Practical Nursing FAQ

Practical Nursing Diploma Program-Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you in advance for your interest in the practical nursing diploma program at Stanly Community College. The following list of questions have been compiled to help answer the most common questions related to the practical nursing admission process; however, the list of questions is not meant to take the place of collaborating with our Admissions staff or your Success Coach.


1. Is your program online?

No. This program will require you to be on campus or in clinic at least 3 days per week. Seated classes and labs are held at our Crutchfield Education Center, 102 Stanly Parkway, Locust, NC 28097. Clinicals will be held at Bethany Woods, Stanly Manor, Trinity Place and Atrium-Stanly.

2. How long is this program?

This is a three-semester program. Upon completion, students will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX, to practice as a licensed practical nurse.

3. How do I apply to the practical nursing diploma program?

Applications to SCC can be started at https://www.stanly.edu/online-learning/new-student-orientation/step-1-getting-started.html and follow the admission requirements process for applying to the program.

4. When is the application deadline?

The application deadline for the practical nursing diploma program is March 15th for the following fall cohort. Each cohort starts in the fall and attends fall, spring, and summer semester. 

5. Who is my Academic Advisor/Success Coach?

Melanie Alexander will be your advisor/Success Coach from the time you apply until you complete the program; you may email Melanie at malexander0134@stanly.edu.

6. Can I take general education courses before being admitted into the practical nursing program?

Yes. Although it isn’t a requirement, we encourage students to complete as many general education courses as possible, prior to the start of the program. These general education courses include ACA 122, ENG 111, PSY 150, BIO 168 and BIO 169. 

7. How am I invited to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)?

Applicants to the practical nursing program that have met steps 1 and 4 on the admissions checklist will be invited by admissions to take the TEAS test. Invitations to take the TEAS are sent to eligible students SCC student email accounts.

8. Can I take the TEAS elsewhere and have the results submitted to SCC?

No. We only accept the TEAS test given here at Stanly Community College. Due to the high importance of this test, faculty believe that all students should be held to the same accountability; testing at SCC ensures testing standards are met.

9. How long is my TEAS score viable?

The score is good for 2 years and it must be the most current version given by the college.

10. Is there a cost associated with the TEAS test?

Yes. The test cost is $70 each time it is taken. Perspective students may also purchase a study guide for the exam from the bookstore or online and practice tests from www.atitesting.com

11. Do I have to complete a drug test for this program?

Yes. As a requirement of the clinical facilities, all students within the practical nursing curriculum must complete a drug screening.

12. Do I need to complete a criminal background check as part of the admission requirements?

Yes. As a requirement of the clinical facilities, a criminal background check must be completed. The college does not see the criminal background check results nor give advice related to the results. Being accepted to the program does not mean that you are automatically cleared to attend clinical sites. If the clinical site denies a student clinical privileges, that student is withdrawn from the program.

13. How much does the program cost?

Estimated Cost for LPN Program for In-State Resident

 

Tuition

Fees

Estimated Total

Fall Term

$1,216.00

$168.25

$1,384.25

Spring Term

$1,292.00

$168.25

$1,460.25

Summer Term

$912.00

$130.75

$1,042.75

 

 

 

 

Estimated Program Total

 

 

$3,887.25

 

 

 

 

**Estimated total does not include the cost of textbooks, CPR, immunizations, drug screening, background check, and other clinical site requirement.

 

 

 

 

14. Do I need clinical uniforms and equipment before the program starts?

Information regarding uniforms and other equipment will be provided in the mandatory orientation prior to the fall semester. 

15. Am I required to obtain my nursing assistant certification (CNA) prior to consideration into this program?

No. Within the first semester of the practical nursing program, you will become proficient in the skills necessary to pass the NNAAP State Exam through NACES, to become a certified nursing assistant. It is not a requirement for you to take the exam to become a certified after the first semester of the program, but you may choose to do so if you wish.

16. Is the practical nursing program of SCC accredited?

Stanly Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Stanly Community College. External Web site: http://www.sacscoc.org 

The practical nursing diploma program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON).
https://www.ncbon.com/sites/default/files/documents/2024-03/2024-approved-pre-licensure-nursing-prog.pdf


17. What happens if I do not get accepted this year when I apply?

You must submit a new application to the program each year that you are seeking admission.