Skip Navigation

Practical Nursing (PN)

Request Info
Call
Text

Practical nursing (PN) is a rewarding and critical healthcare role that impacts patient health, quality of life and achievement of potential. The Practical Nursing curriculum at Blue Ridge Community College provides the knowledge and skills needed to integrate safety and quality into nursing care to meet the needs of the holistic individual. 

Practical nurses make a tangible difference every day in their communities, and they have never been more needed in our workforce. The Program on Health Workforce Research and Policy at the Cecil G. Sheps Center has forecasted a practical nurse shortage of 50% by the year 2033.

[reblex id='63132']

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 proudly launched the Practical Nursing (PN) program in January of 2024. The application period for the Spring 2027 program start is June 1 through August 28, 2026.

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 approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Curriculum details: 

Spring: 

ACA 122
BIO 168
ENG 111
NUR 101*

Summer:

BIO 169
NUR 102*

Fall:

NUR 103*
PSY 150

 

*NUR courses will be offered during afternoon/evening hours and will be located at the Health Sciences Center. 

Apply for the Practical Nursing Program

Blue Ridge Community College will begin accepting applications for Spring 2027 admission to the Practical Nursing Diploma Program on June 1, 2026. Our nursing program has a selective admissions process, which means a limited number of qualified applicants will be accepted. The application window for Spring 2027 to the Practical Nursing Program will open on June 1, 2026 and close on August 28, 2026 for priority consideration. The late submission deadline is September 25, 2026.

1. Complete NC Residency Determination Forms

Confirming your residency status through the NC Residency Determination Service (RDS) is your first step.

2. Apply Online

Complete an online Blue Ridge Community College Application. When you complete your online application, select the “AGE-Nursing (Practical Nursing)” program. A confirmation email will provide you with detailed steps on how to proceed with Admissions, including Orientation, Financial Aid, and Registration dates and times.

3. Request Official Transcripts

Submit official transcripts to the Registrar, including additional transcript requirements outlined in Step 6 for ADN applicants. High School, High School Equivalency, and College transcripts are all required.

4. Take the Pre-Enrollment Placement Test

Meet with an Admissions Counselor to determine your placement testing needs and sign up for a testing session.

5. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Complete the FAFSA for the academic year for which you plan to attend. (e.g. 2023-24 FAFSA for Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024)

6. Complete Additional Admissions Procedures for Practical Nursing Program

Additional Admissions Procedures for the Practical Nursing Program

Admissions information for the Spring 2027 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 2027 Practical Nursing Program

Admissions Requirements Checklist (ARC) for Spring 2027 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 without expiration by the start of the Spring 2026 program
  • TEAS composite score of 60 or higher within the last three years

Guided Pathways

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is filled with resources to help you figure out how to pay for your Blue Ridge Community College education. Please see how to get started at “Applying for Financial Aid.” 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.

Program contact:

Amy Szoka, PhD, RN
Director of Nursing
(828) 694-1908
a.szoka@blueridge.edu

2026-27 Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose (V4)

Beginning the 2026-27 academic year, all “Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose” forms must be completed in the Offices of Financial Aid. 

Student Logins

Need Assistance?