Opportunities for CASPN Students

ADMISSIONS

Clinical Experience

The clinical experience assignments in each course have been designed by the faculty to meet course outcomes. Students are assigned with an instructor in groups of 10 students or less to a clinical facility with which CASPN has a contracted arrangement for student experiences. Hospitals such as Springfield Memorial Hospital and St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Taylorville Memorial Hospital in Taylorville, and  Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln are among the contracted clinical facilities. Community health care facilities including long term care, transitional care, ambulatory care centers and specialty care centers such as Lincoln Prairie Behavorial Health Center and McFarland Mental Health Center both in Springfield are also among the contracted clinical facilities.

Students will be informed of hours for each clinical assignment in advance. The time varies to meet the objectives of each quarter but is typically 7:30 am until 3:00 pm. Transportation is the responsibility of the individual student. Students will be informed of appropriate parking facilities at each clinical location. No student may refuse any clinical site or instructor.

After Graduation

A student who has successfully completed the program is eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN Examination. After passing the examination, students may apply for licensure as a Practical Nurse. Many of our graduates further their education and become registered nurses. Graduates of the Capital Area School of Practical Nursing program are able to bridge to an  Associate Degree in Nursing through Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Richland Community College in Decatur and many other community colleges throughout Illinois. For students interested in obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree,  St Johns College in Springfield offers nursing students with an LPN license who meet their admission criteria up to 15 hours of credit toward a BSN.

Graduates may be employed in a variety of different health care facilities including: hospitals, long term care facilities, TCU/rehabilitation facilities, correctional centers, assisted living centers, developmental centers, home health agencies, and ambulatory care centers such as doctor’s offices and outpatient clinics.

Licensure by State