There are many reasons to enroll in a practical nursing program. If you’re committed to helping others or want a career where there is potential for growth and job stability, practical nursing may be the career for you. As a practical nurse, you’ll work under the supervision of a registered nurse to preserve and restore health. The role and responsibilities of nurses require special skills, but candidates must also be sympathetic, good communicators, extremely organized, and critical thinkers.
As the demand for nurses increases, practical nursing programs have an important role in preparing adults to practice in a competitive and rewarding field of healthcare. The training is the cornerstone of nurses’ success, providing a sound theoretical foundation and supporting the development of technical skills. Graduates will be eligible to apply to the State Board of Registration in Nursing for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). They will become leaders in healthcare and have the option to continue their studies to become registered nurses or advanced practice registered nurses.
North Shore Community College
North Shore Community College’s Practical Nursing Program leads to a Practical Nursing Certificate. Students will develop nursing skills, critical thinking, communication skills, and other technical competencies to function as effective members of the nursing team. Course modules in the 43 credit program include Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health, Overview of Microbiology, Human Development and Health Promotion, Fundamentals of Practical Nursing, Nutrition I and II, Pharmacology for Practical Nursing, Life Continuum Nursing I, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternal Child Health, Vocational Trends and Adjustments Practical Nursing, and Life Continuum Nursing II. Students will complete 19 credits in the Fall semester, 19 credits in the Spring semester, and 5 credits in the Summer. Graduates will have the capability to function within the Standards of Practice for Practical Nurses and demonstrate safe, competent, and ethical care in practice. They will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become a licensed practical nurse. Graduates must meet the state licensure requirements to be eligible for a license. The duration of the program is ten months. Admission is selective.
Admission criteria:
- Submit evidence of graduating from an accredited high school
- Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and achieve the minimum scores – Reading – 69%, Math – 63.3%, Science – 45.8%, English – 54.2%
- Submit three letters of reference – an employer or teacher, a supervisor, and a friend of 2 or more years
- Submit official transcripts of any college courses
- Complete the Practical Nursing Questionnaire
- Attend a mandatory information session
- Submit a completed immunization record signed by a healthcare provider. Immunization requirements include evidence of two live vaccinations or immune title results of measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella, meningitis, 2-step TB skin test, annual flu vaccine or waiver
- Must be BLS certified from the American Heart Association
- Submit documentation of current health insurance
- Submit to drug screening and fingerprinting
Tuition for the program is $8,858 for Massachusetts residents. Students must budget an additional $1,200 for books and supplies.
- Website: https://www.northshore.edu/academics/programs/pnr
- Address: 1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923
- Phone: (978) 762-4000
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 84%
Roxbury Community College
The Practical Nursing Certificate at Roxbury Community College prepares adults for employment in a variety of health care settings. Students will develop the skills and knowledge that are essential for the provision of safe and competent nursing care. The curriculum will cover classroom theory, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences at various health care agencies. Students who successfully complete all the program’s requirements will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Candidates should complete the prerequisite courses before applying to the program. These courses include Introduction to Statistics, English Composition I, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and Anatomy and Physiology. First semester courses include Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology I, Role Development I, Anatomy and Physiology II. Second-semester courses include Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Pharmacology II, Role Development I, and Anatomy and Physiology II. Third-semester courses are Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Pharmacology II, Bio-behavioral Health Across the Lifespan, and Microbiology. Students must complete a total of 40 credits plus the 13 credits of prerequisites to graduate from the program. The day schedule is offered in the Fall and an evening program begins in the Spring. The admission process for the nursing program is very selective.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application before the application deadline
- A copy of high school transcript, GED or HiSET
- Submit a separate application to the Nursing program
- Complete a 500-word essay “Why do you want to be a Nurse?”
- Provide official transcripts of all post-secondary education
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C
- Complete VI of the 4-part ATI TEAS and obtain minimum required scores
- Provide documentation of the required immunizations – TdaP, Td, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, PPD.
- A TB Risk Assessment, Chest X-ray, and documentation of positive results must be submitted with a positive PPD history
- Documentation of current CPR for Healthcare Providers
- A physical completed within one year of admission to the program
- Provide documentation of seasonal influenza or exemption during September to March
- Documentation of good moral character – criminal background clearance
In-state tuition and fees cost $8,977. Books and supplies cost an additional $1,500.
- Website: https://www.rcc.mass.edu/
- Address: 1234 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120.
- Phone: (617) 427-0060
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 86%
Southeastern Technical Institute
Southeastern Technical Institute facilitates a state-approved program to grant students to the eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN exam. The program is offered on a full-time day and part-time evening basis. Instruction will include classroom lectures, hands-on lab, and clinical learning experiences in various health care facilities. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to use critical thinking in practice, communicate effectively with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team, apply the knowledge of the sciences in therapeutic care, make nursing decisions with the LPN scope of practice, and establish goals for lifelong learning. Course modules include Integrated Science, Human Growth, Development and Behavior, Introduction to Pharmacology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Clinical Practice, Nursing Care of the Child, Adult, and Aged, Clinical Practice II, Advanced Concepts of Practical Nursing, and Clinical Practice III.
Admission criteria:
- Submit the online application and non-refundable application fee of $80
- Take the TEAS Entrance Exam and meet the minimum adjusted individual score in all three sections – Reading – 65%, Math – 50%, English – 55%
- Provide proof of high school graduation – official transcript or GED scores or HiSET
- Submit two completed reference forms signed by a recent supervisor, teacher, or employer
- A completed Health Insurance form with a front and back copy of the card
- Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
- Attend an interview with the Program Director
- Make a $500 seat deposit once admission to the program is confirmed
In-district tuition costs $10,000. Additional costs include books ($1,042), uniforms ($200), and student fees ($1,125).
- Website: https://stitech.edu/index.php/practical-nurse/
- Address: 250 Foundry Street, South Easton, MA 02375
- Phone: 508-230-1297
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.