Practical Nursing Program Brochure

First, apply to ECTC if you are not already a student.

For more information about ECTC’s Nursing Programs, please contact your advisor, meet with our director of the program, visit the main campus, or call (270) 706-8511.

1. Current application and enrollment to ECTC if not enrolled at any KCTCS colleges.
2. Provide proof of High School Diploma (with official graduation date and accumulative GPA) or General Education Development (GED) exam.
3. Official transcripts from ALL colleges, universities and/or vocational schools attended.
4. ACT composite taken within the last four years; or results from the HESI A2 Admission Test.
5. Attend the mandatory PN preadmission conference and apply by the application deadline of July 14, 2025. (Applications are only provided at the preadmission conference.)
6. Complete the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) state certification to become a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA).
7. IF previous Math placement test score was low, consider retaking it to potentially place into college-level Math. Must be Math Ready to apply.
8. Make sure required Biology courses were completed within the past 7 years and do not expire before your admission acceptance.
9. Have a minimum of a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on the completion of 12 or more credit hours in the approved curriculum for the program.

Course Catalog for the PN Program

All people who meet the stated qualifications and criteria can apply to the PN program.

Preferential admissions to the PN program may be given to the following applicants:

1. Veterans; active-duty personnel; their spouses; and displaced workers who qualify under the Trade Adjustment Act.
2. Transfer students who have completed all the required PN approved prerequisite and/or curriculum (All prerequisite courses + BIO 139) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
   1. Transfer students will be required to meet with the program director prior to application for assistance with the program application process.
3. Students who applied for the ECTC Associates Degree of Nursing Program that were not accepted due to the selective admissions and enrollment number availability (students must meet all pre-requisites PN program requirements as well as the associate degree of nursing pre-requisite/curriculum).
   1. Students will be required to meet with the program director prior to the application for assistance with the program admission/application process.
4. Students who have successfully completed an Allied Health Program.
   1. Radiology, Respiratory, or Sonography (Must meet all program requirements)

The PN program is classified as a Selective Admission program. What does this mean? It means students must apply and be accepted into the program and specific criteria.

• The PN application process is open to all qualified students, as mentioned above. Once all applications are received on July 14, 2025, a PN Selective Admissions Committee reviews all applications.
• Meeting the minimum requirements mentioned permits a student to be included in the qualified applicant pool. It does not, however, guarantee admission into the PN Program.
• Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered for admission.
• Applicants who were not chosen for admission will be required to attend a new preadmission conference and apply again for consideration in the next enrollment cycle.

Prerequisite Courses and Requirements:

1. Students may apply to the program before or while taking a prerequisite course.  Students must have completed all prerequisite courses before attending the first nursing class. Points preference will be given to those with all prerequisites and corequisites completed at the time of application.  A grade of C or above is required for ALL courses to be considered. Science courses must have been completed within seven years from the time of entering the first nursing course.
2. Students must have successfully completed a 75-hour Medicare-approved nursing assistant/aide course and be listed with an active, unencumbered status on the Nurse Aide Registry before starting the first nursing course.
3. Each applicant will be evaluated on the objective scale printed in this brochure.
   1. Applicants who earned less than 70% overall on the HesiA2 entrance exam, 20 on the ACT composite, 3.0 GPA, or 54 on the GED will not be considered for admission.
   2. Applicants who have not submitted all the required documents listed in “Application Procedure” by the deadline will not be considered for admission.
   3. Students wishing to transfer science credits from other colleges must submit a college catalog course description and course syllabus for consideration.  Any course in the sciences must have been taken within the last seven years to be considered.
   4. Grades for college courses for GPA consideration must be earned by the end of the summer term, July 27, 2025, for the July 14 deadline for application to the PN program.
   5. No remedial or developmental course work will be considered when calculating the GPA.
   6. In the calculation of GPA, the highest grade of a required course will be used.  Grades for BIO 137 or 139 that are older than seven years are no longer acceptable and will not be calculated in the GPA.
   7. Enrollment in the nursing program is contingent upon successful completion of the prerequisites for and are in good academic and financial standing at the college.
   8. The PN Admissions Committee meets to evaluate applications to fill the Fall 2025 PN nursing class and recommends admissions based on the criteria within each category.
   9. Letters are sent via e-mail to all individuals who have completed applications, notifying them of the selections by the PN Admissions Committee for the Fall 2025 entering class. The class enrollment number is 10 students; thus, the top 10 qualified students will have preference.
   10. Letters of Response must be returned no later than August 1, 2025, by 3:00 pm CST from those who have been accepted into the program or placed on alternate status.  If the Letter of Response and all required documentation have not been received by the specified deadline, the position will be awarded to another applicant who has complied.

Each applicant will be considered and assigned a point value as indicated below:

1. HESI A2/ACT Exam Score

   HESI A2/ACT Exam Score

   HESI A2 Score	ACT Score	Point Value
   80% or above	25 or above	5
   75-79%	24	4
   74-75%	23	3
   73-74%	22	2
   72-73%	21	1
   70-71%	20	0

   
   The ACT scores are only good for 4 years after the initial graduation from the student’s high school graduation. Those who have an older score must utilize the HESI A2 admissions exam score. The HESI A2 admissions exam is only good for one admission period and can only be taken 2 times an application period. The exam period for Fall 2025 application period will be May 15, 2025, to July 13, 2025.
2. GPA

   GPA

   GPA	Point Value
   3.75-4.00	5
   3.50-3.74	4
   3.25-3.49	3
   3.00-3.24	2

   Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better in 12 or more college hours applicable to the program.
3. Grades in BIO 137, BIO 139, and ENG 101

   Grades in Prerequisite Courses

   Grade	Point Value
   A	5
   B	4
   C	3

   5 additional POINTS will be awarded for each course of BIO 137, BIO 139 and ENG 101 if taken in person.
   • Applicants that have completed ALL PRE-REQUISITES will receive 15 points.
   • Applicants that have completed ALL CO-REQUISITES will receive an additional 15 points.
4. Allied Health Program Graduates (Associate of Applied Science)
   Applicants that have graduated or are eligible for graduation from a two-year accredited Allied Health Program or have the minimum of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in a clinically related field will receive 10 points.  Applicant must hold current licensure and provide proof to receive points. Any applicant with an Associate of Applied Science or pending graduate must provide a letter documenting completion date from the program coordinator/director.
5. Current Healthcare Employees or Veterans
   Applicants that are currently working in healthcare FOR LONGER THAN 1 YEAR will receive 10 points or a veteran of the military will receive 10 points. A letter of recommendation with dates of employment is required.

Note: A total of 100 points is possible.

Admission criteria are subject to change prior to each admission.

HESI A2 Entrance Exam

The HESI A2 entrance exam will be required if the ACT score is greater than 4 years, and a student must earn 70% or greater on the exam to be considered. This can only be taken 2 times per application period and no later than July 13, 2025. These exams are ONLY offered at the Leitchfield, KY campus and are proctored on the following dates. All times are 1000 CST for start time. IF you are late, you will not be allowed entrance. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to ensure you can begin on time.

Dates:

1. May 28
2. June 4
3. June 11
4. June 18
5. June 25
6. July 2
7. July 9

The HESI A2 Admission Test is a multi-question, multiple-choice, online, proctored test that evaluates the basic reading, math, writing, science skills, and critical thinking of individuals seeking entry into the PN Program. The test is taken at the ECTC Leitchfield Campus Assessment Center by appointment only. See the dates listed above.

1. You must email the director to schedule your test.
2. Please make sure to bring your photo ID and your HESI A2 account information.
3. All testing is by scheduled appointments only, but seating is subject to availability. Please note that if the campus is closed, testing is not available.
4. To register and purchase the test, go to the Evolve Website and create an account:
   • HESI A2 Website
   • Description: PN Admission Assessment w/CT (A2)-1st Time Tester
   • Order ID: 247994
   • Payment ID: 29536
   • Price: $65.00
   • If you have questions or are having trouble making the payment, please visit the Evolve Support Center.
5. The HESI A2 study guide is available for students for a discounted price in the ECTC Bookstore if you are interested in studying for the admissions exam.

To assist all individuals, including those with disabilities, in making career decisions, the faculty of the ECTC PN Program have prepared the following standards and skill requirements which nursing students are expected to possess and demonstrate.  Reasonable accommodation for students with disability-related needs will be determined on an individual basis, taking into consideration the standards and essential skills which must be performed to meet program objectives.  Decisions regarding reasonable accommodation will be directed toward maximizing the student’s independence while maintaining personal and client dignity and safety.

The technical standards that students should possess when enrolled in the ECTC PN Program are:

• Sufficient visual acuity as needed in the accurate preparation and administration of medications, and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and nursing care;
• Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitor, stethoscope, IV infusion pumps, fire alarms, etc.;
• Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, required in meeting health needs;
• Sufficient communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the individual’s interest; and
• Sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.

The following activities are representative of the essential skills required of nursing students beginning with the first semester of study and continuing throughout the program.  These skills have been separated into three different, but not necessarily discreet areas.  The student will be expected to:

• Demonstrate Physical/Mental Skills:
  • Lift and carry light objects such as charts and equipment items without assistance;
  • Transfer/position up to 300 pounds with assistance while lifting, positioning and transferring patients;
  • Push/pull equipment requiring force of 10-30 pounds on linoleum and carpeted floors,
  • Push/pull patients in chairs;
  • Manipulate equipment through doorways and into close fitting areas;
  • Stand, walk up to 75% of an eight-hour day;
  • Stoop, bend, squat, reach overhead as required to reach equipment;
  • Demonstrate coordination in patient treatments/procedures;
  • Tolerate wearing gloves and other protective equipment;
  • Demonstrate skills to continuously comprehend and communicate with patients, staff and faculty;
  • Identify individuals, call lights, unusual occurrences on a unit at a distance of 100 feet;
  • Read small print;
  • Operate equipment required in health care delivery;
  • Distinguish sounds with background noise ranging from conversational levels to high pitched sounding alarms;
  • Concentrate on moderate and/or fine detail with frequent interruptions necessary to perform a variety of tasks;
  • Tolerate attention spans ranging from 10-60 minutes to perform minimal to fine detailed tasks related to nursing functions;
  • Remember multiple messages and information;
  • Elicit a health history from patient/family;
  • Use correct body mechanics;
  • Use appropriate handwashing technique;
  • Gown, glove and mask appropriately;
  • Perform sterile technique;
  • Provide for activities of daily living for their patients;
  • Make an occupied bed;
  • Perform range of motion for the patient;
  • Assess pertinent body systems;
  • Auscultate, palpate, and percuss;
  • Perform procedures ordinarily requiring manual dexterity and precision;
  • Demonstrate focused observational skills;
  • Interpret emotions and meaning from the patient’s verbal and nonverbal behaviors;
  • Communicate empathy through the appropriate use of listening skills;
  • Give and receive relevant verbal and nonverbal feedback;
  • Demonstrate the interpersonal and analytical skills necessary to participate actively in all phases of group development and multi-disciplinary care.
• Environmentally, students are expected to tolerate:
  • Occasional exposure to blood/body fluids as required for invasive procedures and treatments;
  • Frequent exposure to infectious agents;
  • Frequent exposure to chemical compounds of medications and treatments;
  • Continuous exposure to hazardous chemicals such as disinfectants, cleansers, soap, etc.;
  • Continuous exposure to latex, tyvex, plastic and/or materials which are used for personal protective equipment;
  • Occasional exposure to loud and unpleasant noises, as well as bodily injury due to unpredictable behavior of patients;
  • Seasonal exposure to heat, cold, and humidity due to patient and agency options to control their environment;
• Individually, students are expected to:
  • Provide evidence of current American Heart Association BLS (Basic Life Support) certification and skills;
  • Provide evidence of annual immunization updates/boosters;
  • Be flexible, receptive and adaptive to change;
  • Control impulsivity;
  • Participate in professional and interpersonal relationships with appropriate, professional behavior and attire;
  • Maintain an attitude of honesty and openness throughout the learning process.

To maintain the highest standards of patient care and compliance with clinical site requirements, this policy outlines the expectations for students who use medical marijuana, even if they possess a valid medical marijuana card.

Policy Statement

1. Compliance with Clinical Site Requirements:
   • Clinical sites affiliated with our program require all students to pass a drug screening as a condition for participation.
   • These sites do not permit students to be under the influence of substances that may impair their ability to provide safe and effective patient care, including medical marijuana.
2. Medical Marijuana Use:
   • Students who are authorized to use medical marijuana by a healthcare provider must be aware that clinical sites will not accept a positive drug test result, even with a valid medical marijuana card.
   • A positive drug test for marijuana, regardless of medical authorization, will result in the inability to be placed at a clinical site, which is a requirement for program completion.
3. Program Requirements:
   • Students must meet all program and clinical site requirements to progress in their studies. Failure to secure a clinical placement due to a positive drug test result will impact the student’s ability to complete the program.
4. Student Responsibility:
   • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they are able to comply with clinical site requirements. Students should discuss any concerns about medical marijuana use with their healthcare provider and the program director prior to engaging in clinical placements.
5. Legal Considerations:
   • While medical marijuana is legal in some states, it remains a controlled substance under federal law. Clinical sites may follow federal guidelines that prohibit the use of marijuana, regardless of state law.

Conclusion: Students are encouraged to consider alternative treatments if their medical condition requires them to use marijuana, as participation in clinical placements is essential for completing the program.

Kentucky law requires that licensed/credentialed individuals report criminal convictions to the Kentucky Board of Nursing within ninety (90) days of the conviction, KRS 314.109.

Kentucky Board of Nursing Administrative Regulation 201 KAR 20:370 also requires applicants to report criminal convictions and states what must be submitted when reported.

This brochure addresses the most asked questions raised by individuals with criminal convictions. For additional information, contact the Board office or visit our website.

Mission Statement: The Kentucky Board of Nursing protects the public by development and enforcement of state laws governing the safe practice of nurses, dialysis technicians, and licensed certified professional midwives.

312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300
Louisville, KY 40222-5172
Phone: (800) 305-2042 or (502) 429-3300
Fax: (502) 429-3311
https://kbn.ky.gov/

What criminal convictions must I report to the Kentucky Board of Nursing?

The Kentucky Nursing Laws require that ALL misdemeanor and felony convictions occurring in Kentucky or any other state, regardless of when they occur, must be reported to the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN). Federal and military convictions must also be reported. Any person licensed/credentialed by the KBN shall, within ninety (90) days of entry of the final judgment, notify the KBN in writing of any misdemeanor or felony criminal conviction in this or any other jurisdiction. Upon learning of any failure to notify the KBN under this section, the KBN may initiate disciplinary action.

Traffic related misdemeanor convictions, except for those involving drugs, alcohol, physical harm or endangerment to others, do not have to be reported. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) convictions must be reported. Traffic violations do not need to be reported.

What is the Board’s definition of a conviction?

KRS Chapter 314.011(21) defines a conviction as the following: (a) An unvacated adjudication of guilt; (b) Pleading no contest or nolo contender or entering an Alford plea; or (c) Entering a guilty plea pursuant to a pretrial diversion order; Regardless of whether the penalty is rebated, suspended, or probated. You should contact the court to determine whether the above definition of conviction applies to you.

How do I know whether I’ve been convicted of a crime?

You have been convicted if you have pled guilty to, entered an Alford plea or Nolo Contender plea, have entered into a pre-trial diversion program or were found guilty of a criminal offense in any court. You should contact the court to determine whether the conviction was a violation, misdemeanor, or felony offense.

What if my charge was dismissed?

You are not required to report charges that have been dismissed by the court. You may be required to provide records verifying the conviction(s) have been dismissed if requested.

Do I report convictions when I was a juvenile?

Juvenile convictions that occurred when you were under the age of 18 do not need to be reported unless you were convicted as an adult.

How will my conviction be reviewed?

There are three methods of criminal conviction review:

1. Staff Member Review
2. Board Member Review
3. Credentials Review Panel

A determination will be made to request additional information, request a personal interview with you, or approve/deny your application (for applicants by examination, a denial of your application will prohibit you from being allowed to take the PNNCLEX examination in Kentucky).

How long will it take for my conviction to be reviewed?

It may take up to three or more months to review your information. You may be contacted by mail if additional information is needed.

Will my conviction make me ineligible for a license/credential?

Not necessarily. The statute states that the KBN may take action on criminal convictions that bear directly on an individual’s qualifications or ability to practice. The regulation clarifies that the type of convictions referred to are those that involve dishonesty, substance abuse, sexual offenses, breach of trust, danger to the public safety, or physical harm or endangerment.

Will my conviction restrict my nursing license/credential?

KBN may issue a single-state license restriction, pursuant to the Nurse Licensure Compact, KRS 314.475. Kentucky licensees and/or applicants are restricted to a single state license if they have record of one or more of the following: a felony conviction, a practice-related misdemeanor conviction, and/or an encumbered license or multistate privilege to practice in any state/jurisdiction. The applicant/licensee will be notified of the restriction and their right to request a hearing.

Can I be denied licensure?

Yes. The KBN can deny a license/credential for criminal conviction(s).

What if I am denied licensure/credential, what can I do?

You may request a formal hearing before a KBN hearing panel. Your request must be in writing:
You will be notified of the date, time, and location of the hearing
You may bring legal counsel
The panel will make a recommendation regarding the approval or denial of your application for licensure.

Will a denial of licensure be on my permanent KBN record?

Yes. Denial of licensure is a formal disciplinary action. The denial will be published in the KBN Connection and reported to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Disciplinary Data Bank.

What if the KBN previously reviewed my conviction?

Attach a letter of explanation to the application to inform the KBN about previous conviction reviews.

What documents do I need to submit to the Board when reporting my conviction(s)?

For felony conviction(s):

• Submit a letter of explanation for each conviction
• Provide certified/attested copy of court records

For misdemeanor conviction(s) including DUI conviction(s) five (5) years old or less:

• Submit a letter of explanation for each conviction
• Provide certified/attested copy of court records

For misdemeanor conviction(s) including DUI conviction(s) over five (5) years old:

• No additional documentation required beyond the report of each conviction unless requested by the Board

When do I send the information to the KBN?

The letter of explanation and certified/attested copy of the court record must accompany your letter of self-report and/or your application.

What is the letter of explanation?

The letter of explanation is a personally written summary of the events that led to your conviction. It gives you the opportunity to tell what happened and to explain the circumstances that led to your conviction.

Where do I get the certified copy of the court record?

You should contact the court clerk in the county where the conviction occurred to obtain a certified/attested copy of the court record. The certification/attestation verifies the conviction, date of the conviction and the judgment entered against you.

What if the court can’t find a record of my conviction?

If a court record has been “purged” or expunged, you may submit a statement from the court to affirm that the physical record no longer exists. This statement will be accepted in lieu of the court record.

What additional information may be requested from me?

The most frequently requested information is proof of compliance with a court ordered alcohol education/treatment program or of successful completion of a court ordered probation.

Do I report a conviction that has been appealed?

You should report the appealed conviction to the KBN, unless the conviction has been reversed and vacated by the appellate court.

Will the KBN verify my criminal history?

Yes. The KBN requires a state and federal criminal history search on applicants. The record search is NOT the official court record. Discrepancies related to criminal convictions or failure to report a criminal conviction will delay the processing of the application.

What if I fail to report a conviction(s)?

Failing to report a conviction on your application, or failing to report a conviction within ninety (90) days of entry of the final judgment is a violation of the law and you could be subjected to disciplinary action. In some situations the Board may issue a consent decree. A consent decree is not “formal” disciplinary action taken by the Board. The consent decree will consist of the applicant/licensee/credential holder paying a civil penalty to the Board before the license/credential is issued and/or the investigation is lifted.

All costs listed are approximate and subject to change.

Students must provide their own supplies, a current laptop -NO MAC books, (pens, paper, notebooks, pencils, etc.) and provide their own transportation to school and clinical agencies.

Other Required Expenses and Requirements

Immunizations are required for compliance to attend clinical at the designated clinical facilities. We are mandated to meet the onboarding requirements for each clinical site which vary per the population within the facility/community.

• Yearly/annual Influenza: Documentation of the vaccination is required by OCT 15 each Fall semester or upon entry into the PN program. (Declinations are not guaranteed and are subject to the clinical facility requirements)
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
• TB (Tuberculosis) 2-step Screening
  • Step 1: Test is given and then read after 48-72 hours
  • Step 2: Repeat step 1 between 7-21 days, which means not 1 day sooner than Day 7 (Day 6) and not 1 day later than Day 21 (Day 22).
• Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap): Every 10 years
• Varicella (Chicken pox): Series of 2 doses that are 4 weeks apart or results of a varicella titer with verification of immunity (Positive titer). Must be completed 1 week before the 1st day of class. Please plan accordingly.
• Hepatitis B: There are 2 options:
  • Option 1: Series of 3 doses with 2nd dose due 1 month after 1st dose and 3rd dose due approximately 5 months after 2nd dose.
  • Option 2: Series of 2 doses of Hepsaliv-B given at least 4 weeks apart.
• COVID: In order to attend mandatory clinical, students may need to take the COVID vaccination depending on the requirements of the clinical facility.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification: Required before day one of class.
  • American Heart Association is the only approved BLS Certification
• Attend an in-person orientation and workshop to be completed the week before classes begin at the start of each semester. All information will be provided in the acceptance letter/package.