Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Columbus State currently offers a full-time day and a full-time evening program.

The PN program is four semesters long and takes approximately 16 months to complete.

In order to accommodate the busy lives of our students both a daytime and evening program are available.

The Practical Nursing Program admits new students in the spring and autumn. Summer admission periods are considered on an "as needed basis." 

Yes, Practical Nursing courses are sequential and must be completed in the order laid out in the PN plan of study.

Application deadlines are as follows:

 Applications for the spring start must be submitted no later than October 20th. Applications for the autumn start must be submitted no later than June 20th.

If offered, applications for the summer  program must be submitted no later than March 20th.

There is no waitlist for the PN program.

Deadlines are posted by the Health Records office. Please contact the Health Records office (614-287-2450) for information pertaining to the semester you plan to be admitted to the Practical Nursing program.

• The cost is $182.93 per credit hour.The program is 36 semester credit hours. Total fees include tuition, program fees, and purchase of the electronic curriculum.
• Students are required to purchase their e-books and curriculum package prior to beginning their first semester in the LPN program. 

Students will spend the following amount of time, approximately, in each course including lecture, lab, or clinical:

NOTE: This does not include independent study time. The nursing curriculum is very challenging and students are encouraged to plan accordingly.

Students must complete the HESI A2 exam before they can start the LPN program. To strealmine admissions, students are encouraged to test before the application deadline. Students may attempt the HESI entrance exam more than once if needed.

Applicants into the Practical Nursing Program must achieve a minimum composite score of 73% on the exam in order to start the program. This score was updated beginning with Autumn 2024 applicants.

Applicants must complete this assessment through Columbus State; HESI scores from other institutions will not be accepted.

Use the online Practical Nursing Application form.

Yes, there is a mandatory orientation for all new students. Students will receive information regarding this orientation in their acceptance packet.