Practical Nursing

About the Practical Nursing Program

Top Ranked Practical Nursing Program logo

The Practical Nurse Program is designed to qualify graduates to sit and pass the NCLEX-PN, preparing them for entry-level positions that assure safe and quality care for clients, in a variety of health care settings.

After obtaining a nursing license, the graduate is expected to be able to meet diverse needs of clients, to function as role model, leader, and to contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession and the quality of health care delivery.

Clinical experience is provided at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Birmingham Green, Westminister at Lake Ridge, and other clinical sites throughout the county. The nine months of supervised clinical practice begin in September after the successful completion of the pre-clinical year. Students are involved in direct patient care and classroom activities for 7-8 hours each day during the clinical phase of study. Clinical hours vary according to the site. Most clinical hours are from 6-10 hours per day, depending upon the clinical site.

Class of 2019 Nurses who graduated from the program

View additional information on the Nursing Brochure page.

Students take Practical Nursing I and II as seniors and complete the program with Practical Nursing III after graduation. Tuition is charged for Practical Nursing III. All Health and Medical Science courses will count toward meeting the one credit practical arts requirement for graduation except Practical Nursing III. The course of study includes:

  • Practical Nursing I (18 weeks)
  • Practical Nursing II (18 weeks)
  • Practical Nursing III

Note: Applications for this program are open for rising 12th grade students and adult learners.

Program Type

Transport Program: High school students participating in this program attend all core classes, non-CTE classes, and activities at their base school. A PWCS bus transports students between their base school and the program school daily, returning in time to ride their regular bus home.

Program Location

Osbourn Park High School

Coordinator: Ms. Dean

Telephone: 571-598-3907

Email: deantx@pwcs.edu

View the Osbourn Park HS website

Virtual Information Meetings

December 7, 2023, at 7 p.m.

January 4, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Attendance Areas

All students in PWCS can apply to this program.

How to Apply

Admission Requirements

  1. High school students must satisfactorily complete the junior year and be entering their senior year.
  2. Adult applicants must have a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) certificate.
  3. Priority is given to Prince William County residents.
  4. Applicants should have a sincere interest in nursing and people, the ability to work well with others, and be of good moral character.
  5. Applicants must be in good health. Immunization requirements, criminal background check, and drug screen must be submitted before final acceptance into the second year class.
  6. Satisfactory scores on pre-entrance tests are required and personal interview.