Practical Nursing
Train for a Career as a Licensed Practical Nurse
The Practical Nursing program at Bucks County Community College combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. This full-time, 12-month program helps you build the skills you need to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and enter a high-demand health care field.
The program runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and begins each July. It is a noncredit certificate program. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
To graduate, you must complete all required courses. After you finish the program, you will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to take the NCLEX.
Courses from other institutions do not transfer into this program.
To be considered for admission, you must have a high school diploma or GED. There are no course prerequisites.
With National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates above the national average, the program is in good standing with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
What you’ll gain
- Knowledge and skills to take the NCLEX
- Preparation to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN)
- Experience in diverse clinical settings
This program also provides a strong foundation if you choose to continue your education toward an associate degree in nursing and become a registered nurse (RN).
Admissions process
Admission to the practical nursing program takes place in three phases. Review the steps and start your application today. Admission is open for the July 2026 program start date.
Admission Procedures Phase I
To begin the admission process (Phase I), complete the Practical Nursing Program application.
Practical Nursing Application
Once you complete your application, register for a pre-entrance exam. Our program uses the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS).
The test measures your skills in:
- Reading
- Math
- Science
- English and language use
The ATI TEAS is designed for adult applicants to health science programs. It helps assess your readiness for entry-level nursing coursework.
To view test dates and registration details, visit the Testing Center.
For more information about the TEAS exam, review the Frequently Asked Questions.
Admission Procedures Phase II
If you earn a score of “proficient” or higher on the TEAS, you will move to Phase II.
In this phase, you must submit:
- A physical health exam report
- An immunization form
- One personal reference
- Two professional references
- An official high school transcript or GED transcript from the issuing state
- If you attended a high school outside the U.S., visit the transcript evaluation page for instructions
- A 400-word personal statement that explains:
- Why you chose nursing
- Your understanding of nursing
- Your career and education goals
Admission Procedures Phase III
After you complete Phase II and attend the mandatory preliminary meeting, you may move to Phase III. Final acceptance depends on the items below.
Do not begin Phase III requirements until you attend the mandatory preliminary meeting.
You must submit:
- Tuberculosis (TB) immunization form
- 10-panel drug screen (you will receive instructions)
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance*
- Pennsylvania State Police criminal background check*
- FBI fingerprint clearance*
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification for health care providers
- All required documents
- $150 nonrefundable acceptance fee
- Pay at Student Accounts, Newtown Campus
- Identify yourself as a Practical Nursing student
* Admission is denied if you have a prior felony conviction.
Helpful information for required forms
1. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
- Complete the online application (do not use the paper form)
- Select “Volunteer/Other” as the purpose
- List all household members
- Keep a copy for your records and submit the original
2. Pennsylvania State Police criminal background check
- Many results are available to print right away
- If your result shows only a control number (no record details), follow these steps:
- Select “Record Check”
- Select “Check Status”
- Enter your control number, name (case sensitive), and request date
- Open “Record Check Details”
- Select “Certificate Form” at the bottom of the page
- Print the certificate (make sure the state seal appears)
- Keep a copy for your records
3. FBI fingerprint clearance
- Log in to the IdentoGO website (use Chrome if possible)
- Enter service code: 1KG6ZJ
- Select “Schedule or Manage an Appointment” and follow the steps
- Schedule an appointment (do not choose walk-in)
- You will receive results by mail in about two weeks
- Submit the original results and receipt
- Keep a copy for your records
4. Two-step PPD (Purified Protein Derivative) (TB) immunization record
- Complete both steps on the required form
- An Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test (QuantiFERON Gold or T-Spot) is also accepted
- Allow up to two weeks to complete testing
- Submit the original form to the Practical Nursing office
- Submit results at least one week before orientation
- Keep a copy for your records
5. CPR certification (health care provider)
- Register for Basic Life Support (BLS) for health care providers
- If you already have certification, it must be valid for the full program year
- Bring your original card before the program start date
- Keep a copy for your records
Program Accreditation
Bucks County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The College is also an approved Institution of Higher Education in Pennsylvania by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth.
The Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
