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Diploma Program
Practical Nursing
Ready to Be an PN? You Could Graduate in Just 10 Months*
Attend A Top Nursing School in Maine
Available in Bangor!
Beal University is one of the best nursing schools in Maine. Our 10-month Practical Nursing Diploma program provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Practical nurse (PN).
- Experienced Faculty: Our instructors are experienced nurses who are passionate about teaching. They will provide you with personalized attention and guidance throughout your program.
- Strong Clinical Focus: You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
- Flexible Scheduling: We offer our accelerated diploma program in Bangor, Maine, year-round learning, with day, evening, and online options to fit your busy schedule.
- Supportive Learning Environment: We are committed to providing you with the support you need to succeed in your studies. Our small class sizes and dedicated staff will ensure that you feel comfortable and confident throughout your program.
Become a Qualified Practical Nurse
Get the Skills Needed to Succeed

Practical nurses (PNs) are healthcare professionals who provide basic medical care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or doctors. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system, particularly in settings like nursing homes, home health environments, and rehabilitation centers.
The Practical Nursing (PN) diploma program prepares graduates for entry into nursing practice. As a practical nurse, you will be expected to reflect and respond to an ever-changing healthcare environment. Practical nurses utilize clinical judgment, quality improvement, informatics, teamwork and collaboration to provide safe, culturally competent patient-centered care.
The Practical Nursing (PN) diploma program prepares graduates for entry into nursing practice. As a practical nurse, you will be expected to reflect and respond to an ever-changing healthcare environment. Practical nurses utilize clinical judgment, quality improvement, informatics, teamwork and collaboration to provide safe, culturally competent patient-centered care.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will have the opportunity to:
- Provide safe, competent, holistic, patient-centered, culturally appropriate care to individuals and communities in a variety of settings.
- Incorporate quality improvement activities based on evidence based clinical judgement to improve patient care within the scope of practice of the Practical Nurse.
- Participate in the collaboration and teamwork to improve overall wellness; this includes the interprofessional team, the patient, and the family, throughout the lifespan.
- Advocate for the Practical Nurses unique role within the healthcare system, with special emphasis on the management of long-term, chronic care of the underserved and other vulnerable populations.
Core Courses in Practical Nursing
During the Practical Nursing Diploma Program, you’ll take the following courses:
- Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
- Introduction to Practical Nursing
- Lifespan Considerations in Practical Nursing
- Transition to Practice – PN
- Lifespan Developmental
- Human Anatomy and Physiology of the Structural Systems
- Human Anatomy and Physiology of the Organ Systems
Accelerated Learning
At Beal, we offer a Modular System designed to simplify the process of earning a degree. This allows you to complete classes in half the time of a regular semester, enabling you to focus on fewer classes at once. Our full-time students can still earn the same number of college credits each year while concentrating on fewer subjects at a
time.
time.
Licensure Makes You Employable
The PN program allows you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), and apply for state licensure as a Practical Nursing (PN) in Maine. Once you become licensed, you can pursue employment as a Practical Nurse in a variety of clinical settings.
Take the Next Step
Meet with one of our knowledgeable Admissions Advisors to get more details on our online medical science programs and learn more about how Beal could be the right fit for you.
Is a Career as a Practical Nurse Right for You?
Take the Practical Nursing Career Readiness Quiz
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Take the Quiz!

Online Learning Opportunities
Flexible Schedules

All programs at Beal University are offered with hybrid learning options! At Beal, you can take many classes online from the comfort of your home. Distance learning fits your life schedule, letting you complete your courses stress-free.
The first 4-6 months of your program can be completed online, so there’s no need to put off your education. Hybrid and online learning options give you the peace of mind, flexibility, and support that you need to succeed!
The first 4-6 months of your program can be completed online, so there’s no need to put off your education. Hybrid and online learning options give you the peace of mind, flexibility, and support that you need to succeed!
Hands-On Learning Experience
Gain Real-World Training

Hands-on experience is a core part of our nursing program. Through clinical rotations in real medical settings year-round, you’ll build confidence and gain the practical skills needed to succeed as an RN.
Please note: Our Associate Degree in Nursing is available only as a full-time program. This means you’ll need to commit to daytime classes and clinical rotations, which may take place during the day, evenings, and weekends.
Please note: Our Associate Degree in Nursing is available only as a full-time program. This means you’ll need to commit to daytime classes and clinical rotations, which may take place during the day, evenings, and weekends.
Practical Nursing Career Opportunities
Find your Perfect Career Fit
As the population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to rise, leading to increased demand for PNs. Since practical nurses are needed 24/7, you have the option to find a schedule that fits your needs. Hospitals, care homes, or in-home care may allow you to work various shifts from early mornings and late evenings.
Careers to Explore
With a Diploma in Practical Nursing, you will be qualified for a career in a variety of interesting areas, including:
- Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities
- Hospitals
- Physicians’ Offices
- Home Health Care Facilities
- Community Care Facilities
High Demand for Nurses
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurses is projected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations**. Feel confident you’re getting relevant skills to enter an in-demand career with plenty of opportunities.
Nursing Professionals Are Needed to Fill Many Roles
As a Nurse, you’d be responsible for many aspects of patient care, performing tasks such as:
- Assisting physicians in providing treatment to patients suffering from various medical conditions
- Administering medication and monitoring patient recovery and progress
- Managing intravenous lines
- Educating patients and their families on disease prevention and post-hospital treatment
- Performing patient diagnosis and case management
- Maintaining health records
- Communicating with doctors
- Supervising and giving direction to nurse aides
Take The Next Step
A new career is right around the corner
* Program length when completed in normal time. Does not include California
** https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1141.00
** https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1141.00