Licensed Practical Nursing Program Admissions
Licensed practical nurses work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses in a variety of health care settings, and our certificate program prepares graduates for this career. The clinical component of the LPN program begins in the fall semester for both the day and evening/weekend options, and lasts 11 months.
Steps to Apply
- Sign up to attend one of our nursing information sessions.
- If not already a current HCC student, submit an HCC application for admission.
- New to College: Take placement tests, if applicable: Students may be exempt from the placement test if they have transcripts showing completion of college-level English and/or math at another academic institution, qualifying High School GPA or SAT/ACT test scores. Please speak to an advisor to review your options.
- Pass a nursing entrance exam with the appropriate score. Visit the test center webpage for all of the details from The Test Center.
- Beginning March 2025 HCC will administer the ATI TEAS as an admissions requirement for Traditional and Accelerated Programs. Students already registered to take the HESI A2 will have until February 14th to schedule and take their exam. If students are unable to take the HESI A2 by that date, they must contact the Test Center at tcnursing@howardcc.edu.
- If students have already taken the ATI TEAS and have passing composite scores of 66.5% and a required score of 69% in Reading and Math can begin having scores transferred beginning October 2024.
- To be considered under the first admission period, applicants must complete the assessment and all prerequisite coursework by February 15.
- To be considered under the second admission period, applicants must complete the assessment and all prerequisite coursework by the end of the Spring semester.
- Complete the required prerequisite coursework with the appropriate minimum prerequisite and overall college GPAs.
- Have Prior Credit: Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended. Complete the Official Transcript Evaluation Form and submit it to the Office of Admissions and Advising (RCF-242).
- Complete the supplemental application for admission to the Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate Program and submit online. The application fee is $25. The application cycle for nursing runs between September 15 and February 15 of each school year, with the February date as the final deadline.
- The LPN Supplemental Application will be available in the HCC application portal from September 15 to February 15.
Clinical Requirement
- A drug screening and criminal background check will be required prior to enrollment in any nursing and allied health clinical course in order to ensure the safety of patients in the clinical setting. Students who do not comply with the drug screening and criminal background check are ineligible for placement in clinical agencies and are not able to progress in the clinical program. It is the student’s responsibility to know whether they are eligible for licensure. If a student has a criminal background, it is the students’ responsibility to explore whether the background will prohibit them from being licensed and employed in the health care industry. HCC faculty and staff are not able to provide legal advice. If you have any questions about your background, you may wish to discuss this matter with legal counsel.
- Students are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to accept a clinical seat. However, students who decline the COVID-19 vaccine should be aware that clinical site availability may be limited due to partner facility requirements. Clinical placements are not guaranteed for students who choose not to be vaccinated, which may impact progression and completion of their program.
- As of Fall 2022, ALL students are required to show proof of health insurance. HCC does not provide or sponsor health insurance for students.
LPN Certificate Program Documents
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Additional Information
- Special Benefits - what you need to know to prepare for your program