Beginning Fall 2027, the Practical Nursing Program will transition from a traditional medical model to a concept-based curriculum (CBC). This updated approach emphasizes clinical judgment, critical thinking, and the application of core nursing concepts across a variety of patient conditions and care settings. The curriculum will remain fully aligned with requirements of the Virginia Board of Nursing and preparation for the NCLEX-PN Examination. This transition reflects our commitment to preparing graduates for safe, effective practice in today鈥檚 evolving healthcare environment.
The practical nursing certificate is designed to prepare beginning practitioners with the knowledge and skill to care for patients of all age groups and to qualify as contributing members of the health care team. Students who successfully complete the curriculum are awarded a certification in practical nursing and are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) leading to a license as a practical nurse. The Practical Nursing program is approved by the VCCS and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Gabi Gonzalez
91探花 Practical Nursing student Gabi Gonzales Recinos says the Scholars Latino Initiative helped her better understand how the college process works and provided her with scholarship funding.
Program Information and Curriculum (Update Coming Soon)
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Tuition and Funding Options
View Nursing Program Estimate of Fees
Tuition rates聽for this program are approximately one-third the cost of attending a four-year college or university in Virginia. Compare savings
An estimated $15.2 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and聽scholarships聽are awarded to 91探花 students each year. We are committed to using all available funds to help you gain access to a college education.
Payment plans聽are offered to break down tuition payments.
View all financial aid, payment options, and more聽HERE.
Admission Testing
Completion of the required HESI admission assessment (A2) exam, scoring at or above the 45th percentile on the following test components:
- Reading Comprehension
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Math
- Overall Score
- Critical thinking and learning style are required components but are for education purposes only.
- There is a 4-hour time limit.
- Two attempts on the HESI admission exam are permitted per application cycle.
- HESI A2 exams are considered individually and as a complete test.聽 Applicants may submit their best total attempt for consideration but must meet minimum required scores in all categories in a single attempt.
- Students must wait a period of one week between attempts on the HESI admission exam.
- HESI admission exams are good for two application cycles only. Note: Needed entrance exam scores (at or above the 45th percentile) change on a yearly basis; therefore, scores from a previous year must meet or exceed the benchmark for the current year.
- Testing costs are the responsibility of the student.
Tutoring is available. Contact [email protected].
Register for Testing
- – Book a seat at the Middletown Testing Center.
- – Book a seat at the Fauquier Testing Center.
Testing Instructions
HESI Minimum Scores
Current HESI Required Minimum Scores (updated Spring 2026)
Student HESI scores must be at or above the minimum scores in all the categories listed below to be considered for admission to the nursing programs.
AAS Nursing
| HESI Category | Required Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Reading | 82% |
| A&P (Anatomy & Physiology) | 68% |
| Math | 78% |
| Overall | 81% |
| Critical Thinking | 800 |
Certificate Practical Nursing
| HESI Category | Required Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Reading | 78% |
| A&P (Anatomy & Physiology) | 60% |
| Math | 64% |
| Overall | 72% |
| Critical Thinking | N/A |
Note: The overall score is the average of reading, A&P, and math.
The Virginia Board of Nursing Approval
The Certificate in Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Richmond, Virginia 23233
Phone: (804)367-4515
The Practical Nursing Program is not certified by a national accreditation body.
Apply to the Practical Nursing Program
Complete the Application below and include the completed聽Computer Competency Form.
This program is available only at the Middletown Campus and additional steps are required after the application is submitted.聽
- Practical Nursing Program Application Checklist
- Practical Nursing Program Estimate of Fees
- Computer Competency Checklist
All students enrolled in the Practical Nursing programs must have health insurance by the start of the Fall semester and maintain it throughout their enrollment in the program. It is recommended that students obtain health insurance prior to being accepted into the program as Open Enrollment dates do not correlate with admission dates. Failure to have health insurance by the start of the program will require the student to be unenrolled from the program.
Interested in this program?
This form is for those who would like to pursue this program at 91探花 or need details on how to get started. If you have general questions, please visit our Contact Us page. A member of our staff will respond as soon as possible.
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