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Practical Nursing (PN21) Technical Certificate of Credit
The Practical Nursing (PN21) certificate program prepares students for entry-level careers as practical nurses and eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. Through classroom instruction and supervised clinical experiences, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, competent nursing care. The curriculum meets the theoretical requirements outlined by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Graduates earn a Practical Nursing certificate.
Students may be required to complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screening to participate in clinical rotations.
The application for the 2026-2027 Practical Nursing Cohort is closed. The next application process will begin in May of 2027.
Prepare for a Career in Practical Nursing
Georgia Piedmont Technical College's Practical Nursing (PN21) program prepares students for entry-level nursing careers through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training and supervised clinical experiences.
Graduates earn a Technical Certificate of Credit in Practical Nursing and are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure examination.
Program at a Glance
| Credential | Technical Certificate of Credit (PN21) |
|---|---|
| Program Length | Approximately 12 months (3 semesters) |
| Credit Hours | 47 |
| Location | Newton Campus, Covington |
| Format | Full-time, in-person |
| Cohort Size | Approximately 28 students |
| Minimum TEAS Score | 68% on ATI TEAS Version 7 |
| Prerequisites | No prerequisite courses required for selection |
Getting Started
Students interested in Practical Nursing must first apply to GPTC and select Healthcare Professional Certificate (HP41) as their initial major.
Students may take HP41 courses to build their healthcare knowledge or proceed directly to the required ATI TEAS entrance exam. Completing HP41 courses does not guarantee admission into Practical Nursing.
Steps to Apply
- Apply to GPTC. Complete the college admissions application and select Healthcare Professional Certificate (HP41).
- Submit Official Transcripts. Request transcripts from your high school and previously attended colleges.
- Complete Placement Requirements. Take ACCUPLACER if required or provide qualifying scores for an exemption.
- Take the ATI TEAS Exam. Earn a minimum score of 68% on Version 7.
- Apply for Program Selection. Follow the instructions sent to your GPTC student email during the application period.
Important: Admission to GPTC does not guarantee acceptance into the Practical Nursing program.
Practical Nursing Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Be accepted to Georgia Piedmont Technical College.
- Complete required college placement testing, unless exempt.
- Earn at least 68% on ATI TEAS Version 7.
- Have a TEAS score less than one year old at the selection deadline.
- Submit the required Practical Nursing application/information sheet.
- Share their official TEAS score transcript with GPTC.
- Submit all materials by the published deadline.
Admission is competitive. Applicants are ranked by TEAS scores, with approximately 28 students selected per cohort. Applications are not considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application and Selection Periods
Fall Cohort
Applications generally open after the spring semester. The selection deadline is the second Friday of June at 1 p.m.
Spring Cohort (When Offered)
If an additional cohort is available, applications generally open in September, with a selection deadline on the first Friday of October.
Official application instructions, submission links and deadlines are sent to GPTC student email accounts. Students should check their email regularly.
ATI TEAS Entrance Exam
The ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), Version 7, evaluates academic readiness in four areas:
- Reading
- Mathematics
- Science
- English and Language Usage
Applicants must earn a minimum score of 68%. Scores must be less than one year old at the selection deadline. Multiple attempts are permitted, but attempts must be at least 60 days apart.
Students are responsible for the TEAS testing fee, which is not covered by financial aid. GPA and completion of general education courses are not currently factors in program selection.
After You're Selected
Selected applicants receive an invitation through their GPTC student email. Students must respond by the stated deadline and complete all required acceptance steps.
Attendance at a mandatory Practical Nursing Program Orientation, generally held about one month before classes begin, is required. Failure to attend may result in losing a seat.
Classes and Clinical Experience
Newton Campus, Building D
8100 Bob Williams Parkway
Covington, GA
Classes generally meet Monday through Thursday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday attendance may occasionally be required.
Clinical rotations may begin as early as 6:30 a.m. or end as late as 7:30 p.m., with shifts lasting approximately 8 to 12.5 hours. Clinical placements may be located throughout Covington and metro Atlanta.
Students must be available for all required classes, labs and clinical rotations. The program currently does not offer online, evening or part-time options.
Program Costs
The Practical Nursing program consists of 47 credit hours across three semesters. In addition to tuition and standard fees, students should budget for:
- Textbooks and required learning resources
- ATI learning modules and electronic clinical learning tools
- ACEMAPP clinical scheduling fees
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification
- Background check and drug screening
- Pharmacology and fundamentals supply kits
- Uniforms, scrubs and appropriate footwear
- Stethoscope, penlight and other required supplies
- Immunizations and health screenings
Immunization Requirements
Students must meet program and clinical facility health requirements before beginning clinical rotations. Listed requirements include:
- MMR: Two vaccinations or appropriate titer documentation
- Varicella: Two vaccinations or appropriate titer documentation
- Tdap: Every 10 years
- Hepatitis B: Three-dose series and titer
- Influenza: Annual vaccination
- Tuberculosis: Annual screening
- COVID-19: Annual vaccination as listed in program requirements
Clinical facilities may deny placement to students who do not meet their vaccination requirements.
Estimated Licensure Expenses
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN registration | $200 |
| Georgia Board of Nursing application | $45 |
| Background check and fingerprinting | $50 |
All costs are estimates and subject to change.
Licensure and Program Approval
Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure and take the NCLEX-PN examination. Passing the examination and meeting Georgia Board of Nursing requirements are necessary to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
GPTC's Practical Nursing program has full approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing.
Georgia Board of Nursing
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217
478-207-1640
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I select Healthcare Professional Certificate (HP41) instead of Practical Nursing?
Practical Nursing is a competitive admission program. Students must first be accepted to GPTC under the Healthcare Professional Certificate (HP41) major. Only students selected for Practical Nursing may enroll in PNSG courses.
Do I need to take classes before applying?
No. There are no required prerequisite courses for Practical Nursing selection. Students may take HP41 courses to strengthen their healthcare knowledge, but doing so does not guarantee admission.
Can I transfer nursing courses from another college?
No. Nursing-level courses from other nursing programs are not accepted as transfer credits into GPTC's Practical Nursing program. Other college courses may be evaluated by the Registrar's Office.
How are students selected?
Applicants are ranked based on ATI TEAS scores. Approximately 28 students are selected per cohort. All complete applications received by the deadline are considered.
Can I work while completing the program?
The program requires a significant full-time commitment. Students should consider classroom, laboratory, clinical and study requirements when planning their work schedules.
What is the difference between Practical Nursing and LPN?
Practical Nursing refers to the educational program. Graduates become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) after meeting state licensing requirements, including passing the NCLEX-PN examination.
What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?
Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses both provide patient care, but their education, licensing requirements and scopes of practice differ. RNs generally have broader responsibilities for patient assessment, care planning and coordination.
Does GPTC offer an associate degree option?
Students who complete the Practical Nursing certificate may explore the Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health Professions pathway, which requires additional general education coursework. GPTC also offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program with a separate admissions process.
Where can I work as an LPN?
Licensed Practical Nurses may work in nursing care facilities, hospitals, physician offices, home healthcare and community care facilities.
How can I contact a Practical Nursing advisor?
Contact Denise Beckford at beckfordd@gptc.edu.
For admissions and transcript questions, email admissions@gptc.edu. For financial aid questions, email FinancialAid@gptc.edu.
| Occupational Courses | |
|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 49 |
| PNSG 1600Introduction to Pharmacology and Clinical Calculat
Applies fundamental mathematical concepts and includes basic drug administration. Emphasizes critical thinking skills and introduces pharmacological classes. Topics include systems of measurement, calculating drug problems, resource materials usage, fundamental pharmacology, administering medications in a simulated clinical environment, principles of IV therapy techniques, and client education. After this pharmacology course, students will have completed a minimum of 85 lecture/lab (4250/50min) hours. |
3 |
| PNSG 1605Fundamentals
An introduction to the nursing process and clinical practice, normal body system function, and terminology related to healthcare. Topics include: nursing as a profession; scope of practice; ethics and law; client care which is defined as using the nursing process, using critical thinking, and providing client education and includes principles and skills of nursing practice, documentation, history taking, and an introduction to structure, function, terminology associated with healthcare, and physical assessment of body systems; customer/client relationships; standard precautions; activities of daily living; infection control/ blood-borne/ airborne pathogens; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; and perioperative care. At the end of the course, students will have completed a minimum of 66 lecture/lab (3300/50min) hours and 75 clinical (4500/60min) hours. |
6 |
| PNSG 1610Adult Health Nursing I
Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education, and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attention to special populations. Lecture/lab topics include terminology associated with healthcare, structure and function of body systems, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders, and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions concerning the cardiovascular, respiratory, and hematological and immunological systems. Clinical topics include but are not limited to hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions about cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. This course contains lectures and regular lab 4125/50 =82.5 hours and clinical has 3750/60 =62.5 hours. |
6 |
| PNSG 1615Adult Health Nursing II
Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attention to special populations. Lecture/lab topics include functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the endocrine, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems. Clinical topics include, but are not limited to: hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions concerning cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. This course contains lectures and regular lab 4125/50 =82.5 hours and clinical has 3750/60 =62.5 hours. |
6 |
| PNSG 1620Adult Health Nursing III
Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education, and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attention to special populations. Lecture/lab topics include functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the neurological and sensory systems, disaster preparedness, emergency response, triage, and bioterrorism. Clinical topics include, but are not limited to: hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions concerning cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. This course contains lectures and regular lab 4125/50 =82.5 hours and clinical has 3750/60 =62.5 hours. |
6 |
| PNSG 1625Adult Health Nursing IV
Focuses on client care and clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, developing critical thinking, engaging in client education, and displaying cultural competence in the adult population and with attention to special populations. Lecture/lab topics include functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the integumentary and musculoskeletal systems and oncology. Clinical topics include, but are not limited to: hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology, and standard precautions with regard to cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems. After, this adult health course students will have completed a minimum of 4125/50= 82.5 lecture/lab contact hours and 3750/60=62.5 clinical hour. |
6 |
| PNSG 1630Mental Health Nursing
Presents concepts within the field of mental health nursing and their application to everyday human behavior, thinking, emotion, and communication. Focuses on health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the mental health patient as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. Emphasis is placed on students understanding mental health principles and their application within the context of family, work and social interactions. Topics include an overview of psychological disorders and their treatments; terminology associated with health care, stress and health; health management and maintenance and prevention of illness; care of the mental health patient as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health in the mental health client; client care, pharmacology, and diet therapy of the mental health client; and standard precautions. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, and providing client education, displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. At completion of this mental health course, students will have completed a minimum of 75 (3750/50) lecture contact hours and 25 (1500/60) clock hours of mental health-related clinical experience. |
4 |
| PNSG 1635Maternal Nursing
Focuses on maternal and newborn patient care aspects of health management and maintenance and prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, providing client education, displaying cultural competence across the life span, and with attention to special populations. Topics include the function of the human body systems, terminology associated with healthcare, health management and maintenance and prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; and deviations from the normal state of health in the reproductive system, pathological and nonpathological concerns in obstetric clients, and the newborn; client care, treatment, pharmacology, medication administration, and diet therapy related to the reproductive system, obstetric clients, and the newborn, and standard precautions. After this maternity course, students will have completed a minimum of 1500/50 (30) lecture and lab contact hours and 3000/60 (50) clock hours of reproductive, maternity, and newborn-related clinical experience. |
4 |
| PNSG 1640Pediatric Nursing
Focuses on health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the child as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, and providing client education. Topics include health management and maintenance and prevention of illness, care of the child as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health in the pediatric client; client, care, treatments, pharmacology, and diet therapy of the pediatric client; growth and development; functions of the human body, terminology associated with healthcare, and standard precautions. After this pediatric course, students will have completed a minimum of 45 (2250/50) lecture/lab contact hours and 25 (1500/60) clock hours of pediatric-related clinical experience. |
3 |
| PNSG 1645Practical Nursing Capstone
Builds on the concepts presented in prior nursing courses and develops the skills necessary for successful performance in the job market. Topics include application of the nursing process, critical thinking, supervisory skills, client education methods, group dynamics, professional oral and written communication, and conflict resolution. At completion of this nursing leadership course, students will have completed a minimum of 54 lecture/lab (2700/50 min) hours and 60 clock (3600/60 min) hours of leadership-related clinical experience. |
5 |
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Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
The statements set forth in this catalog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between a student and this institution. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material stated herein, we reserve the right to change any provision listed in the catalog, including, but not limited to, entrance requirements and admissions procedures, academic requirements for graduation, and various fees and charges without actual notice to individual students. Every effort will be made to keep students advised of such changes.
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