Practical Nursing (W, N, S)

General Information

This is a three-semester full time program designed to provide the student with knowledge and skills necessary to function as a member of the health team in administering safe, effective nursing care. Students are exposed to a well-balanced program of scientific foundations to provide knowledge, skills and understanding needed to function as a practical nurse. Upon graduation the student will receive a career-certificate and be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) for Practical Nurses. The State Board of Nursing, in which the student applies for licensure, may deny any individual the right to take the NCLEX-PN based on previous criminal records.

Mission

The program philosophy is consistent with the mission of the college in that it ultimately prepares the student for employment while giving the student opportunity for professional growth and personal enrichment.

Goal

The goal of the Practical Nursing Program is to provide an opportunity for the student to prepare for a career as a licensed practical nurse. The program is designed to develop basic knowledge and fundamental skills to prepare the student to function as an entry level licensed practical nurse.

Essential Functions

• See, talk, and hear with sufficient acuity to perform client care.
• Effectively communicate with faculty members, fellow students, health care professionals, clients and family members.
• Be honest, compassionate, ethical and responsible.
• Possess emotional stability necessary to exercise appropriate judgement
• Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time.
• Possess sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to perform nursing procedures.
• Travel as needed for clinical, convention, and learning opportunities off campus.

How to Apply

1. Complete a Copiah-Lincoln Community College Application here 

2. Send the following to Office of Enrollment Services:

• Official transcript from your high school or submit GED/HSE scores
• Official transcript from any colleges you have attended
• ACT scores (minimum composite score of 16)

3. Complete the Practical Nursing Application

• Wesson Campus: https://forms.office.com/r/ipVEXsgeDk
  Opens January 1 and closes April 1
• Simpson Campus:  https://forms.office.com/r/0GhWQhUtCC
  Opens January 1 and closes April 1
• Natchez Campus:  https://forms.office.com/r/LaSqxMTeEq
  Opens July 1 and closes October 1

4. Take the ATI TEAS In-Person Proctor Exam. Remote online scores are not accepted. Previous scores can be submitted to (hope.berry@colin.edu for review. Register for TEAS In Person – TEAS
5. Apply for financial aid Log In | Federal Student Aid 

Selection Process

1. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all material has been received.
2. Falsification of information on this application will result in denial of admission or dismissal from the program
3. The admission process is competitive, and completion of application does not guarantee of admission
4. Students are admitted to the Practical Nursing Program based on total points on admissions rubric
5. Applicants that are accepted will receive an email or letter to attend mandatory orientation.
6. Alternates will be placed on a waiting list and may be selected before classes begin.

Admission Requirements

Attend mandatory practical nursing orientation to address the following requirements:

1. Health physical to confirm the applicant is in good health and possess the required physical abilities to function
2. Obtain “Form 121” Certificate of Immunization Compliance”. Immunization required by clinical sites: 2 MMR vaccine or positive titer, 2 varicella vaccine or positive titer, Tdap vaccine, and Hepatitis B vaccine series or positive titer or Hepatitis B declination form.
3. Provide a copy of an up-to-date completed TB skin test (2 step) or an IGARA (QuantiFERON or tstop test).
4. Complete a criminal background check. According to Mississippi law (Section 43-11-13, Mississippi Code of 1972), any individual who provides direct patient care or services will be required to submit to a criminal history record check with fingerprinting.
5. Drug screening from a designated lab
6. CPR-BLS certification must not expire prior to graduation.

Additional Information

• Info Sheet – 2025-26 (PDF)
• Curriculum (PDF)
• Cost Sheet (PDF)
• Handbook 2024-25 (PDF)
• Gainful Employment 2019 (PDF)
• Placement Rate Methodology (PDF)