The Practical Nursing Pre-Admission Conference is now online!
Please see link below under "How do I apply for this program?" step 1.
What Is Practical Nursing?
Practical nurses are integral members of the health care system, prepared to provide nursing care and health promotion activities to individuals across the life span in various health care settings under the direction of the registered nurse, licensed physician, and/or dentist. The Practical Nursing program at WKCTC prepares individuals to practice within the legal scope of practical nursing. Use of the nursing process at the practical nursing level toward the maintenance of health and prevention of illness, the observation and nursing care of persons experiencing changes in their health processes, and the evaluation of health practices of patients are emphasized.
What are my career options?
A few examples of workplaces in your local area:
- Hospitals
- Health care provider offices
- Long term care facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Group homes
- Schools
- Correctional facilities
- Hospice
- Home health
How long will this program take?
It will take a minimum of 3 semesters to get diploma in practical nursing.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Diploma(s)
Diploma programs are usually short-term and less comprehensive than associate's degree programs. WKCTC offers diploma programs as educational opportunities for students who aren't pursuing full-time degrees. Diploma programs usually consist of several courses in a specific subject area or skill and can lead you toward entry-level employment in a professional field.
How do I apply for this program?
- Attend a pre-admission conference.
- Apply for admission to West Kentucky Community & Technical College if not currently enrolled.
- Submit an official transcript of all previous college work.
- Submit ACT or National League for Nursing (NLN) Preadmission Exam or Evolve Admission Assessment Exam score.
Admission is based upon a point system. The admissions point scale is designed to
objectively evaluate applicants. Applicants with the highest total points will be
admitted to the program.
Selective Admission Points
Transfer Student
The practical nursing program does accept transfer requests from applicants desiring to transfer from another practical nursing program.
Additional Information
CPR certification at healthcare provider level, proof of immunizations, background checks, and drug screens are required after a student is admitted and prior to starting the first semester of the nursing program.
- View an estimate of major fees or purchases that are required while in the practical nursing program
- WKCTC Scholarship Opportunities
- Clinical Screening Requirements - Link to Vendor
Additional Resources / Training
- HIPAA Training Information
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training Information
- CPR for Health Care Provider Information Nursing Division Classes
- Community CPR Classes
Field Licensure Requirements
In addition to completing the program, students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become a licensed as a practical nurse.
Accreditation / Program Success
Practical Nursing: The Practical Nursing program at West Kentucky Community and Technical
College located in Paducah, KY is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for
the practical nursing program is continuing accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program.
The Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Pursuant
to the Kentucky Board of Nursing regulation 201 KAR 20:340, Learn more about benchmark data for nursing programs in the state of Kentucky.
Licensure, Completion and Job Placement Rates