The practical nursing (PN) program is a technical certificate program which takes 10.5 months. It is located on the Pocahontas campus and courses begin each fall.
All BRTC degree-seeking students should demonstrate competency in the general education learning outcomes.
About the Program
BRTC's PN program combines classroom instruction, simulated patient care, and clinical experience to prepare graduates for a successful career in nursing. After graduation, students are eligible to apply for the national examination (NCLEX-PN) administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, for licensure as a practical nurse (LPN).
Prerequisite Courses
No prerequisite courses are required for the Practical Nursing program; however, applicants must meet college entrance requirements. Individuals interested in enrolling in the program must
- take the college exam administered by the college,
- nursing entrance exam administered by the college, and
- have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Enrichment Courses
If enrichment courses are required based on the college admission exam, mandatory tutoring must be completed in the BRTC’s Tutoring Center (TC) or Adult Education. The number of hours required will be determined by the TC or Adult Ed Coordinator and the individual exam scores.
PN Application
Opens: February 1, 9:00 a.m.
Deadline: April 1, 4:30 p.m.
Classes begin in the Fall.
No incomplete applications will be accepted; all applications must be complete prior to deadline.
Important:
- Once the application period opens, submit your applications in a timely manner.
- In the event of a tie in scores, the application date and time may be used as a tie-breaker.
- Upon acceptance into the program, you will be required to complete a Criminal Background Check. NOTE: A positive criminal background check may prevent you from being able to attend clinical and, therefore, prevent you from being able to meet the program requirements.
Resources
Practical Nursing Program Admission Information
Take the TEAS Entrance Exam.
- Students must score an overall minimum of 58.7% on the TEAS 7* to be eligible for the program.
- The exam is approximately $70.00. To purchase a TEAS study guide for the entrance exam see www.atitesting.com.
- BRTC does not allow exams via Remote Proctoring for TEAS. All exams must be taken at a testing center with a live proctor present in the room.
- Submit a PDF copy of your exam results with your application.
- The TEAS must have been taken within the previous 12-months at the time of selection. The Nursing department only accepts the first attempt during the time periods listed below:
- January 1- June 30
- July 1-December 31
- To sign up for the TEAS please email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The TEAS is given on the first Thursday of each month on the Pocahontas campus.
Complete the Practical Nursing Application for the program.
- Applicants will receive an email from Dana Clay within one week notifying them their application has been received.
- Electronically sign the PN application to acknowledge understanding of the Nurse Practice Act Annotated Code 17-87-312 and 17-3-102 regarding criminal offenses and licensure.
- Possess physical and mental abilities essential for safe and effective client care and pass random drug screens once enrolled in and throughout the PN program.
- Transcript(s) from any college(s) attended, other than BRTC. *If a current student at BRTC we will have access to this and you do not have to send in these again.
- If currently enrolled in college classes elsewhere, please send a current class schedule within one week of the application deadline.
Attend the Meet & Greet.
- The date will be provided via email following the submission of the application.
- This event is for the applicant and their support group, i.e. spouse, significant other, parents, children, family members, friends, etc.
Selection Process
- Letters (email) will be sent for acceptance, alternate, or denial.
- Up to 24 of the top-scoring applicants are accepted into the program and 5 alternates are chosen.
- Selection is based on the TEAS scoring only; with a minimum of 58.7% to be a qualified applicant.
- Students must return the formal acceptance to the nursing department by the date specified or the seat will be forfeited and an alternate will be called.
- Anyone receiving a letter of ineligibility or denial who would like additional information may request an appointment.
*The TEAS exam is based on 9-12th-grade science, reading, math, and English language comprehension. The current ATI TEAS study manual and practice exams are available at www.atitesting.com. The exam consists of 170 questions, 20 of which are non-scored pretest items. Each of the four test sections has an individual time limit with a total test time of 209 minutes allotted. For more of a description please visit ATI’s website.
For any additional questions please contact the Allied Health Academic Advisor.
Practical Nursing Degree Plans
Practical Nursing Tuition, Fees, and Supply List
Military Service Obligations
Any student whose plan of study is interrupted due to military service obligations while enrolled in an allied health program will be guaranteed readmission upon return. The student will be required to meet the readmission standards set by the program.
Gainful Employment Disclosure Information
As of July 1, 2020, The Secretary of the Department of Education amends the regulations on institutional eligibility under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), and the Student Assistance General Provisions to rescind the Department’s gainful employment regulations. https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2019-13703/p-3
In accordance with these regulations, on the Consumer and Mandated Information page you will find links to the disclosures for each of the certificate programs at Black River Technical College which are covered by these regulations.
