Practical Nursing Application Steps

Admission into the Practical Nursing program at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ (CWI) is competitive and requires a supplemental application process as outlined below.
 

Program Application Period

Spring 2026

  • Applications Open: Sept. 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: Oct. 20, 2025, 4 p.m.

Applicants will be notified of their application status via their student email on or before Nov. 15. 

Steps to Apply

8349 1. Review Qualifications & Requirements

BACKGROUND CHECK

Admission into the Practical Nursing program is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check for students accepted into the program. 

  • A clean background check is required for full admission into the program.
  • Students are responsible for the requesting and payment of the background check as well as handling any disputes that arise. 
  • Background checks performed for previous employment may not be used for admission into the program.

VACCINATIONS

While vaccinations are not required to enroll at CWI or join the Practical Nursing program, some of our partner healthcare organizations may require them for clinical rotations or externships, which are necessary to complete the program. Efforts will be made to secure a placement for each student; however, a site that does not require vaccinations cannot be guaranteed, which may delay or prevent completion of the program and may limit employment opportunities after graduation. CWI maintains an exemption process for medical conditions, disabilities, or religious beliefs, which are currently accepted by a number of partner organizations for the purposes of student placement.

Full-Time Commitment

  • Students admitted into the Practical Nursing program are placed in a cohort and are expected to attend classes full-time. At this time, a part-time class option is not available.
  • Each Practical Nursing cohort begins during the spring semester, in January, and ends fall semester, in December. The program consists of three, consecutive semesters: spring, summer, and fall. 

Clinical Rotations

  • Practical Nursing students are required to complete clinical experiences in and out of the Treasure Valley which may include Ada County, Canyon County, Mountain Home, and Fruitland.
  • Clinical rotations may will vary and may include days, evenings, nights, and/or weekends.
  • The student must make necessary accommodations in order to attend clinical during scheduled timeframes and are responsible for their own transportation.

Practical Nursing Student Handbook

8349 2. Apply to CWI

Contact Admissions

8349 3. Complete Classes

Grades for completed and in-progress classes required for program admission will be reported on your Practical Nursing Program Application. Meet with your advisor to discuss options specific to your situation.

  • Grades for in-progress classes will be verified at semester end. Significant changes in your grades or failure to complete a class may result in reconsideration of your acceptance into the program. 
  • Current CWI students may view their progress in Student Planning.
  • If you have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree, please submit a Bachelor’s Degree Transfer Credit Request Form.

Program Admission Requirements

To be eligible for acceptance into the Practical Nursing program, the following classes must be completed with a C or higher:

  • HLTH 101 Medical Terminology
  • *

In addition, students must complete one of the following options: 

  • Option 1
    • BIOL 127 Human Structure & Function*
    • BIOL 127 Human Structure & Function Lab*
  • Option 2
    • BIOL 226 Human Anatomy & Physiology I Plus
    • BIOL 227P Human Anatomy & Physiology I
    • BIOL 227L Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab*
    • BIOL 228 Human Anatomy & Physiology II*
    • BIOL 228L Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab*
  • Option 3
    • MMBS 111 Introductory Microbiology*
    • MMBS 111 Introductory Microbiology Lab*
    • BIOL 227 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
    • BIOL 227L Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
    • BIOL 228 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
    • BIOL 228L Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab

*Class must have been completed within the past seven (7) years.

Additional Classes

While not required to apply to the Practical Nursing program, completion of the following general education classes with a C or higher increases your ranking points on your application and are required for the certification test. 

  • ENGL 101 Writing & Rhetoric 1 (GEM 1)
  • PSYC 101 General Psychology (GEM 6)

Competency Options

Math

To demonstrate math competency in math classes seven (7) years or older, students may choose to complete the Math Diagnostic test.

  • Upon successful completion of the Unit 0 and Unit 1 & 2 tests with a 70% or higher, students may request a printout confirming their math competency to include when applying to the program.

Math Placement Information

Science

For students to demonstrate competency in Biology or Microbiology classes completed more than seven (7) years ago, there are a few options:

  • Complete BIOL 280 Pathophysiology to prove competency in Human Anatomy & Physiology.
  • Complete MMBS 250 General Microbiology to prove competency in MMBS 111 Introductory Microbiology. 
  • Successfully complete a prior learning assessment.
    • The proficiency exam will not change the original grade earned in the class. 
    • Exams for the lab component of each class are not required to demonstrate competency.
    • Students who earn 70% or higher on the exam will receive an email from the program Department Chair confirming a successful pass which should be included with their program application.

 Credit for Prior Learning – Biology Credit for Prior Learning – Microbiology

8349 4. Take the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam
  • Schedule and complete the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam through Testing Services at CWI.
  • Only scores above 60% will be accepted on the application and must be from within the last five (5) years.
  • Students may only attempt this exam twice a year between January and November.
  • As part of your application, you will be asked to include a copy your exam results.

Schedule Your Exam

8349 5. Verify Certifications

­­­While not required to apply to the Practical Nursing program, current certifications you hold can increase your ranking points on your application.

ACCEPTED CERTIFICATIONS

The following is a list of accepted certifications. As part of your application, you will be asked to include a copy of each certification you hold with your application, including the issue and expiration dates. 

  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Paramedic
  • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Surgical Technologist
8349 6. Apply to the Practical Nursing Program

Upon completion of Steps 1 – 5, you are now ready to officially apply to the Practical Nursing program.

Practical Nursing Program Application

  • Your completed and signed application, along with any required materials, should be sealed in an envelope and submitted to One Stop Student Services in-person or by mail by the deadline.
  • Please write your full name and Practical Nursing Program Application on the envelope.
  • Only complete applications will be considered.
  • Additional materials or additions to your application will not be accepted upon submission.
  • Applicants not admitted may reapply the following year. 

Questions?

headshot role additional location
Revision_id: 185362
Photo of Allison Baker
Department Chair, Nursing
208.562.2037
allisonbaker2@cwi.edu
PhD, RN
Revision_id: 185362
208.562.3000
onestop@cwi.edu