Admissions
Important Program Update
Beginning Autumn 2026, the Practical Nursing (PN) program will transition to a three-semester curriculum. This streamlined pathway allows students to complete the certificate program in three semesters while continuing to gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experiences needed to provide safe, effective entry-level nursing care. The revised curriculum maintains the program’s commitment to preparing graduates for success in today’s healthcare environment.
1. Apply to Columbus State
2. Consult with Academic Advising
In order to ensure program eligibility, students considering the PN program are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with a Health Sciences Advisor.
3. Apply to Practical Nursing Program
Students may complete the online application form prior to completing all admissions requirements; however, all requirements must be met in order to start the program.
Fall Application
(Application Deadline July 20th, 2026)
Day program starting in August
Spring Application
(Evening program starting in January)
Application available June 20th through October 20th
Spring 2027 Applications will be posted in the fall
Summer Application
Stay tuned for updated summer application dates for the 2027 summer semester !
Program Requirements
Please note the required HESI A2 score and GPA requirements have been updated for the Autumn 2024 semester
Program admission requirements include:
-
- Successful completion (or "N" credit) of NURC 1001 with a grade of C or better
- Placement into CHEM 0100 or higher
- Placement into BIO 0100 or higher
- Placement into ENGL 1100
- A GED or High school transcript
- Current GPA of 2.4 or higher along with Good Academic Standing
- Completion of the HESI A2 exam with an overall score of 73% or higher
HESI A2 Exam
The HESI A2 exam must be taken within 4 years of applying for the program. Students can take the exam as many times as necessary to earn a 73% overall average. This test must be completed at Columbus State Community College. For information concerning the HESI A2 exam, please contact Testing Services at (614-287-5750).
- Please use this link to schedule an exam: HESI A2 Testing Procedure
- HESI A2 resources at the CState Library
Other Requirements
Students take 23 semester hours of nursing courses and 11 semester hours in arts and sciences for a total of 34 credits. Students will participate in clinical in a variety of health care settings under the direction of a Registered Nurse.
Please Note: Students must be 18 years of age or older by the first day of the first Practical Nursing program.
The Standards Essential for Nursing Students are required in order to participate in a nursing program.
4. Acceptance
Beginning in in Autumn 2021, The Practical Nursing program will implement competitive entry for all applicants.
Once admitted to the program, students will receive an acceptance letter which will be emailed two weeks after the application deadline.
All Accepted students must complete a health records form with the Health Records office. In addition, all accepted students are required to pass a Drug and Background screening prior to registering for any Practical Nursing courses.