Register to complete the ATI TEAS® exam. Qualified applicants may still apply for the 2023/24 program beginning August 15, 2023.
How to Apply
- Applicants must be over the age of 18 at the time of program completion and be a high school graduate and/or earned a GED.
- Applicants must pre-qualify for admission by completing the ATI TEAS® exam.
- Complete and submit the following items:
- Practical Nursing Application and Non-Degree Enrollment Form (4 pages)
- $75 Non-Refundable Application Fee (check or money order payable to Penn State University)
- ATI TEAS® exam transcript
- Two letters of professional reference
- Personal essay describing why you are interested in pursuing a nursing career
- Official Transcripts:
- High school transcript and/or GED transcript
- College, technical school, or trade school transcript(s) from each school attended (regardless if a degree was earned/completed)
An application checklist can be used to help you track the requirement. Mail your application requirements to:
Penn State Berks - CE
Attn: Cathleen Phillips
PO Box 7009
Reading, PA 19610
Electronic transcripts may be mailed or sent to: [email protected]
Applicants are considered based on their academic capacity and aptitude to provide care to others. Academic capacity is measured by High School GPA, Number of College Credits earned, and the ATI TEAS® exam score. Aptitude to provide care is measured by your personal essay, letters of professional reference and personal interview skills.
Admission Deadline: June 1
Candidates may qualify for fall admission through June 1 by completing the ATI TEAS®. It is recommended that candidates submit all application requirements as early as possible to secure an open seat.
Accepted students must be able to meet clinical facility clearance requirements by submitting the following:
- Federal (FBI) Criminal History Report, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and Background Check
- Drug screening
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for the provider certification
- Proof of valid personal health insurance coverage
- Proof of professional student nurse liability insurance
- Physical examination
- Medical Documents verifying student is current with their Influenza, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, TB Skin Test and Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap)
* Penn State Practical Nursing Program will not discriminate in the acceptance process due to a criminal history; however, anyone with a positive criminal background check (felony or misdemeanors) may be accepted into the program PENDING clinical facility placement. If a clinical facility denies a student access to their facility for clinical experiences, the student will not be able to progress through the program and therefore, acceptance will be denied. In addition, the Penn State Practical Nursing program cannot guarantee that candidates with a positive criminal background will be eligible to obtain licensure per PA State Laws (“The Professional Nursing Law” Act 69, P.L. 409, No. 10, and P.L 233, No. 64; Older Adults Protective Services Act, Act 169 as amended by Act 13, P.L. 233, and No. 64).