Nursing Career

Whether you want to be a CNA, LPN, RN, or beyond, becoming a nurse is a popular option for Pulaski County High School students. There are many, many paths to get to your end result. There are also many Nursing programs in Virginia and affordable programs in the surrounding states. Some school links are below.

 These are classes you should consider taking while in high school.

• High School Chemistry 

If you don't take Chemistry at PCHS you will be required to take Development Chemistry in college. Alg II is a prerequisite for high school Chemistry - factor that into your schedule timeline. You can also be co-enrolled in Alg II with Chemistry.

• Dual Enrolled Biology I  (BIO 101)

This class is a prerequisite for BIO 141 - Human Anatomy and Physiology, which is a required nursing class.

• Dual Enrolled English Composition (ENG 111/112)

You can take this as a 10th or 11th grader at PCHS. You are required to have a minimum PCHS GPA of 3.0 to take this dual enrolled course and you must have an NRCC application and parent signature on file to enroll.

• • • Dual Enrolled Psychology (PSY 200/230)

You can take this as a 11th or 12th grader at PCHS. You are required to have a minimum PCHS GPA of 3.0 to take this dual enrolled course and you must have an NRCC application and parent signature on file to enroll.

• Introduction to Health & Medical Sciences

You can take this as a 10th, 11th, or 12th grader at PCHS. This course introduces students to a variety of healthcare careers and develops basic skills required in all health and medical sciences.

• Health Assisting Careers - [Prerequisite class is Intro to Health & Medical Sciences]

This will give you a good idea if Nursing is the right career for you. 

• Dual Enrolled Statistical Reasoning (MTH 155)

If you plan to go on and get your BSN (Bachelor's of Science in Nursing) you should take this class. It will not meet the MTH 130 Fundamental of Reasoning needed for your Associate's Degree of Nursing, but it will help you when you transfer to the 4-year school.

The Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) program at NRCC is a two-year program with a semester of prerequisite classes. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

In addition to applying to NRCC, you must also apply to the Nursing program at NRCC. If your goal is to become an RN (Registered Nurse), it is recommended that you apply to BOTH the LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing) and ADN (Associate Degree of Nursing) programs. The LPN program provides a path into the ADN program. The ADN program is extremely competitive and there are a limited number of spots each fall. 

The deadline to apply for nursing programs at NRCC is Feb 15 before the upcoming fall admittance. The following classes are required prior to entering the NRCC Associate's Degree of Nursing Program:

• ENG 111 College Composition I (3 credits)

• BIO 141 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)

NOTE: BIO 141 has a prerequisite. Students can satisfy the prerequisite through ONE of the following items:

• • • • • • successful completion of BIO 101 with a C or higher (this is a dual enrolled course at PCHS); OR

          • a passing score on the NAS 2 (Natural Science) test of 70% or higher; OR

          • successful passing of the NAS 2 course (2 credits). NAS 2 is a pass/fail class.

CLICK HERE AND SCROLL DOWN for details on the NAS 2 prerequisite information, how to sign up to take the NAS 2 test, and study material for the NAS 2 test.

It is advised that students complete the BIO 141 prerequisite prior to the fall semester after high school graduation to stay on track with the nursing program. If you qualify for federal funding, your summer tuition may be covered. See a Career Coach for details. 

• MTH 130 Fundamentals of Reasoning (3 credits)

• PSY 230 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)

• SDV 101 Orientation to Health Sciences OR SDV 100 College Success Skills (1 credit)

ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF NURSING

See THIS LINK for information on NRCC's website for Associate's Degree of Nursing program to prepare yourself to become an RN. Review the CHECKLIST FOR THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF NURSING to find out all items needed.

PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM

See THIS LINK for information on NRCC's website for Practical Nursing program to prepare yourself to become an LPN. Review the CHECKLIST FOR THE PRACTICAL NURSING CERTIFICATE to find out all items needed.

NRCC NURSING CONTACT INFORMATION 

Any questions can be directed to Katie Pruett, Nursing Admissions Specialist; kpruett@nr.edu; [540-674-3600 ext. 4222]

TEAS TEST INFORMATION/RESOURCES

NRCC currently requires the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) for Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Certificate of Practical Nursing (PN) admission. NRCC students interested in applying for admission to the ADN or PN program must take the TEAS test prior to the application deadline. Testing is available specifically for NRCC students at NRCC's testing center throughout the year. Testing is by appointment only. SEE DETAILS OFF THE NRCC SITE HERE including how to prepare and register for the test, and prep sessions.

NURSING INFORMATION SESSIONS

Your attendance at an information session is required by the Virginia Board of Nursing to be considered for the program. High school students are welcome (and encouraged) to attend an information session prior to making a decision about pursuing a Nursing career. See information HERE about scheduled sessions.

The Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at NRCC is a three-semester certificate program (fall-spring-summer). 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

In addition to applying to NRCC, you must also apply to the Nursing program at NRCC. The LPN program provides a path into the ADN program if that is your end goal. The deadline to apply for nursing programs at NRCC is Feb 15 before the upcoming fall admittance. Click HERE for all additional information including a checklist of items needed for admission.

TEAS TEST INFORMATION/RESOURCES

NRCC currently requires the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) for Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Certificate of Practical Nursing (PN) admission. NRCC students interested in applying for admission to the ADN or PN program must take the TEAS test prior to the application deadline. Testing is available specifically for NRCC students at NRCC's testing center throughout the year. Testing is by appointment only. SEE DETAILS OFF THE NRCC SITE HERE including how to prepare and register for the test, and prep sessions.

NURSING INFORMATION SESSIONS

Your attendance at an information session is required by the Virginia Board of Nursing to be considered for the program. High school students are welcome (and encouraged) to attend an information session prior to making a decision about pursuing a Nursing career. See information HERE about scheduled sessions.

If you did not have the opportunity to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) at Pulaski County High School through the Health Assisting Careers class, take heart - you can still become a CNA through Workforce Development at NRCC. 

The CNA program prepares students to take the Virginia Nurse Aide State Board Exam. It has a total of 140 hours of instruction. Currently, instruction is Monday 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (online, synchronous) and Thursdays 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM in-person at the Dublin Campus. There are 5 Saturdays for clinicals within the course period from 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM off campus.

The CNA class is offered through FastForward programs which are first-come, first-served.  Each semester we typically offer the class twice. Check the Workforce Development link above for details and dates.  

DOCUMENTATION NEEDED

• An enrollment packet.

• For VA Domicile verification - a copy of your Driver's License and either a copy of your Voter Registration Card, bank statement, or recent utility bill will be required. 

• For financial aid (FANTIC) determination - a copy of your IRS Tax Transcript and parents' transcript if they claim you as a dependent. You can get a copy of your tax transcripts HERE. 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TUITION COST (2023)

Current tuition for this program is $3,267.00; however, if you have been a Virginia resident for the previous 12 months, it is reduced to $1,089.00. If you qualify for our financial aid (FANTIC), it is further reduced to $0.00.  Check with NRCC for current tuition prices

POINT OF CONTACT

Amber Slusser-Brillhart

Office: Edwards 216

540-674-3600 Ext. 4435

asbrillhart@nr.edu

Radford University now does a direct admit into the Nursing program in the fall of Freshman year. See THIS LINK for information on the RU Nursing program. Coursework and clinical work is done through the campus in Radford, VA.

Radford University Carilion Nursing program is a full immersion Nursing program. See THIS LINK for information on the RUC Nursing program. Coursework and clinical work is done in Roanoke, VA.

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is within a two hour drive of Pulaski and is an affordable four year school. Click THIS LINK to learn more.

James Madison University is about a two hour drive up Interstate 81 from Pulaski County. Click THIS LINK to learn more about the program.

Charlottesville is about a two and a half hour drive from Pulaski County. It is an extremely competitive program ranking #1 in Virginia and admits approximately 60 students a year. Click THIS LINK to learn more.