Practical Nursing Application Process

Students working at desks

Admission for the Practical Nursing (PN) program is based on a ranking system. You will receive points in the ranking system for the following:

  1. Assessment Technologies Institute® (ATI) Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score
  2. Certifications
  3. Recent work experience in healthcare
  4. Selected college credit

The program admissions process is selective.

There are several steps that must be followed when applying for the PN program. Please take care to follow all of the steps  below.

  • Apply for admissions to the College and submit all required documents. This application is only for acceptance to NPC. You must also complete the Practical Nursing Application for admission to the PN program.
  • Provide a copy of your unofficial high school transcript or GED and unofficial college transcript from colleges previously attended. Transcripts must be attached to your application.
  • Take the College Entrance test if required, or provide a copy of SAT or ACT test scores. A copy of the Accuplacer, SAT or ACT test results must be attached to your application. If you have completed college courses in the last three years, the test score requirement is waived. College entrance exam results must place you in college level coursework for English and Math.
  • Complete the PN Application and include all required attachments. Make sure to answer the questions on the back of the application. Prior to enrollment, all official college transfer credit must be on file with the registrar.
  • Provide verification of certifications such as: Certified Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, etc.
  • Provide verification of employment if applicable. Work experience must be within the calendar year.
  • ATI TEAS Information
    • Print the TEAS invoice.
    • Pay for the TEAS exam by taking the invoice to the NPC Business Office on the third floor of the Gerald Fisher building. Do not pay online.
    • Take receipt of your payment and PN application to the nursing secretary on the second floor of the Frederick M. Dierks Center for Nursing and Health Sciences.
    • Schedule a test date with the Nursing Division secretary.
  • Create your ATI account prior to your test date.
  • Visit ATI Testing.
  • Choose the "I am preparing for or taking the teas" option.
  • Select "Create Account" on the top right of the page. Complete all information and select continue.
  • Choose National Park College PN.
  • Continue to complete all fields and select register.
  • Write your username and password on the green card the secretary gave you when registering for the test. This card is required to enter the test. 
  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to testing time. You must bring a government issued photo ID.
  • Applicants must score a minimum of 58.7% in the reading section and greater than 70% in reading and math combined. Applicants for the PN Program will be awarded ranking points for reading and Math based on the TEAS test with a minimum requirement of greater than 10 points.
  • There is a two exam limit per admissions cycle. If you register to test and fail to attend, there will be an additional $20 fee to reschedule. If you cannot test on one of the scheduled dates, contact the Nursing Division secretary for instructions.
  • TEAS must be taken at an approved testing site. The utilization of online proctoring software is not acceptable. If the exam is not taken at NPC, you must have your TEAS transcript sent to the Dean of Nursing from ATI. You can order your transcript through the ATI online store.
  • Study resources are available at the NPC library and through online vendors such as Amazon, ATI Testing or Online TEAS Tutor

All paperwork, including your application and transcripts, as well as registration for the ATI TEAS test, must be completed and submitted to the Division of Nursing Office by the first Monday in March. Late applications will not be accepted.