The Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. The nursing program covers all theoretical content areas outlined in Georgia Board Rule 410-9-06( 5a & 5b). A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. Program graduates receive a practical nursing certificate and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse. The PN21 program is a certificate program to be implemented with new cohorts of students beginning Fall 2024 and beyond. Students most commonly will have to submit a satisfactory criminal background check as well as a drug screen to be placed in a clinical health care facility to complete the clinical rotations of their educational training.
Employment Opportunities
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide direct patient observation, care, and assistance in offices, hospitals, clinics, private homes, group homes, nursing homes, emergency treatment facilities, or other healthcare facilities including, but not limited to: coronary care, intensive care, emergency treatment, surgical care and recovery, obstetrics, pediatrics, outpatient services, home health care, or other such areas of practice under the direction of physicians, dentists,
podiatrists, and registered nurses. The nature of the direction and supervision required varies by State and job setting, but are not limited to the following in Georgia: participating in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the delivery of health care services and other specialized tasks when appropriately trained and consistent with board rules and regulations; performing comfort and safety measures; administering treatments and medication; and participating in the management and supervision of unlicensed personnel in the delivery of patient care. Licensing required.
Admissions Criteria
- Submit a completed application and application fee;
- Be at least 18 years of age before the first day of the first PNSG course;
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
- PN is a competitive admissions program. Please refer to the Competitive Admission Programs page for more information.
- Meet the following assessment requirements:
| Test |
Reading |
Writing |
Numerical |
Algebra |
| Accuplacer |
55 |
60 |
34 |
NA |
| Accuplacer (Next Gen) |
224 |
236 |
229 |
NA |
| Compass |
70 |
32 |
26 |
NA |
| SAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| SAT |
270 |
280 |
310 |
NA |
| ACT |
14 |
13 |
14 |
NA |
| ASSET |
37 |
38 |
32 |
NA |
| PSAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| GED |
NA |
145 |
145 |
NA |
| TABE |
461 |
NA |
442 |
NA |
Practical Nursing Certificate Curriculum
Program Courses
Occupational Courses (49 credit hours)
Program Costs
Tuition: ($107 per credit hour) $5,243
Fees: ($410 per semester) $1,640
Books/Supplies: $350
Liability Insurance: $10 per fiscal year
(Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)