Applicants from in-district towns or out-of-district towns are eligible to apply to the program on a rolling admission process. Contact the Program Coordinator for current enrollment date.

Candidates for admission to the practical nursing program are required to submit the following:

1. A completed application form along with a $100 application fee
2. Official High School transcript or GED Scores
3. Submit hand written essay with application
4. Proof of age documentation for example: a birth certificate or valid passport.
   a. Minimum Age of at least 17.5 years of age before entrance into the program
5. Submit three (3) professional references: recent supervisor, employer, school teacher/instructor
6. Interview with the program coordinator
7. Register for the Nurse Entrance Exam

Students will be scheduled to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) entrance examination offered through Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI) and must meet a minimum adjusted individual score, as follows, to be further considered for admission to the program:

• TEAS: Reading 60.0.0%
• TEAS: Math 50.0%
• TEAS: Science 33.0%
• TEAS: English 55.0%

The test will be administered at Blackstone Valley Tech and candidates will be given instructions for obtaining study materials. Students should prepare in advance for the entrance exam. You may purchase a TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills - version 5) study manual available from ATI (1.800.667.7531) or go to ATItesting.com
The exam must be taken at the Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, 65 Pleasant Street, Upton MA 01568-1499. Scores from exams taken at other locations will not be accepted. Alternative testing arrangements that are reasonable in the context of this examination and supported by documentation may be provided, upon request, to candidates that would not be able to take the test under standard conditions.

Meet the Board of Registration in Nursing Good Moral Character requirements when submitting an application for licensure. Information regarding MABORN ( Massachusetts Board of Registration In Nursing) Good Moral Character is available at Division of Health Profession Licensure's Website.

These documents must be provided upon notification of acceptance into the practical nursing program, and received by the nursing program prior to beginning the first semester:

• Health Requirements: Proof of Immunizations according to the DPH requirements: Hepatitis B vaccine, (3 doses mandatory or evidence of immunity) MMR vaccine or immunity, Td required (tetanus 10 years), Tdap recommended, negative TB testing following two step guidelines. Varicella status documented. See Health Form.
• Proof of physical exam within six months of the program start date. Download Health Form
• Proof of current health insurance for the duration of the program.
• Proof of student nurse liability policy which must be maintained for the entire program length.
• Proof of current CPR (Healthcare Provider and AED) Certification, (America Heart Association or the American Red Cross,) which must be maintained for the entire program length.
• Attest to the ability to meet the technical standards of the nursing program with or without accommodations.
• Satisfactory Criminal Offender Record Information Release (CORI).
  The Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School Practical Nursing Program requires a CORI inquiry as part of the admission process into the practical nursing program. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime or have a pending criminal case must meet eligibility requirements of the school and any affiliating clinical agencies. Students who are refused clinical placement due to CORI issues will be withdrawn from the nursing program.
  

Students entering the Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School Practical Nursing Program must be able to meet technical standards required to perform nursing care to patients, requiring specific skills in a variety of health care settings. Students must document their ability to perform these standards with or without reasonable accommodations, upon acceptance to the program.

• Read and comprehend textbook material at the 10th grade level.
• Speak clearly and relay information whether spoken, printed, signed or computer-voice format in conversational English, to patients, families and members of the healthcare team.
• Gather, analyze and draw conclusions from information.
• Stand for extended periods of time minimally two (2) hours.
• Walk for a minimum of six (6) hours, not necessarily continuously.
• Stoop, bend and twist for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes at a time and be able to repeat this activity at frequent intervals.
• Lift a 40-pound person or assist with a larger person and transfer the person from one location to another.
• Apply personal protective equipment and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Feel by touch, to locate and assess pulses, skin texture and temperature.
• Use the small muscle dexterity necessary to perform precision psychomotor skills.
• Hear spoken words, monitor signals of all bells and vital sign assessment equipment, overhead announcements, pages and alarms.
• Maintain vision sufficient for the performance of precision skills and be able to recognize color, (i.e., cyanosis, pallor, jaundice) and color changes.
• Remain calm, rational, and decisive and maintain self-control at all times, especially during stressful situations.
• Exhibit interpersonal skills necessary to interact with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team, including teamwork, collaboration, politeness, sensitivity and respect.
• Maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close client contact.
• Function without harm to self or others if under the influence of prescription or over the counter medication.
• Demonstrate attitudes and actions consistent with the ethical standards of the nursing profession.
  

Complete Practical Nursing Admissions Policy
Health Form