Offered at ECC & MCC (Codes: EVLPN & MVLPN)

Upon completion of the Practical Nursing program, the student is qualified to write the national examination in Practical Nursing (NCLEX), receive a License, and enter the profession as a Practical Nurse. Practical Nurses care for patients of all ages and with all types of illnesses and are employed in doctors’ offices, long-term care facilities, public agencies, the Iowa Veteran’s Administration home, and residences.

Practical Nursing entrance requirements:

1. Application for college admission completed.
2. Application for the Nursing Program completed.
3. Official high school transcript or GED equivalency required.
4. Official transcripts from other colleges you have attended (if applicable).
5. The Iowa Core Performance Standards for Health Career Programs form must be reviewed, signed, and returned to the nursing advisor. Applicants unable to meet the core performance standards must discuss the possibility of reasonable accommodations with the program coordinator at (641)648-8648 (ECC) or (641)844-5731 (MCC).
6. All students must earn a minimum ACT composite score of 18 OR pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) prior to acceptance into the Practical Nursing Program. It is required students wait until they have completed and passed BIO168 to take the TEAS exam. To register for the TEAS Exam please contact the nursing advisor (ECC) 641-648-8647; (MCC) 641-844-5710. The minimum required TEAS test scores are: Reading 47.6% Mathematics 46.7% Science 33.3% English and Language Usage 40% Note: If you have earned a Bachelor’s degree the TEAS requirement will be waived.
7. Applicants must complete the following five general education courses with a “C-” or higher and must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7000 prior to entry.
   • BIO 151 - Nutrition  3 credit hours *
   • BIO 168 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I  4 credit hours *
   • BIO 173 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II  4 credit hours
   • BIO 186 - Microbiology  4 credit hours *
   • EDU 160 - Human Growth and Development  3 credit hours
     *Science courses must have been completed in the last 10 years.
8. Documentation to verify the successful passage of the Iowa CNA Written and Skills Certification Exams are required for entrance into the nursing program.
9. As an applicant for the nursing program, you are responsible for turning in all of the required documentation to the nursing advisor.

Applications for the Practical Nursing Program are accepted throughout the year with a new class beginning each fall. Your Nursing Admissions folder must be completed by March 15 for full consideration. However, qualified applicants with completed admissions folders will be considered based on seat availability. If selected, applicants will need to pass a criminal background check.

Successful completion of the Practical Nursing Program:

1. There is a prescribed schedule for the nursing program.
2. In order to progress and receive credit for PNN program courses students must earn an 80% (B-) grade and satisfactorily complete academic, clinical and lab requirements.