Practical Nursing FAQs
The PN program has two start dates: August and January. The class that starts in August ends in May; the class that starts in January ends in December and includes a summer break in June and July. The PN program is 10 months (two semesters) in length.
See Page 3 in the PN Application Packet.
August start date: Applications are due on the last Friday in April for the class that starts in August. Selected applicants are notified 2-3 weeks after the application deadline.
January start date: Applications due on the last Friday in September for the class that starts in September. Selected applicants are notified 2-3 weeks after the application deadline.
See Page 3 in the PN Application Packet.
No, our PN Program is a full-time, daytime program with an average attendance of 30-34 hours per week. Attendance hours are required for skills demonstration, skills practice, performance checks, classroom activities and instruction, testing, and clinical. Students should plan to be in attendance on campus or at the clinical site five days a week. On-campus attendance hours are 8:00am-3:00pm, Monday - Friday. Clinical shift hours and days vary but are generally 6:30AM – 2:30PM, Thursday and Friday. In general, clinical will be two days a week but will increase to 3-5 days a week toward the end of the program. Some limited 12-hour and/or 3-11 shifts may be required
Prior to being admitted to the program, students must successfully complete the following pre-requisites courses:
- Medical Terminology: Must have a letter grade of “C” or higher; must be from an accredited institution (College = 2 or 3 credit hours or at a CareerTech = 45 hours minimum).
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: Must have a letter grade of “C” or higher; must be from an accredited institution (College = 3 or 4 credit hours or CareerTech = 120 hours).
- Current CNA Certification (Long-term Care Nurse Aide): Must show current certification.
These courses must be completed two weeks prior to the first day of class but do not have to be completed to apply or get conditionally accepted into the program. There is no time limit on how long ago the class was taken. Please call the Health Science Center office at 405.717.4307 if you have any questions.
NOTE: The Human Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology at Francis Tuttle Technology Center is not accepted by colleges and universities as an equivalent to college level courses. Therefore, no college credit is granted from Francis Tuttle Technology Center.
Yes! As long as your courses will be completed two-weeks prior to the first day of class with a grade of “C” or better, you can still apply. You will need to attach documentation showing that you are enrolled in the pre-requisite(s) when you turn in your application.
Yes, if the high school graduation date is noted on the college transcript.
Yes! You will need to have scored a 19 or higher in each ACT subsection of Reading, English and Math. You must have taken the ACT within the last 2 years.
This program is available to individuals who have been referred by one of the Associate Degree Nursing Education Partners (Oklahoma City Community College, OSU-OKC, or Rose State College). Students admitted through this partnership are eligible to return to their referral RN school upon successful completion of the program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Students may apply for admission to either the fall or spring, but are responsible for application deadlines of the referring school once the Practical Nursing program at Francis Tuttle has been completed.
Yes! A checklist is located in the PN Application Packet on page 13 that can help you identify everything you need. Also, you can also call the Career Planning and Placement Office at 405.717.4900, if you have any questions.
Francis Tuttle defines an “International Applicant” as a person for whom English is a second language and who has graduated from high school in a foreign country. Please see pages 7-8 in the PN Application Packet.
You may pursue a High School Equivalency Assessment letter that indicates the high school education you received in your country is equivalent to a high school education in the United States. The evaluation and letter are available through the International Students' office at some colleges and universities. This letter may also be obtained from World Education Services at www.wes.org. In addition, if you have attended a college or university in the U.S., you may qualify to receive a high school diploma (see more in the question below).
Please refer to pages 7-8 in the PN Application Packet.
Unfortunately, no. Historically we have more applicants than we have spots available, so the application process is competitive.
Applicants are ranked by preference points. More information is available on pages 9-10 in the PN Application Packet. Also, you can also call the Career Planning and Placement Office at (405) 717-4900, if you have any questions.
No. Selections are made solely on the preference point system.
Selected applicants are notified two to three weeks after the application deadline.
More information is available on page 3 in the PN Application Packet.
Maybe. The Oklahoma State Department of Education Accreditation Standards Division may issue you a high school diploma if you meet certain criteria, including completing 30 or more credit hours (1000 level or above) from an accredited college or university. This is a free service.