The following are required in order to be considered for entrance into the Practical Nursing Program.

1. Participate in an online information session.

Join a live virtual Zoom information session to learn more about the practical nursing program, curriculum, admissions requirements including the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), financial aid availability, and to meet faculty and current student or program graduates.

2. TEAS entrance exam 

Penn State Hazleton is offering the TEAS testing online. Take the test using your laptop or computer.

For more information, contact Gina at [email protected] or 570-450-3110. 

All candidates must take the ATI TEAS exam as a prerequisite for admission.

Visit the ATI Testing website to set up an account, learn more about the exam content, testing dates, and registration. 

When registering for the ATI test, it is important to note that there is a test fee. This test fee is nonrefundable and non-transferrable. Add Penn State Hazleton as your school of choice.

Testing date information

  • Individuals MUST present a valid photo ID and their ATI username and password 
  • Calculators NOT allowed 
  • Test sessions are 4-hour periods

3. Application

Applicants who meet or exceed TEAS exam criteria will be invited to apply and interview for admission to the program.  

In addition to the application, students will need to provide:

  • $50 nonrefundable application fee (check or money order payable to Penn State University)
  • Official transcripts – Your official high school or GED transcript with a record of courses completed. If you have earned college credit, you will also be required to provide an official transcript from each college attended
  • Two letters of professional reference 
  • A one-page personal essay describing your desire to become a nurse

Applicants are considered based on their academic capacity and aptitude to provide care to others. Academic capacity is measured by high school GPA, number of college credits earned, and the TEAS exam score. Aptitude to provide care is measured by your personal essay, letters of professional reference and personal interview skills. 

4. Clearances

Upon acceptance to the Practical Nursing Program, you will be required to complete the following clearances and program requirements:

  • Federal (FBI) Criminal History Report* 
  • PA Child Abuse History Clearance* 
  • PA State Police Request for Criminal Record Check*
  • Physical exam (includes immunizations) 
  • 10-panel drug screen 
  • Proof of health insurance coverage 
  • Proof of liability insurance coverage

Penn State Practical Nursing Program will not discriminate in the acceptance process due to a criminal history; however anyone with a positive criminal background check (felony or misdemeanors) may be accepted into the program PENDING clinical facility placement.  If clinical facilities deny a student access to their facility for clinical experiences, the student will not be able to progress through the program and therefore, acceptance will be denied.

In addition, the Penn State Practical Nursing program cannot guarantee that candidates with a positive criminal background will be eligible to obtain licensure per PA State Laws (“The Professional Nursing Law” Act 69, P.L. 409, No. 10, and P.L 233, No. 64; Older Adults Protective Services Act, Act 169 as amended by Act 13, P.L. 233, and No. 64).