Top of page
Skip to main content
PCC will be closed for an in-service day on Friday, August 18th. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, August 21st. Note: a Super Saturday in-person registration event will be held on August 19th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Downtown Campus.
Two nursing students with IV bag

Admission

Practical Nurse Certificate

Program Admission Periods

The Practical Nursing CTD program is year round and admits people five times per year. For the exact dates please contact the Nursing Professions Office at (520) 206-5142.

Admission Requirements

This program requires a special program application through the Center for Training and Development. The following basic requirements must be fulfilled before students may begin the application process.  CTD Student Advisors can provide additional details about these requirements and can be reached at: 520.206.5100.

Students must:

  • High school diploma or High School Equivalency diploma
  • Take the Accuplacer exam and must meet the following scores:  Writing - 75 or Writeplacer - 5; Arithmetic - 45; Reading - 91. If you are unable to meet these required scores, CTD provides basic skills reviews in the Desert Vista Campus Learning Center that may be able to assist you to reach the scores needed.
  • Obtain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card.
    • Be aware that additional clearance requirements may exist for some clinical facilities. There is no guarantee of placement into clinical facilities and failure to meet the requirements for clinical placement may result in the inability to complete the program. Contact the program with questions regarding clinical clearance requirements.
  • Provide proof of US Citizenship or Legal Presence, per the Arizona State Board of Nursing requirements (see below)
  • Be able to use computers.
  • Pass a urine toxicology screening exam.
  • Present proof of immunization and/or immunity for MMR/Varicella/Hepatitis-B/TdaP.
  • Show proof of negative TB skin test or negative chest x-ray for TB.
  • Maintain health insurance and a current CPR card at the Health Care Provider Level throughout the program.
  • Meet the Nursing Technical Standards
  • Be flexible with balancing employment, personal and academic schedules and responsibilities.
  • Provide their own transportation from the College to clinical sites.

Clinical Requirements

In addition to the admissions requirements noted above, some clinical facilities may have additional requirements. If you have any questions on what types of additional requirements may occur please contact the Nursing Professions Office at (520) 206-5142

Transferring to or from this Program

Program Transfer and Advanced Placement

Students currently enrolled in another accredited Nursing Program or students who have completed pre-requisites from other accredited schools wishing to transfer to Pima should contact the Nursing Professions Office at (520) 206-5142.

Transfer to Other Schools

This program is clock-hours and may or may not be accepted by other institutions.  Please contact the school you are wishing to transfer too and provide that information to the PCC program coordinator for practical nursing and they will assist you in determining eligibility for transfer. The program will transfer to the West Campus Associates Degree in Nursing following their Special Admissions process for Licensed Practical Nurses.

National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN)

Graduation from the Nursing program does not guarantee the ability to obtain a license to practice nursing.  Licensure requirements and subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). For more information on licensure requirements, contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing at (602) 771-7800 or go to the Arizona State Board of Nursing website.

Students should be aware that the NCLEX-PN® licensure applications may include a personal history section in which prospective applicants must report and may have to provide detailed explanation of legal situations.

Students should also be aware that federal and state law requires documentation that the applicant for nursing licensure is a US citizen, national, or a person described in specific categories, to be eligible for licensure in Arizona. Students who have a nursing degree outside the U.S. may contact the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) at (215) 222-8454.

Fingerprinting may also be a part of many state licensing and certification processes. For questions regarding licensing eligibility, contact the Arizona State Board of Nursing at (602) 771-7800 or go to the Arizona State Board of Nursing website.

Program Information

«  Program

Back to main content Back to top