Quick Answer: To enter HCI College’s Practical Nursing program, applicants need to pass the TEAS or HESI A2 entrance exam, a Level II background check, a drug screen and a physical, and hold an AHA BLS card.
The Admissions Checklist, Step by Step
Admission requirements are the first hurdle for anyone researching LPN nurse training in Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach County, and many applicants underestimate how much paperwork is involved. Here is what HCI College requires.
Applicants must complete the general enrollment requirements, pass an FDLE Level II criminal background check and a 10-panel drug screen at enrollment, complete a physical exam with required titers and vaccinations through HCI’s approved vendor, and provide a current American Heart Association BLS card. hci
Entrance Exam Options
Applicants have three ways to meet the academic requirement:
| Option | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| TEAS | Composite score of 40 |
| HESI A2 | 70 on each of five sections |
| Prior degree | Earned AS, AAS or AOS (or higher) |
HESI A2 scores are accepted for up to two years after the test date, and applicants with accepted foreign translated degrees must also score at least 17 on the Wonderlic Contemporary Cognitive Ability Test. hci
Preparing for the TEAS or HESI A2
Most applicants sit for the TEAS. It covers reading, math, science and English. Practical prep steps:
- Take a timed practice test to find your weak areas
- Review basic algebra, fractions and ratios, which matter later in dosage calculations
- Study introductory anatomy and physiology
- Schedule the exam early enough to retake it if needed before your target start date
The Clinical Clearance Stage
Passing the entrance exam isn’t the end of the paperwork. Before clinical rotations begin, students need a physical exam attesting to their readiness for nursing work, a negative PPD test or chest X-ray when indicated, current immunizations and titers, AHA healthcare-provider CPR, and drug and background screening results sent directly to the college. hci
One detail that surprises some applicants: medical marijuana cards are not accepted for clinical purposes, and a positive drug screen without a prescription can stop a student from moving forward. hci
Why the Background Check Matters
The Florida Board of Nursing reviews every NCLEX-PN candidate. Background screening results must meet the Board of Nursing’s requirements. Applicants with any past record should speak with Admissions before enrolling rather than after. hci
Comparing Your Options
Some applicants arrive after looking at a West Palm Beach RN school or an RN school Fort Lauderdale program and realize the LPN diploma is the faster first step. Requirements overlap, so preparation for one helps with the other.
For Palm Beach County applicants, LPN training West Palm Beach takes place at the Congress Avenue campus, and the same practical nursing program West Palm Beach students attend is also taught in Fort Lauderdale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply any time of year?
Yes. HCI accepts applications year-round. Contact Admissions for upcoming start dates.
What if I already have an associate degree?
An earned AS, AAS or AOS degree or higher from an accredited school can satisfy the academic entrance requirement in place of the TEAS or HESI A2.
Do I need CPR certification before I apply?
Yes. A current American Heart Association BLS card is an admission requirement. HCI College also offers AHA courses.
Visit an HCI College Campus
West Palm Beach Campus
1764 North Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Phone: (561) 586-0121
Fort Lauderdale Campus
1201 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 626-0255
Sources and Further Reading
- HCI College, Practical Nursing Admission Requirements — https://www.hci.edu/programs/practical-nursing
- HCI College, Application Process — https://www.hci.edu/admissions/application-process
- HCI College, American Heart Association Courses — https://www.hci.edu/programs/american-heart-association-courses
- Florida Board of Nursing — https://floridasnursing.gov
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