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Practical Nurse Program - Admission Guidelines FAQ

Q: How should I complete the CCRI Application for Enrollment?
A: Please select General Studies as your first choice, then pre-practical nursing as your concentration. If you have already submitted an application, you are not required to submit a new one to apply to the Practical Nurse program.

Q: When should I apply to the Practical Nurse program?
A: The Practical Nurse program only enrolls students for the Fall semester. Students who wish to enter the program can apply in June.

Q: When and where are the programs offered?
A: The Practical Nurse program only offers day courses at the Knight (Warwick) campus.

Q: What amount of time should I prepare to spend on the Nursing program once accepted?
A: Students who enter the program can expect to spend 55-60 hours per week focused on the Practical Nurse program between class time, clinical rotations, and studying.

Q: What if I have a bachelor’s degree? Will you only a accept high school transcript (or its equivalent)?
A: Students with an advanced degree may choose to submit their college transcripts for consideration.

Q; What if I do not get the required score on the HESI A2 Test?
A: Students are limited to two (2) attempts. Students who do not meet the benchmark after the second attempt can retest after three (3) months from the second attempt. 

Q: What if I do not meet the minimum grade in the ENGL 1010?
A: Students are allowed to repeat the ENGL 1010 only ONE additional time. If a student does not achieve the required grades (in a maximum of two attempts) he or she will not be eligible to apply to the Practical Nurse program.

Q: I have taken a required in-program course such as BIOL 1070 or PSYC 2010 prior to admission and did not achieve the required grade. May I still be accepted to the program?
A: Students will be given ONE additional opportunity to take the course while in the program. If in this SECOND attempt, the student does not achieve the required grade (“C” or better in BIOL 1070 and/or “C” or better in PSYC 2010), the result will be dismissal from the Practical Nurse program.

Q: I have taken a required, in-program course like BIOL 1070 or PSYC 2010 TWICE prior to admission and did not achieve the required grade. Can I still be accepted to the program?
A: We recognize that this could be a possibility. Students will again be given ONE FINAL opportunity to attempt the course while in the program. If in this FINAL attempt, the student does not achieve the required grade (“C” or better in BIOL 1070 and/or “C” or better in PSYC 2010), the result will be dismissal from the Practical Nurse program.

Q: I have already taken BIOL 1010 and BIOL 1020. Do I need to take BIOL 1070
A: No, you do not need to take BIOL 1070. A grade of “C” or better in both BIOL 1010 and BIOL 1020 will waive the in-program requirement of BIOL 1070. However, a grade of “B-” or better in both BIOL 1010 and BIOL 1020 is required for advancement into the Associate Degree Nursing program.

Q: I am interested in completing the Practical Nurse program and then looking to complete the Associate Degree Nurse program. What do I need to be aware of?
A: We realize students may be interested in moving to the Associate Degree Nursing program after completing the Practical Nurse program. That’s great and we wish you the best! Please be aware that students must meet all the requirements of the LPN-to-RN Admission Guidelines and that seats are provided on a space available basis. The LPN-to-RN Admission Guidelines can be located on the CCRI Nursing website.

PLEASE NOTE: Students will be expected to achieve a higher grade point average than minimally required in the Practical Nurse program to be eligible for the Associate Degree Nurse program.

Q: I’ve been conditionally accepted into the Practical Nurse program. What if I have questions about getting a background check (BCI) and submitting my health care requirements?
A: While information can be found on the CCRI Nursing website, the Clinical Coordinator and the Information Services Technician II will be able to answer any questions you may have. Please contact them by either calling (401) 825-2162 and pressing 1, or emailing [email protected].

Q: I received a BCI within the past year for work or for reasons unrelated to the Practical Nurse program. Do I need a new one?
A: Yes. All students conditionally accepted into the Practical Nurse program will need a background check through CastleBranch.com

Q: I wasn’t conditionally accepted into the Practical Nurse program. Now what?
A: That is unfortunate news. Students who are not accepted into the program are eligible to reapply during the next application period. Academic Advisors in the Office of Enrollment Services are available to help you review your application.