Mount Watchusett Community College Office of Admissions Logo       Practical Nursing Application                                                                                Spring 2027

| Resume a previously saved form
Resume Later

In order to be able to resume this form later, please enter your email and choose a password.

Password must contain the following:
  • 12 Characters
  • 1 Uppercase letter
  • 1 Lowercase letter
  • 1 Number
  • 1 Special character

The following must be completed & submitted by September 1, 2026.


Mount Wachusett Community College seeks to provide equal educational and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
Important Application Information
  • If the application deadline falls on a non-business day, the next business day will be the effective deadline.
  • Letters of Recommendation are not accepted.
  • Candidates must submit a completed, printed, signed application and all supporting documents by the application deadline.
Supplemental Documents
You must provide the following supplemental documents along with your printed application:

  • Attendance at a mandatory Selective Health Information Session within the 12 months prior to the application deadline. Register: mwcc.edu/info
  • Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Test Scores: The TEAS exam must be completed at MWCC within the last three years and may be no more than three years old at the time of the deadline. Students whose first TEAS attempt at MWCC was on or after January 1, 2026, are allowed three attempts per year through December 31 under the new annual reset policy, while students whose first attempt was before January 1, 2026, remain under the rolling 365-day policy with three attempts within 365 days of the initial attempt; in all cases, test scores remain valid for three years. Please provide a printed score report from ATI that includes your name and test date with this printed application. Please see the application FAQs for instructions on printing, scheduling information and retest information.
    • Required Minimum TEAS Scores: Reading - 54.8 / Math - 50.0 / English - 53.3 / Science - 35.4
  • Good Moral Character: Read and understand the Good Moral Character requirements for licensure and understand that this also applies to admissions into MWCC’s selective programs. Visit: mass.gov/service-details/good-moral-character-requirements-for-nursing-licensure
  • Submit Resume: Professional resume documenting work history & patient care experience. Please include this document with this printed application.
  • Provide copies of healthcare certifications or other supporting documents. Please include this document with this printed application.
  • Submit Official High School Transcript/HiSET/GED Please see the application FAQs for instructions on submitting your transcript.
  • Students whose native language is not English OR Students who have foreign education credentials: Students whose native language is not English and those who have not completed Grades K-12 in the U.S. must demonstrate English proficiency by having completed ENG101 with a grade of C+ or higher, or have completed a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or score 213 on the computerized version or 550 on the paper version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL scores).
    • Foreign education credentials, high school and college must be evaluated and translated by a U.S. evaluation company like The Evaluation Company - MWCC Pathway offers discounted services or students can choose evaluators like the Center for Educational Documentation (CED) or World Education Services (WES). A list of additional evaluation services is available at https://naces.org/members.
  • Students who wish to attend MWCC as an International Student must complete the International Student Application and meet all of the requirements of that application prior to applying to a selective healthcare program. Students seeking an F-1 visa should contact the Admissions Office to schedule an appointment with a Designated School Official (DSO).
    • Submit official college transcripts to: MWCC Registrar's Office, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or electronically to: registrar@mwcc.mass.edu
  • Official College Transcripts/Proof of Minimum Academic Requirements: Please submit official college transcripts from colleges other than MWCC. Photocopies will not be accepted. All transcript requests must be made prior to the application deadline. NOTE: If you have requested your transcript be sent to MWCC, attach a copy of your request confirmation with this printed application.
    • Submit official college transcripts to: MWCC Registrar's Office, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or electronically to: registrar@mwcc.mass.edu
TEAS Exam
  • The TEAS exam must be completed at MWCC within the last three years and may be no more than three years old at the time of the deadline. 
  • Students whose first TEAS attempt at MWCC was on or after January 1, 2026, are allowed three attempts per year through December 31 under the new annual reset policy, while students whose first attempt was before January 1, 2026, remain under the rolling 365-day policy with three attempts within 365 days of the initial attempt.
  • In all cases, test scores remain valid for three years.
  • Please provide a printed score report from ATI that includes your name and test date.
  • Please see the application FAQs for instructions on printing, scheduling information and retest information.
Special Program Requirements
Please note that the following information must be received before courses begin:
  • Students accepted to Health Programs must be in compliance with the current immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for Health Care Personnel (HCP) and in accordance with state law, MGL, Chapter 76, Section 15C and its regulations at 105 CMR 220.700 in order to participate in an externship placement or clinical experience.
  • Complete physical health examination conducted within the past two years by a licensed healthcare provider.
  • Immunization Requirements for Health Science Students: Two (2) doses Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or positive titre; two (2) doses MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine or positive titers; three (3) doses Hepatitis B vaccine AND Hepatitis B titer showing immunity to the disease; one (1) TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine within 10 years; one (1) dose Meningococcal vaccine (ages 16-21); annual Influenza vaccine; initial “2 step” PPD or Quantiferon Gold TB blood test or an annual TB testing (negative chest x-ray within 5 years AND annual TB Questionnaire also accepted). Contact Robyn Hartin at rhartin@mwcc.mass.edu for more information.
  • Although proof of the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required by our clinical site partners, the clinical site partners retain the right to change student requirements for clinical placements, and students will be required to adhere to their policies. Any changes to specific clinical site requirements will be communicated to students as soon as the new information becomes available.
  • Liability Insurance of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage is required. Students will be covered under the college’s liability insurance policy, which will be billed through student fees.
  • CPR Certification (BLS Healthcare Provider through American Heart Association) is required. A certificate of completion must be presented to Robyn Hartin, Compliance Coordinator prior to entry into nursing courses.
  • All healthcare students must participate in the Massachusetts Community College Health Insurance Plan or provide current accurate information regarding comparable coverage.
  • Students are required to have a computer or laptop with a working camera.
  • Clinical sites may require the student obtain certain background checks (state/federal criminal or sexual offender), finger printing and/or drug testing before participating in the clinical experience. Costs for these reviews will be the responsibility of the student.
Background Checks, Drug Testing, and Licensure Requirements
A Criminal Offender Records Information (CORI) review procedure has been implemented for students whose academic programs includes the potential for unsupervised contact with persons from vulnerable populations (i.e., children, the elderly and the disabled).

As part of the coursework in the Practical Nursing program, students are required to complete practical hours in clinical facilities working with patients under the supervision of licensed providers. Clinical sites may require the student obtain certain background checks (state/federal criminal or sexual offender), finger printing and/or drug testing before participating in the clinical experience. Costs for these reviews will be the responsibility of the student. Refusing to participate in these background checks or drug testing will result in the inability to progress in the program. A positive background check or drug test may also result in the inability to progress in the program. Please note: Marijuana, though legal in Massachusetts, is recognized as a controlled substance by the federal government. Marijuana use whether for medicinal or recreational purposes will lead to a positive drug test; making the student ineligible to attend a practicum site.

The prospective student is encouraged to discuss any concerns with the program director prior to acceptance into the Practical Nursing program. All screenings and background checks are completed AFTER admission/acceptance into the program.

Applicants for initial Massachusetts nurse licensure (RN & PN) must report felonies and misdemeanors, convictions and disciplinary action to the Board of Registration in the
nursing program for its evaluation of the applicant’s compliance with the Good Moral Character requirement at MGL, c. 112, §§ 74 and 74A. For details, refer to the Good Moral Character Information Sheet: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/good-moral-character-requirements-for-nursing-licensure

By signing this application, the prospective student understands his/her responsibility to participate in and pay for these background checks/drug tests, if required by the clinical site. By signing this application, the prospective student also understands the consequences of refusing to test, or refusing to undergo the background checks.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
In compliance with the Clery Act (20 U.S.C. 1092(a) and (f), all prospective students are entitled to review the MWCC Annual Security Report. This report may be accessed online at https://catalog.mwcc.edu/admissions/annualsecurityreport/ or by request through the Office of Admissions. 

Mount Wachusett Community College seeks to provide equal educational and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, physical or mental disability, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information or veteran status.

Candidates for selective programs at MWCC should read and understand the Good Moral Character requirements for many healthcare licensures in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In keeping with this licensure standard, the Good Moral Character requirement also applies to several selective programs at Mount Wachusett Community College.

For more information on student rights & responsibilities, college services, policies & procedures, please visit our catalog: catalog.mwcc.edu
Technical Standards
Students are expected to meet the technical standards for enrollment in college programs. In some cases, assessment and developmental courses may help students meet these standards. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations. The college complies with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Therefore, the College will make a reasonable accommodation for an applicant with a disability who is otherwise qualified.

Students entering this program must be able to demonstrate the ability to:
  • Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
  • Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
  • Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
  • Stand for a minimum of two hours.
  • Walk for a minimum of six hours, not necessarily consecutively.
  • Stoop, bend, and twist for a minimum of 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 do such tasks as gloving, gowning, and operating controls on machinery.
  • Read measurement units with or without corrective lenses.
  • Respond to spoken words, monitor signals, call bells, and vital sign assessment equipment with or without corrective devices.
  • 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, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during emergency situations.
  • Exhibit social 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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation from this program, students shall have demonstrated the ability to meet these Program Competencies that guide the nursing curricula and practice:

  • Patient-Centered Care & Safety - Manage holistic care that recognizes an individual’s preference, values, and needs and respects the patient or designee as a full partner in providing compassionate, coordinated, age and culturally appropriate, safe and effective care.
  • Professionalism & Leadership - Validate accountability for the delivery of standards-based nursing care that is consistent with moral, altruistic, legal, ethical, regulatory, and humanistic principles while influencing the behavior of individuals or groups of individuals in a way that will facilitate the achievement of shared goals.
  • Systems-Based Practice & Quality Improvement - Support an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context of the healthcare system, based on minimizing the risk of harm to patients and providers, and will demonstrate with ability to effectively call on work unit resources to provide care that is of optimal quality and value.
  • Informatics, Technology & Evidence-Based Practice - Evaluate information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge using the best current evidence-based research, mitigate error, and support decision making in nursing practice.
  • Communication, Teamwork & Collaboration - Relate effectively with patients, families and colleagues, fostering mutual respect and shared decision making, team learning, and development to enhance patient satisfaction and health outcomes.
Readmission
Mount Wachusett Community College reserves the right to limit the number of readmissions each academic year. Readmission to the nursing program is not guaranteed and is on a space available basis. Readmission to the programs may require a one-time successful attempt at a readmission examination with a score of Level 1 or higher. Students are limited to two admissions to a nursing program. Emergency medical conditions will be considered on an individual basis and will require documentation from a physician. Admission to the nursing programs is selective and the admissions committee reserves the right to deny readmission to any applicant. The respective programs reserve the right to refuse readmission based on, but not limited to, unprofessional behavior, unethical conduct, and client safety issues.

To be considered for readmission, applicants must follow the Nursing Student Handbook and schedule a meeting with the nursing department to review eligibility for readmission and submit a letter of intent to reapply during this meeting. If approved to reapply, students must submit a Nursing application and all supporting documents by the application deadline and will then be informed of any other admission requirements that must be met prior to consideration of readmission.
Accreditation
The Practical Nursing Certificate (PN) Program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta GA 30326; 800-669-1656.

Students seeking enrollment in this program are advised to contact MWCC Admissions at 978-630-9447 or at admissions@mwcc.edu for additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria are reviewed for admission?
• Minimum academic requirements
• Official High School Diploma or HiSET (GED) completion and/or overall GPA
• Education background (prior college courses, degrees, GPA)
• Official CLEP Test Scores & AP Scores
• Previous work/volunteer experience in the healthcare field
• Information Session attendance

What happens if I don’t turn in all of my credentials by the deadline?
The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application file is complete and that all items are received by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be 
reviewed.

When will I hear about my admission decision?
Admission is competitive, space is limited and not all applicants are accepted. Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be notified of the admission
decision by mail approximately 60 days after the deadline.

If I am not accepted this year, will I automatically be accepted next year?
No, you are not guaranteed acceptance. All applicants must reapply and should attend an information session after the application is released for the next
admission cycle.

I was accepted but cannot take my seat in the program, can I defer my acceptance to next year?
No, MWCC does not defer selective applications nor hold waitlists for any selective programs. Declining your acceptance counts as one attempt in the program.

If I am not accepted into the Practical Nursing program, will I automatically be enrolled into a general studies program at MWCC?
No. If you would like to apply to another program at MWCC, you must complete the general application.

How do I get started in the Practical Nursing program?
Students are encouraged to enter the college as an Interdisciplinary Studies - Allied Health (IDSH) student. With this major, you will be identified as a potential
nursing applicant and will be assigned an advisor that will assist you in establishing an educational plan. As an IDSH student, you may complete any of your non-nursing
courses (i.e., English, mathematics, sciences, etc.) then apply to the program when you have met the requirements for consideration.

How do I submit my High School Transcript/HiSET/GED?
Official copies of your high school transcript or HiSET/GED scores must be sent directly to the college from your high school or testing center. Records can be sent
electronically to admissions@mwcc.mass.edu, via fax to 978-630-9554 or by mail to MWCC Admissions Office, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

How do I make an appointment to complete my placement testing?
If you have not yet completed college level English and Math, your next step is to take the placement exam. Students may take the placement exam on our Gardner
or Leominster campuses and options at each of those campuses vary. For more information, please check mwcc.edu/testing or contact Testing Services at 978-
630-9244. An MWCC Student ID number is required for testing. If you have completed placement testing in the past three years, these scores can be used if they
meet the program requirements. Students using placement testing for application requirements will still be required to take all courses for degree completion.

How do I schedule my TEAS exam?
Students must schedule and pay for the exam online at atitesting.com - be sure to select Mount Wachusett Community College as your test site.

Can I retake the TEAS exam?
The TEAS exam must be completed at MWCC within the last three years and may be no more than three years old at the time of the deadline. Students whose
first TEAS attempt at MWCC was on or after January 1, 2026, are allowed three attempts per year through December 31 under the new annual reset policy, while
students whose first attempt was before January 1, 2026, remain under the rolling 365-day policy with three attempts within 365 days of the initial attempt; in all
cases, test scores remain valid for three years.

How do I print my TEAS score report?
Log into your ATI account and view your scores for each attempt. You should be able to print a copy of your score report that includes your name and test date at
no cost to you. Only score reports that include your name and test date will be accepted as part of your application.

Can I speak with an advisor about the Practical Nursing program?
Yes, all students are first required to attend a selective health information session and you can schedule your session by visiting mwcc.edu/info. Transcript
reviews are not conducted at these sessions, however many questions about the program are answered. After attending an information session, if you have
additional questions, please schedule a one on one appointment by visiting: mwcc.edu/admissions or contacting the Admissions Office - Phone:
978-630-9447 Email: admissions@mwcc.mass.edu

Transferring Pre-Requisite and Co-Requisite Credits to MWCC
All transfer courses must have been taken at an accredited college and must be approved for transfer credit through the Records Office prior to enrollment into
the semester in which they are required. Transfer credit is not guaranteed.

Can I work and attend classes full-time?
Practical Nursing coursework is complex and requires a personal commitment. Part-time employment may be appropriate, but hours will need to be flexible in
order to accommodate school requirements. Students are encouraged to balance their employment and school responsibilities.

Where are the Practical Nursing classes held?
Practical Nursing classes will be held on the Gardner campus and clinicals will be held in the surrounding area.

Where do I attend a clinical setting or placement, and how do I get there?
Nursing students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical sites which include healthcare agencies in such areas as Athol, Ayer, Baldwinville, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Leominster, Milford, Turners Falls, and Worcester.

Can the Technical Standards impact my ability to complete the program?
All applicants should review the Technical Standards for their program of choice. It is the responsibility of the applicant to discuss any accommodation that they
may need by contacting Disability Services at 978-630-9330.

How does the CORI impact my application?
A CORI positive finding may prevent an applicant from successfully completing the practical nursing program due to clinical site requirements and/or may
prohibit them from taking the NCLEX-PN.

When I complete the Practical Nursing Certificate, can I bridge to the Nursing (ADN) program?
If you are interested in continuing on to complete the ADN program, you should speak with an Admissions counselor to determine your next steps.

Applicant Information

























Residency Information
Tuition Equity Law: Under the Tuition Equity Law, undocumented students who attended a Massachusetts high school may qualify for in-state tuition rates. As proof of residency, students may be requested to provide documentation such as those listed on the application. Learn more about MA Tuition Equity Law and eligibility.


Education Information






Personal Information




Emergency Contact








Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available on the federal financial aid website: studentaid.gov.

Financial aid can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, transportation, and other educational expenses. MWCC strongly encourages you to complete the FAFSA. 

If you have questions about your financial aid application or college financial planning, please call the college Financial Aid Office at 978-630-9169 or visit us online at mwcc.edu/financial-services.

MWCC strongly encourages you to complete the FAFSA. If you are looking for help with your FAFSA, please contact the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) office for an appointment at 978-630-9823.

If you have questions about your financial aid application or college financial planning, please call Student Financial Services at 978-630-9169.

Students planning to use the MassEducate or MassReconnect free college benefit for eligible Massachusetts residents are required to complete the FAFSA and a Prior Degree
Affidavit upon acceptance.

Special Interests

Research
Mount Wachusett Community College is committed to offering programing and resources to support all of our students. By answering the following
questions, you will provide valuable data to the college that will enable us to secure funding for student success initiatives. You are not required to
provide this background information.






Selective Health Information Session


Minimum Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet all minimum requirements at the time of application deadline.

Co-requisite courses in progress at time of application deadline will not be considered as meeting these requirements.

Science and math courses older than 10 years are not accepted.

If your application is deemed complete, you will be notified by mail of the decision approximately 60 days following the application deadline.

Please Indicate how you have met the following minimum academic requirements for the Practical Nursing program:


TEAS Exam

Recommended Academic Requirements
Given the competitiveness of program admission, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the following Preferred Academic Requirements prior to applying. Please indicate below how you have met these requirements:








Acknowledgements










Signature & Submission Instructions
To sign this document:
  1. Click the "Review and Sign" button below
  2. Review your responses, enter your name and email and sign the document
  3. Navigate to your email and click the verification link
  4. Click the link to the E-Signature Record
To submit this document:
  1. Complete and sign the application for your intended selective program.
  2. Download and save your application with your name and program. Example: SamStoneNursingApp2026
  3. Submit a copy of your completed application along with all required supporting documents to Admissions. Your application will not be considered complete until all required documents have been received.
*Supporting documents include resume, official high school and college transcripts, and TEAS score report (if applicable).

Ways to submit:
In-Person: Admissions Office, 444 Green St, Gardner, MA 01440
Email: admissions@mwcc.edu
Mail: Admissions Office, 444 Green St, Gardner, MA 01440
Fax: 978-630-9554
Office hours are 8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Thursday, and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Friday. You may also leave the printed application in the Admissions drop box outside the office.

If you have any questions, please email us at admissions@mwcc.edu, or call us at 978-630-9447.
Save my progress and resume later | Resume a previously saved form