Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  Columbus State offers a full-time program for Practical Nursing students.

The full-time day program is typically offered in the Autumn and Summer semesters, while the full-time evening program is typically offered in the Spring semester. Program offerings may vary based on enrollment and program scheduling.

Beginning in Autumn of 2026, the PN curriculum will be offered in three semesters. 

  Columbus State offers both a full-time day program and a full-time evening program for Practical Nursing students.

The day program is typically offered in the Autumn and Summer semesters, while the evening program is typically offered in the Spring semester. Program offerings may vary based on enrollment and program scheduling.

Daytime courses may begin as early as 7:00 AM and run until 5:00 PM

While the evening courses may begin as early as 4:00 PM and run until 11:00 PM

The Practical Nursing Program admits new students three times each year:

Autumn semester: daytime students

Spring semester: evening students

Summer semester: daytime students

  Practical Nursing (PN) courses are designed to build on knowledge and skills learned in previous courses, so they must be completed in the sequence outlined in the PN Plan of Study. Successfully completing each course is required before progressing to the next semester of the program. This structured approach helps ensure students are prepared for increasingly complex nursing concepts and clinical experiences.

Application deadlines are as follows:

The  Autumn (daytime program) application deadline is July 20th

The Spring (evening program) application deadline is October 20th

The summer application deadline will be posted and shared soon! 

There is no waitlist for the PN program.

  Deadlines for submitting health records and required documentation are established by the CSCC Health Records Office. Students should contact the Health Records Office at 614-287-2450 for deadline information specific to the semester in which they plan to enter the Practical Nursing program.

A completed health record, including all required immunizations and health requirements, is mandatory for participation in clinical experiences. Students who do not meet these requirements by the established deadlines will be unable to attend clinicals, which prevents progression in the program.

• The cost per credit hour cost for Ohio residents is $202.93
• The cost per credit hour cost for  non resident students is $415.04.
• The program is a total of 34 credit hours.
• Students are required to purchase a curriculum package at the beginning of each semester in the program.
• Students planning to park on CSCC campus will need to purchase a virtual parking permit each semester for $50.00 
• Additional costs include the purchase of clinical uniform, school patch, a stethoscope, and a clinical badge.
• Students who complete the program and wish to participate in the Pinning ceremony will purchase a set of white scrubs and a CSCC school pin

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

  Please note: The hours above do not include time spent studying or completing assignments outside of class. The nursing curriculum is rigorous, and students should plan for additional independent study time each week to support their success in the program.

  A completed HESI A2 entrance exam is required before a student can be admitted to the Practical Nursing program. However, students do not need to complete the HESI A2 before submitting their program application.

To help ensure a smooth admissions process, students are strongly encouraged to take the HESI A2 before the application deadline. If needed, students may take the exam more than once to achieve the required score for admission.

Additional information on the HESI A2 exam can be found on the CSCC Program Admissions Testing Webpage

As of Autumn 2024, applicants into the Practical Nursing Program must achieve a HESI A2 composite score of 73% or higher to meet the PN admission criteria. 

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.