Please read over all the below information to be sure you are informed about this program.  The School of Practical Nursing accepts a class of approximately sixty (60) students to begin classes in August and January of each year.  Admission criteria to the PN program will consist of taking the TEAS test, answering an essay question, an interview process, ranking of test scores, and available program positions. 

The TEAS test is predictive of an individual’s readiness and capability for completion of the educational program designed to prepare the qualified practical nurse.  In order to be accepted into the School of Practical Nursing, you must first register for and complete the TEAS.  If you meet the minimum requirements of the test, you will be invited to participate in the interview portion of the admission process.  The program requires a minimum score of 70% in Reading, 50% Mathematics, 50% Science, and 60% in English. 

The cost of this test is $40.00 for the Computer Online or $45 for a paper/pencil test and is nonrefundable and non-transferable.  You will be notified of test results by mail approximately two to three weeks following the test.   NO TEST RESULTS WILL BE GIVEN VIA TELEPHONE.  To apply for the TEAS test, complete the Registration Form.  Registration form and test fee must be received by our office two (2) days prior to the selected test date. 

Test Reminders:

No perspective student will be allowed to test without prior registration and payment of the testing fee. >Registration form and test fee must be received by our office two (2) days prior to the selected test date.  Please arrive 20-30 minutes early in order to be checked in and start the test promptly at 9:00 AM. No one will be allowed to enter the testing activity after it has started.>Bring a picture ID (for identification purposes).  If you don’t present a picture ID, you will not be allowed to test.Bring two #2 pencils if taking the paper/pencil test. Visitor parking is located in the parking lot in front of the Career Center in the spots designated for visitors by red lines (it’s the row furthest to the east).Cell phones and pagers must be turned off or to vibrate.

The TEAS test consist of basic high school level information.The TEAS test and essay question will last approximately 3 1/2 hours.Results of the test will be mailed to you approximately two weeks following the test.  No phone inquiries regarding passage or failure of the pre-admission test will be answered. Should you feel the need to study for the preadmission test, there is a study guide available for purchase at the JEL Office for $50.

 

Interesting Facts:

Tuition for the program cost approximately $9,000; additional expenses (for textbooks, uniform, etc.), total approximately $2,000; for a total of approximately $11,000.We do offer Financial Aid.  Availability depends on what you qualify for financially.We utilize the FAFSA form to initiate the financial aid process.You can speak to our financial aide counselor(s) by calling (317) 259-5275 and ask for Casey Salmon (ext.3014) or Todd Deley (ext. 3011).

The national mean hourly wage for PN’s is $17.54, and the national mean annual wage is $36,486.  These figures can increase up to 25% with shift differentials and fringe benefits.Our PN Program is accredited by The Indiana State Board of Nursing, as well as the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. Graduates are eligible to take the examination of the State Board of Nursing to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Indiana. The School of Practical Nursing was recognized as an Indiana Vocational Education Adult Program “Award of Excellence Winner 2000.”

You can complete the entire program of study in 18 months.  The program courses meet during daytime hours, 4 days a week (1^st semester: 8 AM–12:00 PM, 2^nd and 3^rd semester:  4 days a week, 7 AM–3:30 PM). If you are accepted into the program, you must maintain a “C” average in each of the courses.  You will be carrying a load of 13-20 credits per semester.A student may repeat a failed program clinical course one time.  A failure of a second program clinical course will result in termination from the program.  You must complete each course in Semester One (preclinical) prior to progressing to Semester Two (clinical courses).The program requires your attendance between 30 and 40 hours per week.  You must allow for study time to prepare for all courses in order to maintain your academic average and remain in the program. Past criminal background checks must be obtained by the student and are required to be submitted prior to entering the program.

Things to Consider:

Do you have adequate family support to allow for 2-3 hours per evening of study time?Do you have adequate child care?  Do you have back-up childcare?  There are specific attendance requirements for the program and stringent rules of allowable absences.  Attendance problems can lead to dismissal from the program during any semester. Do you have adequate transportation (not only to class, but to clinicals)? You must meet physical criteria including:  corrected vision to 20/20; corrected hearing for listening to sounds such as B/P and breath sounds; able to perform manipulative skills with speed, dexterity and agility; able to lift with no restrictions, and able to climb stairs, bend and stretch. If you have been convicted of a crime, you may not be eligible to be licensed as a health practitioner.

The School of Practical Nursing offers an integrated program of theory and practice.  Learning experiences consist of classroom  lectures, group discussion, demonstration,  computer-assisted learning, field trips, laboratory and clinical practice. Clinical  practice includes care of adults, as well as maternity and pediatrics. J. Everett Light School of Nursing has an excellent reputation for educating practical nurses since 1974. Hundreds of alumni are working in the Indianapolis area. Classes are taught by faculty (not teaching assistants) who are registered nurses. Class size is limited to approximately 60 students each semester.