Practical Nursing Admission Requirements
The minimum admission requirements to be met before a student is considered for selection into the PN program are the following:
Admission requirements to be met before a student is considered for selection are (1 – 3 below):
1. The applicant must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate and provide official transcripts from all schools/colleges previously attended.
2. Applicants for the Full Time Day Track must have a minimum composite score of 12 on the ACT if taken prior to October 1989 or a minimum composite score of 16 if taken in October 1989 or after with a minimum composite score of 12 on the ACT reading & math subtests.
3. Applicants for the Hybrid Option must have a minimum composite score of 15 on the ACT if taken prior to October 1989 or a minimum composite score of 18 if taken in October 1989 or after with a minimum composite score of 12 on the ACT reading and math subtests.
4. Applicants for the Evening and Weekend Track must have a minimum composite score of 12 on the ACT if taken prior to October 1989 or a minimum composite score of 16 if taken in October 1989 or with a minimum composite score of 12 on the ACT reading and math subtest.
5. After notification of acceptance, the student will be required to provide proof of current certification of American Heart Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider CPR and to pass a physical examination, a Healthcare Criminal Background Check, and a drug screen prior to entering the program. Instructions for these requirements will be communicated following admission to the program during orientation.
The applications for the Practical Nursing Program should be available online at www.holmescc.edu
Admission is selective based on such criteria as: ACT score; college credit GPA (a GPA of less than 2.0 will not be considered); specific college courses with a “B” or higher- Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs, Smart Start class, Nutrition, Human Growth & Development, Medical Terminology I & II, current healthcare licensure – EMT, Paramedic, Certified Nursing Assistant, Surgical Technology, completion of high school Allied Health program; and in-district status. College prerequisites are not required.
Top ranking applicants will be selected and will be sent an acceptance letter. Students must confirm or decline their acceptance electronically through their MyHolmes account. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of their place in the class. Students will be required to attend the Practical Nursing orientation prior to attending class.
A person not selected for admission to the PN program must re-submit all application information to be considered for the next selection process.
Progression
A final eighty (80) average in each course is required to progress to the next semester in the Practical Nursing Program.
All students must pass the theory portion of Nursing Fundamentals and Clinical (PNV 1444) with an eighty (80) before they can participate in the clinical portion of Nursing Fundamentals and Clinical (PNV 1444). Students must also pass the clinical portion of the course in order to progress in the program.
A drug calculation critical will be administered as part of PNV 1524 IV Therapy and Pharmacology. This test will NOT be a multiple choice test and the student will be required to show their work to receive credit for the answer. A calculator will be allowed during the test. Students may retest two times. Students who do not attain the required 90% on the exam will NOT be allowed to administer medications in clinical as part of PNV 1682 Adult Health Concepts and Clinical or PNV 1666 Medical Surgical Concepts and Clinical, for the Evening and Weekend Track students, therefore cannot complete the requirement of the course. If any student does not pass the drug calculation critical on the last attempt, they will receive a failing grade for PNV 1682 and PNV 1524 for Full Time Day Track students, or PNV 1524 for Hybrid options or PNV 1666 and PNV 1524 for Evening and Weekend Track students.
Prior Credit
Prior learning credit is granted only for Holmes Community College Practical Nursing courses for a student who re-enters the program within a fifteen month period of leaving the program. The student re-entering the program during the fifteen month period must repeat all courses for the semester of re-entry. The student will receive credit for coursework successfully completed prior to the semester of re-entry. The Holmes Community College Practical Nursing Program does not grant prior credit for academic Anatomy and Physiology.
Graduation Requirements
- Successfully complete the requirements of the PN program.
- Submit the college graduation application by the prescribed date.
Legal Boundaries for Licensure
Detailed information regarding the legal boundaries of a LPN may be found here. Additionally, legal and ethical aspects of nursing are directly addressed in the Nursing Fundamentals (PNV 1444) and Nursing Transition (PNV 1914) courses. These issues are reinforced throughout the program. Students are referred to the Mississippi Board of Nursing Administrative Code which states to be considered for licensure in the state of Mississippi, a person must:
- Graduate from an accredited Mississippi Practical Nursing Program
- Provide an official transcript of completion of a practical nursing program
- Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-19 (1) and 73-15-21 (1);
- Submit completed board-approved application, including the notarized authorization to release information form on the Mississippi Board of Nursing website and pay the applicable fee
- Register for the examination with the designated testing service and pay the fee
- Pass the NCLEX-PN
The Board reserves the right to determine who is duly qualified for the examination and licensure.
Based on the legal and ethical ramifications of nursing and in accordance with the Mississippi Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, the requirements of clinical affiliation, HCC program and College policies, and the Minimum Technical Standards for Admission, Academic Progression, and Graduation in the Practical Nursing Program, Holmes Community College may deny admission, progression, and/or completion of the PN program based on, but not limited to, the following:
- Criminal Background Check***
- Drug/alcohol screens.
- Documented physical and/or emotional impairments that prohibit a student’s ability to function safely as a nurse.
***The Criminal Background Check must be performed by a licensed healthcare provider and results submitted to the respective site by the prescribed date. Criminal Background Check “clearance”, as determined by clinical affiliates, Holmes Community College, and the Mississippi Board of Nursing, must be met by any student entering the program.
If you have questions about the admission requirements, please contact the following:
- Debbie Harville (662) 227-2350
Holmes Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or age in its educational programs and activities, employment, or admissions. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding non-discrimination, compliance policies, and procedures for the College: Compliance Officer, (662) 472-9429. Written inquiries may be e-mailed to: compliance@holmescc.edu or sent to: Compliance Office, P.O. Box 369, Goodman, MS 39079.
