust support services, you’ll be well-prepared to excel as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Don’t wait to pursue your passion for nursing. Begin your application process today and take the first step toward a rewarding future in healthcare. Contact Heather Stewart, Chair of Allied Health Programs and PN Program Director, at (828) 694-1761 or [email protected] for any program-specific inquiries. We look forward to welcoming you to the next generation of LPNs at Blue Ridge Community College!
