Practical Nursing
Poplarville Campus and Forrest County Center

The Practical Nursing program is a twelve-month program of study designed to prepare qualified individuals to function as a member of the health care team in administering safe, effective health care as a Licensed Practical Nurse.   The care rendered by a Licensed Practical Nurse is under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or licensed dentist.

Dual Enrollment:    The Practical Nursing program also offers an eighteen month program for high school seniors at the Forrest County Center.  The students will attend both high school and the community college their senior year.  For more information on this program talk with your high school counselor or a Pearl River Counselor at the Forrest County Center.

The student will gain classroom and laboratory instruction in areas such as:  basic nursing skills, nutrition, human function and structure, human growth through the lifespan, pharmacology, maternal /child nursing, emotional and mental illness, and medical-surgical nursing.  The clinical component of the course will incorporate knowledge and skills gained in the classroom and laboratory. Clinical experiences are provided by affiliating hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care agencies.  All clinical experiences are provided within our state; however the travel expense and arrangements are the students' responsibility.

Students that complete the program requirements as identified by the 'State Board for Community and Junior Colleges' will receive a Certificate of Proficiency and will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses to obtain their nursing licenses.

Enrollment is open in the fall semester only.   All admission requirements must be met and submitted to the Practical Nursing Departments by April 1 of each year.  Financial aid is available to those that qualify and employment opportunities are excellent for our graduates.

Admission Requirements:

1. The applicant must complete a Pearl River Community College Application for admission and Practical Nursing Program application. 
2. The applicant must provide an official transcript from an accredited high school indicting date of graduation or official results of the GED indicating a passing score.
3. The applicant must provide an official transcript from every college attended (if applicable).
4. All applicants must have an ACT score on file.  The minimal acceptable ACT score is a composite of 16 with a 14 sub-score in reading and mathematics.
5. Applicants selected must attend an information session. They will be notified of the date and time via the email address listed on their application.

Requirements for those applicants selected for the program:

1. A physical exam by a licensed health care provider, confirming that the applicant is in good health and possesses the required physical abilities to function satisfactorily within the program and the occupation.  The exam will include a drug screen and tuberculosis testing.
2. Have documentation of the HepB vaccinations, be willing to obtain it, or sign a declination.
3. Must have attended one of the information sessions.
4. Must be able to pass a criminal background check to function within a healthcare facility.
5. Must obtain or possess CPR-C (Health Provider Course) which will not expire prior to date of graduation from the PN program.
6. Must possess valid drivers' license.