Practical Nursing, Certificate Admission

• Graduation from an accredited high school or satisfactory completion of the GED/HiSET. Applicants must have: 
  • English - 4 units
  • Social Studies - 3 units
  • Mathematics - 2 units (1 unit of Algebra required)
  • Science - 2 units with a related laboratory (Chemistry preferred)
• Students must be 18 years of age at the time of the first clinical course
• Receipt of all final, official transcripts.
• “C” or better grades in all Practical Nursing, Certificate requirements (if applicable).
• “C” or better grades in required developmental/preparatory English and math coursework (if applicable).

Though general education courses can be taken at any of our BC3 locations or online, the Practical Nursing, Certificate is only offered at our BC3 Main Campus in Butler.

Applications Open

• June 1, 2024 - October 1, 2024 for Spring 2025 priority consideration

We highly recommend that you meet with an admission representative or your academic advisor prior to submitting your Practical Nursing application to ensure you meet minimum criteria.

All applicants are considered equally without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, handicap or disability, use of a service animal due to disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, perceived gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, family status, or other classification protected by applicable law.

**However, please note that Nursing students must be 18 years of age prior to the start of their first clinical experience.

Pennsylvania law prohibits the State Board of Nursing from issuing a license to anyone who has been convicted of a crime with variable criteria according to Act 53 of 2020.  This law allows for candidates with a criminal conviction to consider an occupation or profession that requires licensure.

With regard to the consideration of criminal convictions, Act 53:

• Prohibits Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affair’s (BPOA) licensing boards and commissions from denying licensure based on considerations of “good moral character,” “crimes of moral turpitude,” or “ethical or honest practice.”
• Requires each board and commission to develop and publish a schedule of criminal offenses that may constitute grounds to deny, suspend or revoke a license. The list must also identify which crimes are likely to pose a barrier to licensure because they are considered to be offenses “directly related” to the occupation/profession.
• Provides for an “individualized assessment” of each license applicant using objective, detailed criteria that includes rehabilitation and public safety.
• Provides a process for individuals who have criminal convictions to request a “preliminary determination” as to whether a particular conviction will be a bar to licensure. This new tool will enable people with criminal convictions to find out if their convictions would prevent them from getting a license − before enrolling in a training or educational program, before investing significant time and resources, and before formally applying for licensure.

Students are encouraged to complete the request for preliminary determination from the State licensing board. This request once submitted will be reviewed by the PA State Licensure board and returned to the applicant within 45 days. This should be completed prior to or the first semester of the registered nursing program to inform the candidate of their eligibility. Information regarding Act 53 of 2020 can be found at the following website: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/Pages/ACT-53-2020.aspx
The BC3 Nursing Admission Committee assumes the responsibility to review the data of all applicants and has the right to offer admission to the best qualified individuals.