Practical Nursing

The Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Graduates will obtain a diploma in Practical Nursing and may then be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN), used to obtain nursing licensure in Tennessee. Practical Nursing is entry-level nursing. Graduates are prepared with the background and skills to give knowledgeable, basic nursing care to patients with varying degrees of physical needs. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. Main Campus, Day Classes: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM (January, May, September Start Dates) Main Campus, Night Classes: Monday - Thursday 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM (September Start Date) Blount Memorial Hospital, Day Classes: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM (February Start Date) How To Apply To complete admissions for Practical Nursing program applicants must submit all general admissions requirements, Practical Nursing program specific requirements, and documents for points by the published deadline to be considered. Acceptance is competitive based on a point system. Completion of admissions does not guarantee acceptance into the program. If you want to know more about the program and gain points towards admissions, you can register to attend a Practical Nursing Information Session. General Admissions Requirements Please submit to the Student Services Office at 1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville, TN 37919 Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online – our school code is 004025. Complete the Application for Enrollment form online at www.tcatknoxville.edu and select APPLY NOW for the Fall trimester. Submit the additional program requirements listed below. IMPORTANT: If you have foreign transcripts, you will need to submit an English translated version of your transcript and an education evaluation, both must be obtained through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Please visit their website at www.naces.org for more information. Practical Nursing Program Admission Requirements Students must be 18 years of age by the start of class. A copy of an official high school transcript or its equivalent, or a scanned copy of a standard high school diploma. Proof of the below immunizations: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 2 series immunization (2 shots) OR a titer showing immunization within the last year’s time Varicella: 2 series immunizations (2 shots) OR a titer showing immunization to chickenpox within the last year’s time Adult Hepatitis B: 3 series immunizations (3 shots) OR a titer showing immunization within the last year’s time OR proof of the series in progress TDAP (Tetanus): Within 10 years of the start date. Take and pass the HESI Exam. The exam covers Math and Reading Comprehension, and the cost is $50.00. Passing scores are 70 in math and 70 in the reading exam. Provide current CPR card certification from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association in BLS for Healthcare Providers, which covers basic life support in infant, child, adult, choking, and AED. Applicants are responsible for submitting a copy of their HESI scores with their application because scores are not automatically linked with other application documents on the date of their exam. 2026 HESI Exam Schedule According to CDC guidelines, you may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials while in this program. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the U.S. States and territories where licensure is intended. This will enable you to obtain the most up-to-date information about licensure requirements. Our college has not made a determination on whether or not its curriculum meets the State educational requirements for licensure or certification for states outside of Tennessee.