Practical Nursing Program

Tri-County offers both a one-year day and a two-year evening program, fully approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. These programs are designed to prepare the graduate for competent, ethical, entry-level practice in the care of diverse populations with common or stable health care needs in structured health care settings. Graduates receive a certificate indicating successful completion of the Practical Nursing Program. After completion of the program, the graduates are then required to pass the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure. Next day program begins September 2010 and Evening September 2011.

• Day Program: Monday – Friday, 8:00am - 2:30pm
• Evening Program: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 4:00pm - 9:30pm

Practical Nursing Entrance Exam Prep class is now being offered.  For course details and registration information click here.

Admission Criteria

Minimum admission criteria include:

1. Submission of a completed application on forms provided by the Practical Nursing Program by February 28th.
2. Attainment of at least 17.5 years of age before entrance into the program.
3. High school diploma, GED or equivalent.
   • Completion of high school English, Math and Science with a minimum grade of C
4. Achievement of a minimum TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)Pre-admission exam score in the following:
   • English – 70%
   • Math – 45%
   • Science – 40%

   TEAS testing dates for 2010 Admission:

   • October 16, 2010  8:30 am-12:30 pm
   • November 15, 2010  6-10 PM
   • January 23, 2011 8:30 am- 12:30 pm

   You should plan on arriving at Tri-County between 8:00 - 8:15am on the day of the test. See the link at the bottom of this page for the registration form for the test.

5. Completion of interview with a member of the Practical Nursing Program faculty and submission of a 250-word essay, entitled "What the Nursing Profession Means to Me".
6. Submit to a Criminal Offender Record Information Release (CORI).
   * Applicants convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime, with a pending criminal conviction or with discipline of a professional license or certification must meet the eligibility requirements for Practical Nurse licensure established by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
7. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Meet all health requirements of the program by providing (upon acceptance) the following required documents by July 31st:
   • Proof of Immunizations according to the DPH requirements (prior to clinical rotation). Hepatitis B vaccine, MMR vaccine or imuunity, DT (tetanus toxoid within 10 years), negative TB testing, Varicella status will be noted.
   • Proof of physical exam within six months of the program start date.
   • Proof of current health insurance.
   • Proof of student nurse liability policy.
   • Proof of current CPR (Healthcare Provider and AED) Certification.
8. TECHNICAL STANDARDS Students entering the Practical Nursing Program must be able to meet the standards required of Practical Nursing students and must be able to demonstrate the ability to:
   • Read and comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
   • Communicate and assimilate information whether spoken, printed, signed or computer voice format in fluent English.
   • Gather, analyze and draw conclusions from data.
   • Stand for a minimum of two (2) hours.
   • Walk for a minimum of six (6) hours, not necessarily consecutively.
   • Stoop, bend and twist for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes at a time and be able to repeat this activity at frequent intervals.
   • Lift a 40-pound person or assist with a larger person and transfer the person from one location to another.
   • Determine by touch: hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, hardness/softness.
   • Use the small muscle dexterity necessary to perform precision psychomotor skills.
   • Respond to spoken words, monitor signals, call bells and vital sign assessment equipment.
   • Identify behaviors that would endanger a person’s life or safety and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.
   • Remain calm, rational, and decisive and maintain self-control at all times, especially during emergency situations.
   • Exhibit interpersonal skills appropriate to professional interactions.
   • Maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close personal contact.
   • Function without causing harm to self or others if under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications.
   • Maintain vision sufficient for the performance of precision skills and be able to discern color, (i.e., cyanosis, pallor, jaundice) and color changes.
   • Demonstrate emotional stability.
   • Be free of communicable diseases and chemical abuse.

Technical standards may be met with or without accommodations.

Admission priority is given to qualified applicants within the Tri-County District.

Practical Nursing Program Tuition and Fees

( All Tuition and Fees subject to change without notice)

Day Program Out of District and Evening Program - Tuition and Fees

Tuition: $12,000.00 (includes $200.00 registration fee)
Student Fees: $485.00
(Online Testing Fee, Graduation Fee and Kit Fee included)

The non-refundable registration fee of $200.00 is due by April 30th, ½ tuition ($6,000.00) is due by June 5th. Monthly payments for the balance of tuition are to be made on the 15th of each month, beginning on September 15th. Payment schedule: $680.00 for September; $640.00 for (October through May). Monthly payments must be made regardless of attendance. The $200.00 registration fee will be credited toward tuition cost. The $485.00 Student Fee is due on the first day of class. Payments may be made by check, credit card, or cash.

Day Program In District - Tuition and Fees

(Towns within the Tri-County district are: Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Walpole, and Wrentham.  Proof of residence is required.)

Tuition: $5,500.00 (includes $200.00 registration fee)
Student Fees: $485.00
(Online Testing Fee, Graduation Fee and Kit Fee included)

The non-refundable registration fee of $200.00 is due by April 30th, ½ tuition $2,750.00 is due by June 5th. Monthly payments for the balance of tuition are to be made beginning on August 15th. Monthly Payments: $150.00 for August; and $300.00 (October through May) due the 15th of each month. Monthly payments must be made regardless of attendance. The $200.00 registration fee will be credited toward tuition cost. The $485.00 Student Fee is due on the first day of class. Payment by check/Master Card and Visa will be accepted. There will be additional expenses incurred by all students for items such as uniforms, books, supplies, and equipment.

Click on the form to download:
2011 Pre-Entrance Testing Registration Form and Information for 2010-2011 Practical Nursing Program  (PDF)  (MS Word)

The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is an equal opportunity employer and coeducational high school and does not discriminate because of race, creed, color, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, handicap or disability in its employment policies, in the enrollment of students, or in eligibility for programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.