A practical nurse is a dependent role under the supervision of a registered nurse and other health care providers approved by North Carolina law. In accordance with the North Carolina Board of Nursing Administrative Code, 21 NCAC 36.0225, Components of Nursing Practice for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), the LPN accepts assignments that can be safely performed and participates in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the client's response to health care interventions.

Graduates of the program demonstrate the competencies identified by the National League of Nursing and the National Academy of Medicine to provide nursing care. Graduates also are prepared to be responsible life-long learners.