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Practical Nurse

CIP Code:

51.3901

This program is designed to prepare a student for a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Upon graduation of this program and under the supervision of a registered nurse or a health care provider, the practical nurse will be able to provide evidence-based and safe care in a variety of health care settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools and long-term care facilities.

This program includes two options, an 80-credit Certificate of Competency (CoC) or a 90-credit Associate of Applied Science (AAS) that are in alignment with a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) with all nursing schools in the state of Washington. Admission into the nursing program is dependent upon the successful completion of each of the prerequisite courses listed below with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Exceptions to the 3.0 GPA requirement could be made by the Nursing Program Director on an individual basis. Note that the AAS option requires an additional 10 credits of prerequisite courses.

Upon successful completion of all the required pre-requisites and program courses, the student will be eligible to take the Practical Nurse licensure exam (the NCLEX). After passing the NCLEX, the student will obtain a license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. 

Clinical experiences are an essential part of learning and preparing to be a nurse. Students are expected to commute to clinical sites for clinical rotations and should be prepared to travel up to 50 miles each way. The hours for clinical rotations will vary throughout the program but will generally take place M-F 7am-7pm. In addition, students are required to successfully pass Washington State Department of Social and Health Services background check and criminal background check. For more information, contact the nursing department at 253-680-7316  

In addition to tuition students are also responsible or purchasing additional educational materials such as textbooks, a uniform and other miscellaneous supply.  

Program Mission 

To prepare a diverse body of Nursing students to be safe and competent nurses in the community. The Bates Technical College Practical Nurse Program strives to enrich diverse communities, inspire life-long learning, and challenge for greater educational and career achievement.

Program Vision

To prepare nurses who are agents of change that reach diverse communities and connect them to quality and inclusive healthcare.

Program Values

  1. Collaboration and Communication
  2. Integrity and Accountability
  3. Dignity and Respect
  4. Diversity and Social Justice
  5. Empathy and Compassion

For program costs and fees refer to the catalog TUITION AND FEES PAGE

Required foundational coursework to be completed prior the enrolling in Practical Nursing program:

Students must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all prerequisite courses before entering core coursework.

Prerequisite Courses (Required for admission into CoC and AAS options):

  • ENGL& 101 English Composition I
  • BIOL& 160 General Biology
  • BIOL& 241 (must include lab) Anatomy and Physiology
  • BIOL& 242 (must include lab) Anatomy and Physiology
  • MATH& 146 (or higher) Basic Statistics
  • PSYC& 100 General Psychology
  • PSYC& 200 Psychology through the Lifespan

Additional Prerequisite Courses (Required for admission into AAS option only):

Any two of these course options will satisfy the additional 10-credit prerequisites required for the Associate of Applied Science option:

  • BIOL&260 Microbiology
  • CHEM&121 Introduction to Chemistry
  • NUTR&101 Nutrition

*Students must pass each course within the nursing core program with a 3.0 (80% in Canvas) or higher to proceed to the next quarter in the Practical Nursing Program. See the Bates Technical College Nursing Program Student Readmission Requirements. *

Note: If you intend to further your education with an RN degree at another college, please ensure to review the program and prerequisite requirements of that institution.