Practical Nursing

Program Information

The Practical Nursing option provides students with knowledge and competencies for safe and evidence-based nursing practice. Students are instructed in the provision of nursing care for clients across the lifespan. Clinical experiences are provided at area hospitals and health care agencies.

Students who have satisfactorily completed the program when meeting eligibility requirements by a licensure board may sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN®). The Practical Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. The program has a competitive admissions process.

Occupational Choices

Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 54,400 openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 14, 2024

Average Full-Time Wage

In 2023, the median annual wages of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses were $59,730. Consequently, the highest 10 percent earned approximately $ 77,870, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $51,820.

Source:  of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, May 14, 2024.

Admission Criteria

Admission Requirements and procedures may change without prior notice. Please check with the Health Sciences Division and/or website for updates.

Applicants should complete and submit a Practical Nursing Program Application and request copies of college and high school transcripts sent directly to the College’s Admission Office.

Minimum admission standards include:

1. Unconditional admission to the college (must complete college application).
2. Receipt of the completed application for the nursing program by the established deadline for admission.
3. Minimum of 2.50 cumulative GPA for required academic core courses
4. Minimum of 2.50 high school GPA for students without prior college work (GED acceptable in lieu of high school transcript).
5. Math and Science courses must be within a 5-year time frame of application to the nursing program for eligibility requirements.
6. Good standing with college, including a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.50.
7. Meeting the Alabama Community College System Essential Functions for Nursing. The essential functions document must have the signature and date of review by medical personnel (e.g.MD, DO, NP) affixed. The requirements for meeting the essential functions of the nursing program can and may be requested periodically during the nursing program by the nursing faculty as indicated. If a nursing student cannot meet essential function requirements, the student may be withdrawn from the nursing program.
8. Official results of the ACT (a minimum of 18 composite score National or Residual) OR a minimum score of 58 on the TEAS test must be submitted to the Registrar’s office with a copy submitted to the application email portal. The writing component of the ACT is not required for consideration for admission to the nursing program. The ACT composite score has no time limit. The TEAS test score must be 3 years or newer from the application deadline. ACT Superscores are not accepted by the Nursing program for admission.
9. Take the ACCUPLACER placement examination as indicated (exceptions may apply).
10. Transfer students must be in good standing from the transferring institution with a letter from the Program Director and a minimum of 2.50 cumulative GPA with nursing courses no more than one year from the date of application. Acceptance of transfer students into the program is not guaranteed.

Nursing Program Selection Criteria

Points for grades in the following nursing required core general educational courses are as documented:

• A = 3 points, B = 2 points, C = 1 point
• ENG-101 English Composition
• MTH-100 Intermediate College Algebra (or higher-level math)
• BIO-201 Anatomy & Physiology I  (BIO 103 is a pre-requisite for this course)
• BIO-202 Anatomy & Physiology II
• ORI-101 College Orientation

An additional 10 points may be awarded as determined by the individual college policy and procedure.

A minimum 2.50 GPA is required in the core general educational courses for the nursing program. Not all courses may have been completed at the time of admission to the nursing program; however, students may experience less conflict in scheduling classes if general education classes are completed prior to entering the professional phase of study. Core general educational courses taken in high school as dual enrollment will be used in GPA calculation.

Practical Nursing general education courses:

• ENG-101 English Composition I
• MTH-100 Intermediate College Algebra (or higher-level math)
• BIO-201/202 Anatomy & Physiology I & II
• PSY-210 Human Growth & Development
• SPH-106 or 107 Fundamentals of Oral Communication or Public Speaking

Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA at current, native institution or cumulative 2.50 GPA at institution from which student is transferring.

ACT- minimum requirement of a composite score of 18 points or a minimum score of 58 on the TEAS test.

Minimum 2.50 cumulative high school GPA for students without prior college courses (GED as applicable).

Meeting the essential functions of nursing.

Students in the Practical Nursing Program must meet the following requirements, which will be completed at the student’s expense prior to and throughout enrollment in the program inclusive of:

1. Alabama Community College System Essential Functions
2. Verification of physical and mental capabilities to function as a nurse in diverse settings with or without reasonable accommodations,
3. Absence of use of drugs and alcohol by participation in random and scheduled drug/alcohol testing at the student’s expense,
4. Adherence to policies of affiliated clinical agencies by submitting criminal background check and CPR certification prior to enrollment.

Admission to the Practical Nursing Program is competitive and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the space available to new enrollees, applicants are rank ordered using a point system based on:

1. ACT composite score of 18 or higher
2. Points for selected college courses (i.e., ENG-101, MTH-100, BIO-201 & 202, PSY-210, SPH-106 or 107).
3. Students may be awarded up to 10 additional points as determined by college policy and procedures.

The applicant’s composite ACT or TEAS test score will encompass points awarded. Applicants must schedule the ACT or TEAS test as stipulated and pay the appropriate fee.

The Practical Nursing Admissions/Selection Committee will review and calculate points for students meeting minimum admissions standards after receiving GPA calculations from the Registrar.

This process may take 4-6 weeks after each deadline before applicants receive notification of acceptance. Calls to the department will slow the process.

Transfer Policy

The transfer policy applies only to students desiring to transfer between Alabama Community College System institutions. It does not apply to students wishing to transfer from other institutions. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the nursing program director. Acceptance of transfer students into the program at TSCC is not guaranteed.

Awards Available

Certificate
Practical Nursing

Program Contact

Dr. Debra Lett, PhD MSN, MPA, RN
Director of Nursing/Instructor
334-420-4497
Location:  Trenholm Campus - Bldg. B

The College regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each program as part of ongoing planning and evaluation.

Estimated Program Length & Cost *

* Tax not included.  Prices are subject to change without prior notice; the cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers.  The cost of general education books is in addition to the total listed above.  The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term.  Enrollment in transitional-level general education courses will alter the length of the program.