Practical Nursing

Definition of Practical Nursing as described in the Nurse Practice Act:

"The performance for compensation of selected acts for the promotion of health and in the care of persons who are ill, injured, or experiencing alterations in normal health processes. Such performance requires substantial specialized skill, judgment, and knowledge. All such nursing care shall be given under the direction of a person licensed by the state regulatory board to prescribe medications and treatments or under the direction of a registered professional nurse."

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) care for the sick, injured, convalescing, and handicapped under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Practical nursing graduates are highly sought after and upon successful completion of licensure exam are recruited nationwide. Achieving LPN status initiates a nursing career for many graduates, and for others may represent the first step to an advanced nursing career.

Approval and Accreditation:

Organized in September 1957, the Franklin Technology Center (FTC) Practical Nursing program is the second oldest program in Missouri. The program is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and FTC Adult Education successfully completed the reaffirmation of accreditation process and was granted approval through 2026 from Council on Occupational Education (COE).  Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. Completion of the FTC Practical Nursing program does not guarantee eligibility to take NCLEX-PN.

You may contact the Missouri State Board of Nursing at:
P.O. Box 656, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656 - Telephone (573) 751-0080.

The goal of the program is to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam which is scheduled by the candidate upon successful completion of the course. Graduation from Practical Nursing does not guarantee to take the licensure exam. 

The Missouri State Board of Nursing determines eligibility for testing:

State of Missouri Nursing Practice Act Issued by Missouri State Board of Nursing:
Reference to Nursing Practice Act 335.066. Denial, revocation, or suspension of license, grounds for, civil immunity for providing information-complaint procedures. Excerpt:

The board may refuse to issue or reinstate any certificate of registration or authority, permit or license required pursuant to chapter 335 for one of any combination of causes stated in subsection 2 of this section or the board may, as a condition to issuing or reinstating any such permit or license, require a person to submit himself or herself for identification, intervention, treatment, or rehabilitation by the impaired nurse program as provided in section 335.067. The board shall notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for the refusal and shall advise the applicant of his or her right to file a complaint with the administrative hearing commission as provided by chapter 621, RSMo.

*Information technology proficiency is not required.

To be considered for acceptance into the Practical Nursing program, interested individuals must:

• Must be a minimum of 17 years of age upon entering program, and 18 years of age for clinical rotations.
• Submit online application and fee.
• Submit official high school transcript or GED/HiSET certificate.
• Take entrance exam (TEAS) or submit TEAS scores (must be within 6 months).
• Complete additional application requirements at direction of PN Program Coordinator.
• Contact Financial Aid.
• Sign consent and complete drug and background screening.
• Attend orientation session prior to first day of class. 

Admission Criteria:  Completion of an application with $70 non-refundable fee submitted, official high school or GED/High School Equivalency Test (HSE) transcripts, and completion of the TEAS entrance exam. Submission of a clear Background Check & Drug Screening as well as the candidate’s immunization record is required. See Admission procedure and immunization requirements.

Advanced Placement: The FTC Practical Nursing program does not offer advanced placement for admission to students who have previously completed college level Anatomy & Physiology or Nutrition courses.

Additional Admission Requirements: Applicants must present a current American Heart Association CPR card by the first day of class. In addition, the applicant must present with a negative drug screen and an acceptable criminal background check and Missouri Disqualification List to be accepted into the program. Once accepted into the program, the applicant must provide documentation for required immunizations and health screenings (Hepatitis B, Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Influenza and TB). 3 doses of Hep B & a positive titer, a Tdap within the last 10 years, 2 doses of MMR or a positive titer, 2 doses of Varicella or a positive titer. 2, 2-step TB skin tests or a TB blood test (TB Gold or T-spot). The COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccination are not required for entrance into the program. However, an exemption for each vaccination is required for most of FTC’s cooperating clinical agencies. Exemptions cannot be requested until after acceptance into the program. See the FTC Practical Nursing Immunization form. Please note: the FTC Practical Nursing Immunization Form must be completed by a health care professional and not the applicant.  

Student Services: A variety of student services are available to Practical Nursing students including Financial Aid assistance and vocational guidance and placement. 

Tuition Withdraw Policy: Practical Nursing students are subject to the FTC Tuition Withdraw Policy. Which is located in the forms section of the FTC website at www.franklintechnologycenter.com

Nondiscrimination Policy: Franklin Technology Center endorses and practices the principle of equal education and employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age or non-job related handicap or disability in the education programs, services or activities it operates.

Competencies and performance standards:

Students who wish to qualify for admission and progression in the practical nursing program must meet both academic and performance requirements.

Academic requirements are described in the Practical Nursing student handbook policies. In addition, the student must satisfy performance standards. These performance standards include motor skills, physical stamina, mobility, hearing, visual, tactile, reading, arithmetic competence, emotional stability, analytical thinking, interpersonal skills, and communication skills.

Students must satisfy the following competencies and performance standards:

Motor skills: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.

Examples: Positioning clients; obtaining and processing specimens, calibrating and properly using equipment; insert catheters; administer injections; use a computer; twist or squeeze with fingers; stand and maintain balance; reach and bend; move within confined spaces.

Physical strength and endurance: Physical stamina sufficient to perform full range of required client care activities for entire length of work role.

Examples: Sustain repetitive movements; maintain physical tolerance; lift; push and pull; support 25 pounds; move heavy objects weighing 10-50 pounds; defend self against combative client; carry equipment; use upper body strength.

Mobility: Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces.

Examples: Twist, bend, stoop/squat, move quickly, climb and walk.

Hearing: Auditory ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in providing nursing care in a timely manner.

Examples: Ability to detect auditory alarms, cries for help, and auscultatory sounds; ability to hear in situations when not able to see lips of speaker; ability to hear sounds of a normal or faint volume level.

Visual: Ability sufficient for accurate observation and assessment necessary for nursing care.

Examples: Read graphs, scales, computer screens, electrocardiogram; distinguish colors and intensity; prepare and administer medications; observe client responses.

Tactile: Ability sufficient for physical monitoring and assessment of health care needs.

Examples: Perform palpation; detect heat and cold; ability to perform functions of physical exam and/or those activities related to therapeutic interventions such as catheter insertion and IV insertion.

Reading: Ability to read and understand written documents.

Examples: Read and understand textbook, policies, procedures, patient charts and medication administration records (MARs).

Arithmetic: Ability to perform computations at a minimum of an eighth grade level.

Examples: Counting, measuring, and performing mathematical calculations and usage of a calculator.

Emotional Stability: Able to assume responsibility and accountability for own actions.

Examples: Establish therapeutic boundaries; provide client with emotional support; adapt to stress; deal with the unexpected; perform multiple responsibilities concurrently; handle strong emotion.

Analytical thinking: Reasoning skills sufficient to perform deductive/inductive thinking for nursing decisions.

Examples: Process information; evaluate outcomes; problem-solve; prioritize tasks; use short and long term memory.

Interpersonal skills: Able to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

Examples: Negotiate interpersonal conflict; respect differences in clients; establish rapport with clients and co-workers; respect the cultural diversity of clients and co-workers.

Communication: Abilities sufficient for interaction with others in both verbal and written English; ability to operate information technology systems.

Examples: Teach client and family; explain procedures; give oral reports; interact with others; speak on telephone; direct activities of others; convey information through writing.

PLEASE REVIEW THE ABOVE COMPETENCIES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. PLEASE DISCUSS ANY CONCERNS WITH THE NURSING ADMINISTRATOR, PROGRAM COORDINATOR OR FACULTY.

Admission Procedure-Practical Nursing

Step 1

Submit Online Application with fee to Franklin Technology Center

In order to be considered for admission into Practical Nursing program, the first step in the process is to complete the online application and pay the $70 application fee. It is also recommended to review the following information:

• Review program overview, qualifications, program calendar, program costs, and immunization checklist (some vaccination series take up to 6 months to complete. It is advisable to begin the necessary steps for updating immunizations before the program begins).
• After completing the online application and paying your application fee, you will receive an email with instructions on completing the following additional application requirements:
   

Step 2

Submit Transcript

Once you have completed Step 1, you will be asked to provide the following by NO later than December 1, 2026.

• Official high school or GED/HiSET transcripts. It is your responsibility to request your transcript from the High School you graduated from or the state you received your GED/HiSET from. Please have requested copies mailed to:

Franklin Technology Center

810 S Wall Ave

Joplin, MO 64801
 

Step 3

Complete Selection Questions

Applicants to the Practical Nursing (PN) program will receive five selection questions by email from the PN Program Coordinator. Applicants will complete their responses independently and return their completed responses to the PN Program Coordinator by email by the specified deadline.
 

Step 4

TEAS Exam

Applicants will be contacted by the program coordinator via email to schedule the TEAS examination.

• Applicants will take the TEAS examination with Franklin Technology Center, unless approved by the program coordinator for another testing site.
• Applicants may take the exam multiple times and submit their highest score (a 14-day waiting period is required between exams).
• The TEAS exam score transcript must be dated within the previous 6 months of the deadline date.
• Applicants must pay a non-refundable retest fee of $70 for each attempt following the first.
  • The applicant must contact the FTC office to arrange payment.
• If an applicant must reschedule an exam due to a conflict of schedule or illness a $10 rescheduling fee will apply
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify Franklin Technology Center of the need to reschedule the exam before 7:00 am on the morning of the exam. If no notification is received then it is considered a No Call-No show.
  • No Call-No Show to the exam is considered forfeiture of the exam and the application to the program
  • Late Arrival to the exam will result in forfeiture of the exam and require the applicant to reschedule and pay $70 for the exam
• Deadline to submit TEAS score is November 5th, 2026

There are TEAS study guides available for purchase at atitesting.com/teas/study-manual
 

Step 5

Financial Aid

• Completion of the FAFSA is highly recommended. This program will require completing both 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 FAFSA applications.
• The FAFSA must be completed online at studentaid.gov. You may call the financial aid coordinator at 417-680-0004, ext. 2062 if you need assistance completing the FAFSA.
• If you have a previous loan that was in default status, but have completed the requirements to take care of the default status, you MUST provide the financial aid coordinator with a letter from the State Department of Education confirming that your loan is no longer in default status.

Step 6

Provisional Acceptance

The PN Program Coordinator and all PN instructors will review and evaluate each applicant’s responses using established selection criteria. Points will be awarded based on the quality, relevance, completeness, and demonstrated understanding of each response. The total points earned from the written responses will be incorporated into the applicant selection process.

• Failure to return the selection questions by the due date will result in a No Call-No show and the applicant will forfeit these points.
• Due to competitive entry, scores are not rounded during the calculation process. Applicant scores are calculated to the hundredths place.
• The TEAS, and selection questions will be used to rank applicants numerically.
• The top 20 applicants will be contingently selected for the program pending drug screening and background check. Selected applicants will be notified via email and required to respond within three business days to accept their position.
• All other applicants meeting program requirements will be placed on an alternate list by numerical ranking. These applicants will be notified via email that they have been selected for the alternate list.

Step 7

Enrollment, Orientation and Screenings

For the applicants who are provisionally accepted into the program, there will be a mandatory orientation day prior to the first day of class. Students will be contacted regarding program-specific orientation date, time and location after acceptance via email.

Please direct all correspondence and inquiries to:

Franklin Technology Center

810 S. Wall Avenue

Joplin, MO 64801

Telephone: 417-680-0004

Fax: 417-680-0005

*Disclaimer: The programs and courses require a minimum number of students in order for the classes to be offered.

• Basic Nursing Skills
• Electronic and Written Documentation
• Anatomy & Physiology
• The History of Nursing
• IV Therapy for Practical Nurses
• Pharmacology
• Dosage Calculation for Medication Administration
• Nursing Care of Adults Throughout the Life Span
• Nursing Care of Children from Birth to Adulthood
• Nursing Care Obstetrics
• Mental Health Nursing
• Nursing Leadership
• Nurse Practice Act
• Scope of Practice
• Clinical Rotations (Hands-on Patient Care)

1. Orientation to Nursing
   1. Introductory Theory
   2. Classes held Monday-Thursday with times to be determined by program coordinator and faculty
   3. Courses
      1. 46 clock hours - Personal and Vocational Concepts
      2. 110 clock hours - Anatomy and Physiology
      3. 142 clock hours - Fundamentals of Nursing/LPN IV Therapy Theory
      4. 40 clock hours - Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab
      5. 40 clinical hours - Fundamentals of Nursing
      6. 80 clock hours - Tutoring/Study Hall
      7. 138 clock hours - Pharmacology for Practical Nurses
      8. 36 clock hours - Dosage Calculation

      Total of 632 clock hours

2. Combined Theory and Clinical Practice
   1. Theory and clinical hours summary
      1. 126 Theory/176 Clinical hours - Nursing of the Adults/Nutrition for Practical Nurses
      2. 114 Theory/64 Clinical hours - Maternal/Child Nursing
      3. 64 Theory/8 Clinical hours- Mental Health Nursing
      4. 16 Clinical hours - LPN IV Fluid Therapy
      5. 32 Clock Hours - NCLEX-PN Prep
         
                       Total of 600 clock hours
                                     
          
3.  The total number of clock hours contained in the practical nursing program is 1232, which includes 928 theory hours and 304 clinical hours.

DeAnn Kellogg-Practical Nursing Coordinator/Instructor

Education: Labette Community College-ADN
Pittsburg State University- BSN

DeAnn Kellogg has been a Registered Nurse since 1991.  Her experience in nursing includes Long Term Care, Maternal/Child, School Nursing, Home Health, Community Health/Mental Health, and Clinical Operations Specialist.  She loves nursing and sharing all her experiences with students, saying, “Being a part of the students becoming nurses is priceless”. DeAnn graduated with her associate degree in nursing in 1991 from Labette Community College and received her BSN from Pittsburg State University in 2025.

DeAnn and her husband have 3 adult children, and 10 grandchildren. They have cattle, and working dogs that are family members. Her hobbies include grandchildren activities, loving animals, and spending time with her husband. She is thankful every day for many blessings.

Amy Price - Practical Nursing Instructor

Education: Pittsburg State University- BSN

Amy Price, RN has been a nurse since 2001, with experience spanning critical care, pediatrics, home health, med-surg, and school nursing.  From a young age, she knew her path would lead to either nursing or teaching- now, she gets to embrace both. Passionate about lifelong learning, she loves sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for nursing with her students. She graduated with her BSN from Pittsburg State University and teaches pharmacology, dosage calc, mental health, maternity, and pediatrics.

Amy and her husband have 2 children.  In her spare time, she enjoys attending their activities, reading, and traveling.

Stephanie Morton-Moore - Practical Nursing Instructor

Education: Labette Community College - ADN

Western Governor’s University – BSN

Stephanie Has been a Registered Nurse since 2009.  Her experience in nursing includes; NICU, Nursery, Post-Partum, Pediatrics, Pre-Op, and School Nursing. She has always enjoyed having students shadow her in her different jobs and loves helping others learn. Stephanie graduated with her associate degree in nursing in 2009 from Labette Community College and received her BSN from WGU in 2021.

Stephanie and her husband live in Galena and have 2 grown children.   Her hobbies include reading, crafting, spending time with family, and traveling.  Stephanie is a huge “Friends” fan.

Amanda Coberley- Practical Nursing Instructor

Education: Western Governors University- BSN

Amanda Coberley, RN, has been a nurse since 2015 and has experience in medical-surgical acute care, long-term care, home health, wound care, and clinic nursing. Being a preceptor always brought her a sense of satisfaction. Amanda is currently pursuing a Master’s in nursing education from WGU. She currently teaches Fundamentals and Medical-Surgical.

Amanda and her husband have 2 young children and she enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with her family on their farm.

Practical Nursing Coordinator: DeAnn Kellogg

Phone: 417-680-0004 Ext. 2068

Fax: 417-680-0005

Email: argiekellogg@joplinschools.org

Practical Nursing Calendar 2025-2026

Practical Nursing Calendar – January 2027 cohort

Practical Nursing Student Handbook 2025-26

Practical Nursing Student Handbook 2026-27

Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy

Franklin Technology Center adheres to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Students accepted into the program are required to follow the drug screening policy as stated below. 

1. Use or suspected use of intoxicants or controlled substance and/or unlawful possession of any illegal or controlled substance during school or clinical hours or during school related/sponsored activity shall subject a student to dismissal from the program. The student must submit to a drug or alcohol screen according to the faculty instruction and within the time frame directed by the same. If the student refuses to complete a drug or alcohol screen, the student will be assumed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Failure to comply with required testing will result in dismissal from the program. Not providing a specimen within a timely manner, or submitting an altered, diluted or substituted specimen will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. 
2. Franklin Technology Center reserves the right to perform unscheduled or random drug screens in order to comply with clinical site requirements and assure that students are not under the influence of intoxicants or illegal or controlled substances. 

All offers of acceptance into Franklin Technology Center programs are made as conditional offers. The conditions will include a satisfactory background check and negative drug screen. Acceptance into the program will be denied if there is refusal to read and sign the drug screen consent form, if an applicant is found in possession of specimen altering devices, if applicant is unable to provide a specimen in a timely manner, or for submitting an altered/substituted specimen. 

To ensure compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, students will be tested as a condition of admission, upon reasonable suspicion, and post-accident or post-injury. (See Franklin Technology Center Student Handbook for additional information.)

Students must abide by the terms of the above policy and must report any conviction under a criminal drug statute for violations occurring on or off school premises. A conviction must be reported within five (5) days after the conviction. Students convicted of involvement in a criminal drug offense will be dismissed from the program. 

IMMUNIZATION RECORD CHECKLIST

(CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR THE LIST)

PN Immunization Checklist 2025-2026

MATH STUDY GUIDE

(CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO OPEN THE MATH STUDY GUIDE)

Study Guide for Math Assessment.pdf

$14,750.00

$820

Estimated fees not included in tuition costs:

$1230.00

Introduction to Clinical Pharmacology 11e

ISBN # 9780443113369  $95

Introduction to Maternity/Pediatric Nursing 10e

ISBN # 9780443127571  $110

Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing 8e

ISBN # 9780323826716  $115

The Human Body in Health & Illness 8e

ISBN # 9780443124440 $85

Study Guide for The Human Body in Health & Illness 8e

ISBN # 9780443124457 $45

Foundations of Nursing 10e

ISBN # 9780443248863  $105

Foundations of Mental Health Care 8e

ISBN # 9780323810296  $70

Jarvis Physical Examination & Health Assessment (Pocket Companion) 9e

ISBN # 9780323827843 $70

Dosage Calculations Made Easy 8e

ISBN # 9781975230661  $110

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

 ATI-  $1,325

 Textbook/Resource Total $2,130.00

*Subject to change

$17,700.00