About the Practical Nursing Program
PN program coursework includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes safe, individualized nursing care and participation in the interdisciplinary team while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement and informatics.
Blue Ridge graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Practical nurses are in high demand statewide, and employment opportunities include hospitals; rehabilitation, long-term care and home health facilities; clinics and provider offices.
Blue Ridge Community College is proud to offer the Practical Nursing (PN) program for the first time starting in January of 2024. The application period for the first cohort is Oct. 1 through Nov. 17, 2023.
The Practical Nursing program is approved by the:
North Carolina Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 2129
Raleigh, NC 27602
Phone: (919) 782-3211
www.ncbon.com
The Practical Nursing Program is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Curriculum details:
Spring:
ACA 122
BIO 168
ENG 111
NUR 101*
*NUR courses will be offered during evening hours and will be located at the Health Sciences Center.
Apply for the Practical Nursing Program
Blue Ridge Community College is currently accepting applications for Spring 2024 admission to the Practical Nursing Diploma Program. Our nursing program has a selective admissions process, which means a limited number of qualified applicants will be accepted. The application period is October 1, 2023 to November 17, 2023, for the Spring 2024 program start.
Additional Admissions Procedures for the Practical Nursing Program
Admissions information for the Spring 2024 PN program is available below. Students may submit their Admissions Requirements Checklist (ARC) to the Registrar’s Office via email at registrar@blueridge.edu.
Admissions Procedures for Spring 2024 Practical Nursing Program
Admissions Requirements Checklist (ARC) for Spring 2024 Practical Nursing Program
Admission Requirements include:
- Biology taken in high school or College, grade “C” or better
- Active listing on the NC Nurse Aide Registry by December 1, 2023
- TEAS composite score of 60 or higher within the last three years
For more information on remote testing with ATI please see:
View TEAS, Version 7 Study Resources
As of June 3rd, 2022 ATI has moved to a new version of the TEAS. The new version has some updates to the content and formatting. Please review the information below.
Format of the Exam and How the Exam is scored
- The ATI TEAS, Version 7 contains only multiple-choice questions.
- Scrambled versions of the assessments are used to ensure test security.
- There is no penalty for guessing. Any question that is not answered will be scored as incorrect.
- Examinees cannot ask the Proctor questions about the content of the assessment or questions about items on the assessment.
Time Limit: 209 minutes (Reading: 55 min; Math: 57 min; Science: 60 min; English: 37 min) 170 questions
| Reading (26% of exam) | Mathematics (23%) | Science (29%) | English and Language Usage (22%) |
| Key ideas & details | Number & algebra | Human anatomy & physiology | Conventions of standard English |
| Craft & structure | Measurement & data | Biology & Chemistry | Knowledge of language |
| Integration of knowledge & ideas | | Scientific reasoning | Using language & vocabulary to express ideas in writing |
Minimum scores must be obtained for the Blue Ridge Practical Nursing Diploma Program.
The Practical Nursing Diploma Program requires a minimum score of 60 on the ATI TEAS, Version 7. TEAS scores from ATI TEAS,
Version 6 will expire 3 years after test date.
Financial Aid
Financial aid, including the Brighter Future Free College Scholarship Program, grants and scholarships, is available to those who qualify. Additionally, the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities.
Contact us today to learn more about financial aid options that can help you pursue a nursing degree.
Technical Standards
Students enrolling in these programs must meet specific emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive standards. This information is found in Technical Standards. Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards must contact Student Accessibility Services at (828) 694-1813 for more information.
