Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Practical Nursing Program offered?
The program is offered at our Main Campus (Newtown, PA) and Upper Bucks Campus
(Perkasie, PA). Classes at the Upper Bucks Campus is enrollment dependent
What is the first step to begin the admission process into the Practical Nursing Program?
The first step in the admission process (Phase I) is to take a pre-entrance exam. Our program
now uses the PSB Aptitude for Practical Nursing Examination. It is comprised of five separate
tests that measure abilities, skills, knowledge and attitudes important for success in the program
and career choice.
What is on the PSB?
The following is the breakdown of the five sections of the exam:
Part I – Academic Aptitude
Academic aptitude content is specifically adapted for appraising the combination of innate and
acquired abilities that are needed for work of an academic nature. The academic aptitude total
emphasizes familiar experiences and concepts while requiring careful reasoning and the
capacity to comprehend and draw conclusions. There are a total of 75 questions, divided into
the three sections below:
Verbal (25 questions): The verbal aspect consists of vocabulary-related test questions. Empirical evidence has shown this type of test item to be highly related to academic success
Arithmetic (25 questions): The numerical aspect consists of items drawing largely from arithmetic. To some degree, it involves skill with arithmetical concepts along with computational
speed. The content of the numerical items is that to which practically all eighth grade students have been exposed.
Nonverbal (25 questions): The nonverbal aspect consists of test items calling for a comprehension of form relationships. Measurement is in terms of the ability to manipulate “things” mentally, to reason out differences in pictured objects, and to deal with concrete materials through visualization. Recognition of relationships and of differences has been shown by research to be basic to learning aptitude.
Part II – Spelling
The spelling test measures skill with a tool essential to written expression or communication. It also reflects educational achievement in basic tools of learning. There are 40 questions in the spelling portion of the exam.
Part III – Information in The Natural Sciences
This test measures accumulation of information in the natural sciences, i.e., biology, chemistry, health, safety, etc., at a fundamental level. There are 75 questions in this portion of the exam.
Part IV – Judgment and Comprehension In Practical Nursing Situations
This test is concerned with the measurement of the exercise of judgment in the working relationships experienced by the nurse as a student and as a practitioner. There are 40 questions in this portion of the exam.
Part V – Vocational Adjustment Index
The person’s characteristic life style is reflected in his or her distinctive educational and occupational adjustment. Feelings, attitudes, opinions, behavioral traits, and other personality characteristics, which may be quite acceptable in many situations, may not be conducive for prospective nurse either as a student or as a practitioner. There are 90 questions on this portion of the exam.
Can I re-take the exam?
You may re-take the exam once, after a 30 day waiting period. This will allow you time to remediate in any areas of difficulty.
Are calculators permitted?
Calculators are not permitted, however you will be permitted to use scratch paper. Your scratch paper will be examined and collected at the end of your exam.
How can I prepare for the PSB Exam?
To help you prepare for the exam, a review course will be periodically offered throughout the year. For more information regarding the review course, testing information, and a sample practice test, please reference the links below. In addition, any GED Prep Book is a good source to use for review. The exam is based 8th grade level of knowledge. The exam presumes no medical training; however a general fund of health knowledge is expected.
Links:
What are the available test dates and how do I register?
To view test dates and registration information, please go to PSB Exam Dates.
When will I receive my results?
The Practical Nursing Program will notify you of your results within two - four weeks of taking
your exam.
What happens next if I meet the Phase I requirement?
If you meet the requirement on the PSB, you will receive a detailed letter inviting you into Phase II, along with the Phase II documents to be completed. Once the documents are completed and returned, you will be directed to the last part of the admission process, Phase III. Final program acceptance is dependent on completing the requirements for all three phases of the admission process.
To be added to our mailing list, for information regarding tests, review courses, and information session dates, email pnursing@bucks.edu with your name and telephone number or call 215-968-8316.