Practical Nursing-Certificate

Application and Admission Requirements

1. Completed PHSC application and application fee
2. Completed Practical Nursing Program application and limited access application fee
3. Official high school transcript indicating graduation and receipt of standard high school diploma or an official transcript of GED scores indicating receipt of a high school equivalency diploma
4. Submit one valid report from the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test. The TEAS reports are valid for two years. The TEAS may be repeated for a total of three times per calendar year. However, there must be a minimum of 30 days between testing. Fourth and subsequent attempts will be invalid. To be eligible to apply to this program, a minimum of Proficient or higher in the ATI Academic Preparedness Category must be achieved on the TEAS. 
5. Copy of current driver's license. (P.O. boxes will not be used for residency preference in the selection process). If a driver's license, or equivalent, is not submitted as proof of residency, the application will be processed as a nonresident application.

Note: Once an application packet is submitted, it cannot be amended.

Selection Process

Applicants who meet minimum requirements as of the deadline dates will be ranked based upon performance on the TEAS.

Residents of Pasco and Hernando counties will receive preference over out-of-district residents.

An explanation of TEAS selection criteria can be found on the "TEAS FAQ" link on the PHSC website program page for the PN and RN programs.

Transfer Procedures for Nursing Programs

Students requesting transfer into the Associate in Science (AS) nursing programs will be accepted on a space-available basis.

1. Submit a PHSC admissions application and application fee, an official high school transcript indicating graduation and receipt of standard high school diploma or an official transcript of GED scores indicating receipt of high school equivalency diploma. Submit an official transcript from each U.S. college and university attended other than PHSC. Submit official scores from external agencies as appropriate for prerequisite courses (i.e., AP, CLEP, IB, etc.). Students are required to meet current PHSC program prerequisite course requirements for consideration of transfer.
2. Schedule an appointment with an advisor for assistance with transfer procedures
3. Once admitted to PHSC, submit a Nursing Program application and a receipt showing that the limited access/selected admissions application fee has been paid to the Admissions and Student Records office. Students will be sent a letter of response once their nursing application has been received and processed.
4. After receiving notification from the Admissions and Student Records office that all requirements have been met, students should make an appointment with the associate dean of nursing to determine if transfer status is possible. Students should bring a syllabus from each nursing course completed within the last five years, (Courses older than five years cannot be used for advanced standing.) If advanced standing is granted, students must:

   1. Complete a skills evaluation with a grade of "pass" (copy of skills may be obtained in the nursing office)
   2. Score a grade of 75 percent or better on an exam demonstrating retention of nursing concepts
   3. Complete recommended remediation, if any
   4. Submit a physical exam form demonstrating satisfactory health
   5. Provide copy of current CPR card - American Heart Association, "Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers"
   6. Negative criminal background check, fingerprinting and drug/alcohol screen completed within six months of requesting transfer. If over six months, a new background check, fingerprinting and drug/alcohol screen will need to be completed at the student's expense.

Note: A letter will be sent from the Admissions and Student Records office advising students of their application status.