Consult your state board of nursing to find a list of accredited practical nurse programs. Research technical and vocational schools in your desired location to compare tuition costs, dates of matriculation and graduate career prospects. Contact the practical nurse admissions officer for the schools of interest to determine admission requirements.
Submit an application to the nursing department of the vocational school of your choice. Include proof of high school diploma or GED completion. Provide proof of state residency as required for those schools whose tuition rates are contingent upon residency.
Attend the pre-admission interview or orientation session as required by the school. Take any necessary placement examinations and complete prerequisite courses prior to full matriculation to the practical nurse program.
Ensure that you are able to attend all classes, as every week of study is significant in short-term programs. Clear your schedule around class hours. Seek out online classes from fully accredited programs if you need a greater flexibility in your schedule. Curriculum and requirements for online classes generally are the same as those of a traditional program.
Complete clinical experience as required by your nursing degree program and state board of nursing. Most states require that students attain about 1,000 hours of clinical experience. Ensure that you do not have any health or regulatory restrictions that make you ineligible to work in a clinical environment.
Submit an application for licensure from your state board of nursing. Register for the National Council for Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse, or NCLEX-PN. Prepare for the five-hour examination with materials purchased from Pearson Vue--the administrators of the examination--or from other authorized test preparation publishers. Achieve a passing score in order to garner licensure.