Requirements Checklist

The Practical Nursing Program is a selective admission program. Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to qualify for admission. Important deadlines below includes students with degrees and previous college course work:

  • Spring semester start: September application period requirements completed by September 30.
  • Fall semester start: March application period requirements completed by March 31st.

Application deadlines

Deadline: September 30, 2026
(Application period from July1 to September 30, 2026) 
For consideration to start Spring 2027
Deadline: March 31, 2027
(Application period from January1 to March 31, 2027) 
For consideration to start Fall 2027
Deadline: September 30, 2027
(Application period from July1 to September 30, 2027)
For consideration to start Spring 2028
Deadline: March 31, 2028
(Application period from January1 to March 31, 2028)
For consideration to start Fall 2028
Deadline: September 30, 2028
(Application period from July1 to September 30, 2028) 
For consideration to start Spring 2029
Deadline: March 31, 2029
(Application period from January1 to March 31, 2029) 
For consideration to start Fall 2029

Actions items to be completed by the deadlines


Ranking points

All applicants will be selected based on ranking points. A maximum of eight (8) possible ranking points can be
obtained. Here is the example:

  • Prerequisite GPA: Up to a maximum of four (4) points based on prerequisite courses.
  • Biol 150 or HIM 100 Medical Terminology: One (1) point for completed with a grade letter of “C” or higher will be awarded. (optional course)
    • Note: This course must be six (6) years or less by the deadline and maximum of two attempts
      in the last six (6) years.
  • CNA Certification or Medical Assistant: One (1) point for applicants who hold a current certification will be awarded. *Equivalent hospital based programs may be considered for the additional point (optional)
  • ATI TEAS exam scores: One (1) point for scores in the range from 78% to 90.6%. Two (2) points for scores in the range from 90.7% and higher.

Application process

To make sure you are ready to apply, please review the Requirements Evaluation Checklist located on page #3.
The following three (3) steps must be completed (step #3 only if applicable):

  1. Applicants must submit the online application through the link provided on the Practical Nursing steps to apply page.
  2. Attach your ATI TEAS score to the online application after submitting to complete the application process.
    • Note: The attachment must show all attempts.
  3. Attach your current CNA or MA Certification to the online application after submitting to complete the application process, it if applicable.
    • Note: Expired Certifications will not be awarded the extra point.

Admission criteria to the program are reviewed and revised annually and may be subject to change without notice. If changes are made to the admission criteria, the applicant will need to meet all requirements that are in effect at the time of application. Admission to this program is part of a selective admission process and the program reserves the right to admit based upon special circumstances including contingency admission. Successful completion of the requirements necessary for admission to the program does not guarantee acceptance to the
program.

Automatic disqualification

The following will result in the application being removed from the applicant pool (no exceptions):

  • Not meeting the required ability to pass a drug screen once admitted to the Program.
  • Not meeting the required ability to pass a background check screening once admitted to the Program.
  • Previous dismissal from MCC’s professional nursing program.
  • Not meeting the Accuplacer, ACT, SAT score requirement.
  • Not meeting the required Accuplacer scores on the second attempt and/or not completing the required math, writing, or reading course(s) with a grade letter of “C” or higher.
  • Not meeting the required ATI TEAS exam score on the second attempt in a calendar year or submitting all attempts.
  • Not meeting the minimum 2.0 GPA from CHEM 105, BIOL 109 or BIOL 110 & BIOL 210.
  • Science prerequisites (CHEM 105, BIOL 109 or BIOL 110 & BIOL 210) older than 6 (six) years by the application
    deadline.
  • Three (3) or more graded attempts in all prerequisites (CHEM 105, BIOL 109 or BIOL 110 & BIOL 210)
    within a six (6) year period.
  • Not submitting official transcripts from all institutions where you have earned college credits by the deadline

Program acceptance

Once accepted into the nursing program, students will attend two mandatory meetings to discuss the following
next steps and the required information below:

  • Background check. A background check that is returned as flagged will result in immediate grounds
    for program dismissal.
  • Health records
  • Certified Profile
  • Physical exam
  • Immunizations and/or titers for: tuberculosis, chicken pox, measles,mumps, rubella, tetanus,
    diphtheria, pertussis, influenza, COVID vaccines (not required), hepatitis B (waiver accepted)
  • Recent photo on file
  • CPR training through American Heart Association
  • Family Care Safety Registry (additional cost)
  • Drug screen to be done at the site required byMCC. A positive screen will result in dismissal from the
    program. A positive dilute will require a repeat screening for an additional fee
  • Reliable transportation: Assignments to clinical sites are done on a random basis. Many sites
    are not accessible by public transportation. Note: Clinical sites are within the 60-mile radius of MCC-Penn Valley campus.
  • Work schedule that is flexible to accommodate class and clinical requirements. Note: Clinical
    schedules are not typically available until close to the start of the semester.
  • Students are required to utilize the clinical program(s) for compliance (additional cost)
  • MCC requires a plan for payment ofprogram costs on the day of enrollment.

Our Practical Nursing Certificate program gives you hands-on experience and excellent instruction in our state-of-the-art Health Science Institute. Our program prepares you to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. *Completing the program does not guarantee licensing from the State Board of Nursing. For additional information, go to Missouri nursing rules and statues.