Admission Requirements

Applicants are required to pass the pre-entrance test, Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), with a passing score of 44% or greater, before being considered for admission to the Practical Nursing Program. For testing information and to schedule a test, see Pre-Entrance Testing Registration.

Following satisfactory pre-entrance testing, additional documents including the application will be emailed to you.  The applicant must then submit the following materials in order to be considered as a candidate for the program:

• A completed application
• An official high school transcript or GED diploma and scores*.  If you need to request transcripts, it is advised that you request them as soon as possible, as it takes approximately 2-4 weeks for them to be mailed or emailed to EASTERN.  The delay in receiving your transcripts will prevent you from being called for an interview and acceptance into our program.  If you have an Out-of-State GED, you are required to submit a Certificate of Preliminary Education (CPE).      
• Certificate of Preliminary Education (CPE) – Required if you are a high school graduate from a foreign country:  1) Visit http://www.wes.org or call 800.361.3106 / 212.739.6100 to have your credentials evaluated.  2) Submit your Credential Evaluation Report from WES directly to the PA Department of Education.  Applications for Certificates of Preliminary Education must be submitted through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS). 
• $100.00 Application fee, non-refundable

*Click here to request your GED transcripts

All applicants must have access to a computer/laptop, internet and printer while in the program.

Applicants with the highest pre-entrance test scores and submitted admission documents will be contacted and scheduled for an interview with the Admissions Coordinator.  Passing the pre-entrance test, submitting documents and interviewing DOES NOT guarantee you a seat in class.  Your acceptance in the program will be based on your pre-entrance test scores, submitted documents and your interview. 

The following clearances must be submitted along with your application:

• Criminal Record Check
• Federal (FBI) Criminal History Report
• Child Abuse Clearance

Applicants with criminal records will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Once accepted into the program, it is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the following documents prior to the start of the program ** (all documents must be dated within one year of the applicant’s start date).  Acceptance is contingent upon completion of all items listed below:

• Physical Examination
• COVID Vaccine(s)
• Flu Shot
• Immunization Records (All incoming students must be fully vaccinated before the start of a program.)
• Drug Screening (within 30 days of class start date)
• A $500 non-refundable tuition payment is required at the time of acceptance even if student is planning on applying for financial aid.  Orientation meeting is held 4-6 weeks prior to the start of class.

Applicants who are accepted into the program may defer their start date one time only and reapply to a future class.

Applicants with criminal records will be evaluated on an individual basis.

* If questions arise about the validity of an applicant’s High School Diploma or GED, EASTERN reserves the right to require additional documentation for confirmation.

** Class start date may be delayed or cancelled if enrollment is not sufficient.