Admissions
Important Program Update
🎉 Exciting Update for Future Practical Nursing Students!
You can now earn your Practical Nursing Certificate in just three semesters!
Daytime cohorts: Summer and Autumn semesters
Evening cohort: Spring semester
📢 Interested in Learning More? We will be hosting an optional online information session in early October for prospective students who would like to learn more about the program, admissions process, and what to expect as a Practical Nursing student.
More details and registration information will be available soon!
❓ Questions? Our Health and Human Services advisors are here to help. Please reach out to an advisor for guidance on admissions requirements, application steps, or program planning.
Start your nursing journey with us and take the next step toward a rewarding career in healthcare !
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
The application period for Autumn 2026 is now closed.
(Application Deadline July 20, 2026)
Spring Application
Spring 2027 semester- evening program
Application available September 16 - October 31.
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
Students are encouraged to complete the following admission requirements before submitting an application to the Practical Nursing program.
*Applications may be submitted prior to completing all admission requirements. Students who have not met all requirements by the application deadline may still be considered for admission once the requirements are completed based on availability.
Admission Criteria 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 on file with Columbus State Community College
- 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.
*Applications may be submitted prior to completing all admission requirements. Students who have not met all requirements by the application deadline may still be considered for admission once the requirements are completed based on availability.
The admissions committee will begin reviewing applications after the application period has ended.
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 and pass a Drug and Background screening prior to registering for any Practical Nursing courses.
To remain in the program, Practical Nursing students must remain maintain current Health records including vaccines.
Students must attend a program orientation session- specifi details of the orientation will be shared with the acceptance package.