Practical Nursing
The Dickson Practical Nursing program at Central Piedmont Community College is a one year (three semesters) diploma program. The curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, and practice in a dynamic environment. The Practical Nursing program also meets individual needs that impact health, quality of life, and potential achievement. Coursework includes and builds upon the domains of individual, healthcare systems, and nursing practice. Content emphasized the practical nurse role as a dependent role under the supervision of the registered nurse (RN), a member of the interdisciplinary team, providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is required for practice as a Practical Nurse. Employment opportunities are vast within the global healthcare system and may include positions within acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community healthcare facilities.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in nursing employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website. The Dickson Practical Nursing program has the initial approval of the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
The Practical Nursing program has full approval by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
North Carolina Board of Nursing
4516 Lake Boone Trail
Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: 919.782.3211
Fax: 919.781.9461
Practical Nursing (D45660)
Diploma Awarded
A diploma in Practical Nursing is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Program Admission Steps
- Complete admissions application to Central Piedmont.
- Submit high school transcripts and any college transcripts to Central Piedmont Admissions, Records and Registration.
- Meet with a healthcare advisor. Email Healthsciences@cpcc.edu for an appointment.
- Complete an application to the practical nursing program.
- Show proof of meeting the following admission requirements:
- ATI TEAs admission test for the Practical Nursing Program
- Show proof of meeting the required cut scores for the ATI Teas admission test. More information on taking the Teas test can be found here. The TEAS Test scores are: ≥ 65.
- Show proof of having taken the N.C. state-approved nurse aide program.
- Provide a copy of the current nurse aide listing from the N.C. nurse aide registry.
Application information is available on the website under the various nursing programs on the Apply to a Healthcare Careers Program page.
Additional Costs and Requirements
In addition to tuition and textbooks, the costs of this program include the following:
- cost of ATI admission test (TEAS)
- uniforms, lab coat
- stethoscope
- a physical examination including a drug screening test.
- immunizations such as tetanus toxoid, hepatitis B vaccinations, TB test, blood test (i.e., VDRL, rubella titer, etc.)
- current CPR certification for Healthcare Providers
- criminal background check, FBI fingerprinting; Participation in clinical education experiences at area health care facilities require students to submit results of a criminal background check and FBI fingerprinting at their own expense.
- application fees for N.C. State Board of Nursing National Council Licensure Examination; Students must provide a health and accident insurance certificate.
All course work must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Students are required to verify that they are a citizen of the United States or an otherwise legally authorized resident.
Contact Information
The Practical Nursing program is in the Nursing Division. For more information, reach out to the Practical Nursing program Chair or email the Health Science Advisors at Healthsciences@cpcc.edu.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| Major Requirements | ||
| NUR 101 | Practical Nursing I | 11.0 |
| NUR 102 | Practical Nursing II | 10.0 |
| NUR 103 | Practical Nursing III | 9.0 |
| BIO 168 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
| BIO 169 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 44 | |
Practical Nursing/Pre-Nursing Certificates
Nurse Aide Certificate for Pre-Nursing (C45970-C2)
This certificate is available to eligible high school students through the Career and College Promise program.
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| BIO 168 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
| NAS 101 | Nurse Aide I | 6.0 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Practical Nursing Suggested Course Sequence
The following is the suggested sequence for when to take each course to complete the Practical Nursing Diploma, based on the program requirements of the 2025-2026 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order if you need to. This sequence is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with an advisor about the sequence and any questions. This program does not offer certificates at this time; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| NUR 101 | Practical Nursing I | 11.0 |
| BIO 168 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| NUR 102 | Practical Nursing II | 10.0 |
| BIO 169 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term III | ||
| NUR 103 | Practical Nursing III | 9.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 44 | |