Practical Nursing (PN) Program - Fall 2027 Program Guide

• Year established: 1968 
• Approved by: the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN)
• Accredited by: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Program classification: Selective Admission
• Dean of nursing: Renee Eichas; MSN-Ed, RN, SANE-A, PCCN
• Nursing program coordinator: Ginny Kolter; RN, MSN, APRN
• Master nursing advisor: Dan O’Bryan
• Nursing student support specialists: Katherine ‘Kat’ Atty & Robin Smith
• Campuses & modes of instruction: 
  
  • Downtown: On-campus, daytime program  
    
    • Admits every fall semester
    • Meets: 1-3 days a week, depending on the semester, 8:00am – 4:00pm
    • In addition to lectures & labs, students have clinicals (times & locations vary each semester)
  • Carrollton: Hybrid program 
    
    • Admits every Fall semester
    • Online Lectures | meets: 1-2 days a week for labs 
    • In addition to lectures & labs, students have clinicals (times & locations vary each semester)
• Length of program: 
  
  • 3 semesters totaling 1 calendar year
    
    • Fall – Spring – Summer
• Yearly deadline: 
  
  • Every April 15^th for an upcoming Fall semester (Downtown & Carrollton campuses) 
    
    • Fall 2027 application deadline: Thursday, April 15, 2027
• Number of students accepted each Fall semester: 
  
  • Downtown: 60 | Carrollton: 24
• Graduates are awarded: 
  
  • Diploma in Practical Nursing 
• Graduates are eligible to take: 
  
  • The National Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Jefferson’s Nursing Division welcomes anyone who’s interested in a nursing career to apply! Most often this includes:

1. New, current or returning Jefferson students
2. Transfer students from other colleges & universities
3. Active Kentucky State Registered Nurse Aides (SRNAs)
4. Readmits are former Jefferson PN students 

Preferential admission to the PN program may be given to the following applicants:

• Veterans; active-duty personnel & their spouses; & displaced workers who qualify under the Trade Adjustment Act.
• Individuals who have college-ready placement scores, which place them in college-level courses.
• Individuals who demonstrate above-average standing in High School or on the GED exam.
• Jefferson students who have completed the 4 PN prerequisites & the 1 corequisite.

Jefferson’s Anti-Harrassment/Anti-Discrimination Statement

Jefferson Community & Technical College maintains an environment free of illegal discrimination & harassment based on or relating to gender, race, color, religion (or lack thereof), national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran or social status, social origin, or indigenous status. It provides for the internal reporting & investigation of allegations of illegal discrimination & harassment.

• If you’ve NEVER attended Jefferson…then Click here to apply to the college or go to: jefferson.kctcs.edu. 
  
  • NOTE: Applying to Jefferson is separate from applying to the PN program. You must do both!
• If you’re a returning Jefferson student & it’s been 1 or more semesters since you’ve attended…you need to reapply to Jefferson (use above link). After that, your next step is applying to the PN program.
• If you’re a current Jefferson student…your next step is applying to the PN program.

Jefferson’s PN program is classified as Selective Admission, which means applicants are not in the program when they first start at Jefferson. Applicants must apply to & then be accepted into the PN program.

• Note 1: Your major, until accepted, can either be Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS). 
• Note 2: If accepted, the Nursing Division will switch your major to Practical Nursing & enroll you in PN classes.

To apply to the PN program for Fall 2027, there are 3 steps that applicants must do: 

Step 1: Be a high school graduate 
As part of the application process to Jefferson, PN applicants must provide proof of being a High School or GED graduate.  

Step 2: Attend a mandatory Preadmission Conference 
First-Time & Readmit PN applicants are required to attend a mandatory Preadmission Conference for Fall 2027. Information about Preadmission Conferences is in Section 6.  

Step 3: complete/in the process of completing the 4 Nursing Prerequisites 
Below are the minimum academic requirements needed to apply. Additional information about PN prerequisites, the corequisite and program courses is in Section 5.

1. Completion of the 4 PN prerequisites with a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.0 at the Fall 2027 application deadline (April 15, 2027). All PN prereqs must be a ‘C’ or higher. Or… 
2. Completion of at least 1 of the 4 PN prereqs & enrolled in the remaining ones for Spring 2027.
   
   • Example: Jefferson student Billy Reubens wants to apply for Fall 2027. He’s already completed AHS 115: Medical Terminology with an ‘A’ & ENG 101: Writing I with a ‘C’. For Spring 2027, he’s enrolled in BIO 137: Anatomy & Physiology I & HST 104: Healthcare Basic Skills. Billy must also have at least a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.0.

Important notes for readmit applicants

• Note 1: Readmits can only reapply 1 time.
• Note 2: Readmits can only apply to the campus they previously attended.
• Note 3: If it’s been 3 or more years since being in the PN program, Readmits must start the program over, if accepted. 

Jefferson’s PN curriculum is broken into 3 parts:

Part 1: The 4 Nursing Prerequisites

1. Anatomy & Physiology or Transfer Equivalent
   
   • At Jefferson, BIO 137: Anatomy & Physiology I or BIO 135: Basic Anatomy & Physiology with Lab
     
     • Note: If BIO 137 is taken, you must also complete the PN prerequisite, BIO 139: Anatomy & Physiology II 
   • Grade of ‘C’ or higher. | 4 credit hours with Lab.
   • Completed within 10 years of your 1st semester in the program. If more than 10 years, course must be retaken.
   • Transfer course must be 4 credit hours with Lab & approved by the Nursing Division.
2. ENG 101: Writing I or ENG 102: Writing II or Transfer Equivalent 
   
   • Grade of ‘C’ or higher. | 3 credit hours | If you have a higher grade in ENG 102, we’ll use that grade in place of ENG 101.
3. Medical Terminology or Transfer Equivalent
   
   • At Jefferson, AHS 115: Medical Terminology or CLA 131: Medical Terminology from Greek & Latin.
   • Grade of ‘C’ or higher. | 3 credit hours.
4. The Nurse Aide Requirement (2 options):
   
   • Option 1: At Jefferson, HST 104: Healthcare Basic Skills (or NAA 100: Nursing Assistant Skills I). 
     
     • Grade of ‘C’ or higher. | 3.5 credit hours.
     • Includes CPR certification.
     • After HST 104, applicants must also pass the state exam & be listed with the KBN.
   • Option 2: An applicant is already an active Kentucky SRNA or currently taking an external SRNA class 
     
     • Note 1: If taking an external SRNA class, applicants must also pass the state exam & be listed with the KBN.
       
       • Note 1A: If everything is completed by the Fall 2027 application deadline (April 15, 2027), this will count as a completed prerequisite.
       • Note 1B: If everything is completed after the Fall 2027 application deadline (April 15, 2027), but no later than the end of Spring 2027 (May 7, 2027), this will not count as a completed prerequisite, but applicants can still apply as a Conditional Admit (see Section 7).  
     • Note 2: Being a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant); CMT (Certified Medical Technician); PCA (Patient Care Associate); PCT (Patient Care Technician) or in a similar position is not a substitute for either Nurse Aide option.

Part 2: The 1 PN Corequisite

The 1 PN corequisite can be completed either before applying or while in the PN program. However, applicants are encouraged to complete the 1 coreq before applying.

1. BIO 139: Anatomy & Physiology II or Transfer Equivalent
   
   • Grade of ‘C’ or higher. | 4 credit hours with Lab.
   • Completed within 10 years while in the program. If more than 10 years, course must be retaken.
   • Transfer course must be 4 credit hours with Lab & approved by the Nursing Division.
   • If never taken, course must be taken during the 1st semester of the PN program. 

Part 3: The PN Program Courses

Once in the program, new PN students will take the following classes over the course of 3 semesters:

First-Time & Readmit PN applicants are required to attend a mandatory Preadmission Conference for Fall 2027 for the Downtown and Carrollton campuses. Conferences at both campuses will be held during the Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 semesters. 

Applicants can attend a Preadmission Conference at either campus; however, it’s recommended that applicants attend one at the campus they want to attend. Below are the Preadmission Conference dates & times for the Downtown & Carrollton campuses:

Downtown Campus: Health Science Hall (HSH), Room 253  

• 2026: Monday, November 9; 2:00pm
  Wednesday, December 2; 2:00pm 
• 2027: Tuesday, January 26; 2:00pm
  Tuesday, February 23; 2:00pm
  Tuesday, March 23; 2:00pm
  Tuesday, April 6; 2:00pm

Preadmission Conference Sign-Up Link: PN PAC signup link-Downtown

Carrollton Campus: Room A212 (2nd Floor)

• 2026: Tuesday, November 10; 5:00pm
• 2027: Tuesday, January 26; 5:00pm
  Tuesday, February 23; 5:00pm
  Tuesday, March 23; 5:00pm
  Tuesday, April 13; 5:00pm

Preadmission Conference Sign-Up Link: PN PAC signup link-Carrollton

After attending a PN Preadmission Conference, applicants will receive an email from Renee Eichas with a link to start the application process for Fall 2027.

For Fall 2027, PN applicants are classified as either Regular or Conditional Admits. Below are the differences between the 2 classifications:

1. Regular Admits
   
   • Admitted first. 
   • Have completed the 4 PN prerequisites (and possibly the 1 PN corequisite) with grades of ‘C’ or higher. 
   • Have a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher at the Fall 2027 application deadline (April 15, 2027).
2. Conditional Admits
   • Admitted after Regular Admits.
   • Have previously completed at least 1 or more of the 4 prerequisites with grades of ‘C’ or higher & are enrolled in the remaining prereqs during the Spring 2027 semester.
   • Have a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher at the Fall 2027 application deadline (April 15, 2027).
   • If applicants successfully complete their remaining prerequisites & meet all other requirements, they may be accepted if open spots are still available after Regular Admits are accepted.

Important Reminders for Fall 2027 Applicants

Proof of current Kentucky SRNA license must be emailed to the Nursing Division Office no later than the Fall 2027 application deadline (April 15, 2027). 

Information should be emailed to either Renee Eichas; renee.eichas@kctcs.edu or Robin Smith; robin.smith@kctcs.edu.

If accepted into the PN program for Fall 2027, all new PN will be notified by Renee Eichas via their personal email. Once the semester starts, students will receive information via their KCTCS email account. 

Fall 2027 Notifications of Acceptance will be emailed in late May 2027.

• Note 1: It is extremely important for applicants to consistently check their email for a Notification of Acceptance. 
• Note 2: If applicants receive a Notification of Acceptance, they must accept & reserve their Fall 2027 seat! 
• Note 3: If applicants do not reserve their seat by a designated deadline, they will lose their seat in the program.

Below are additional requirements for new PN students (subject to change):

Part 1: Required Psychomotor Functions

Nursing involves providing direct care for individuals & applying knowledge in the workplace. Although the Nursing Division won’t evaluate psychomotor functions as part of the application process, applicants should sufficiently possess the following:

• Visual Acuity for… 
  
  • Preparing & administering
  • | Observing & assessing needs of patients 
• Auditory Perception for… 
  
  • Receiving verbal communication from patients & medical personnel
  • Assessing patients' health needs using monitoring devices
• Gross & Fine Motor Coordination for… 
  
  • Responding promptly to needs of patients
  • Implementing equipment skills to meet health needs
• Communication Skills (Speech, Reading, Writing) for… 
  
  • Interacting with patients; their family members & medical personnel
  • Communicating patients’ needs promptly & effectively to others
• Intellectual & Emotional Functions (Emotional Intelligence) for:
  
  • Planning, responding to & implementing care for patients
  • Responding to extreme/difficult situations

Part 2: Criminal Background Check & Drug Screen

All PN students will utilize DISA Global Solutions, aka DISA (formerly Castlebranch), a student background screening provider, to submit & store information/results from the required parts listed below into their new DISA account.  

Upon admission to the PN program for Fall 2027, new students will be required to complete a national Criminal Background Check & Drug Screen. Failure to complete both requirements by a set deadline will result in dismissal from the program.

• Note: Costs will be listed via DISA’s website - www.castlebranch.com

All students must have a valid Social Security number to complete background checks for our program as well as for clinicals with our community healthcare partners. Criminal background checks can include (but are not limited to):

• Social Security Fraud. 
• Sex Offender Search. 
• Abuse Registry. 
• OIG Medicare Sanctioned List.
  
  • Note 1: If new students do not have a complete & valid background check, they will be dismissed from the program.
  • Note 2: If new students test positive on their drug screen, they will be dismissed from the program & cannot apply for 1 year.

Convictions for the following crimes will disqualify any new student:

• Any felony (whether listed below or not). 
• Crimes involving drugs, including, but not limited to: Unlawful possession and/or distribution. 
• Physically violent crimes, including, but not limited to: Child, spousal and/or elderly abuse | Abduction, such as kidnapping | Manslaughter and/or murder | Robbery | Sex crimes | Possession of a restricted firearm or related weapons offenses | Assault & battery.
• Misdemeanors related to: abuse, neglect or exploitation.
  
  • Note 1: KBN can deny any PN graduate the right to take the NCLEX-PN if they’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony involving acts bearing directly on the qualifications/abilities of the graduate to practice nursing. This information is listed on KBN’s website at: http://kbn.ky.gov/apply/courtnet.htm.
  • Note 2: For DISA to run a background check that meets the requirements of our community partners, new students must be authorized to work off campus. If they are not authorized to work off campus or if they need a signed CPT form allowing them to do so, DISA will not be able to process the appropriate background check. This will prevent new students from completing the clinical component of our program, as required by our community partners. 
    
    • Note 2A: We do not sign CPT forms because we do not offer this in our program.

Part 3: Immunization & Physical Exam

All PN students are required to submit verification of immunizations as well as a completed physical exam form signed by their healthcare provider. Failure to complete these requirements by the set deadline will result in dismissal from the program. This information should be uploaded to a new student’s DISA account.

Immunizations & exams include:

• Influenza (Flu) during flu season 
• MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
• TB (Tuberculosis)  
  
  • 2-Step Screening
    
    • Step 1: Test is given & then read after 48 – 72 hours. 
    • Step 2: Repeat Step 1 between 7 – 21 days | Not 1 day sooner than Day 7 (Day 6) & not 1 day later than Day 21 (Day 22).
• TD
  • Every 10 years.
• Varicella (Chicken Pox) 
  
  • Series of 2 doses, 4 weeks apart or results of a Varicella titer with verification of immunity (positive result). 
• Hepatitis B 
  
  • 2 Options 
    
    • Option 1: Series of 3 doses.  
      
      • 2nd dose due 1 month after 1st dose.  
      • 3rd dose due approximately 5 months after 2nd dose.
      • You must start and complete the series on schedule to remain in compliance with CastleBranch.
    • Option 2: Series of 2 doses of Hepsaliv-B given at least 4 weeks apart. 
      
      • Students can attend clinicals once series is started but must finish series & submit results of each dose per deadline on CastleBranch.
      • If series isn’t completed within acceptable timeframe, a positive titer is required.
      • Students may attend clinicals once series has started with 1st dose.
• Physical Assessment
  • Form is located on the DISA website.

Note: If you have any DISA questions once in the PN program, contact:

Robin Smith
502-213-2397
robin.smith@kctcs.edu    

Part 4: Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR Certification

The only 2 forms of CPR that the PN program will accept are:

1. American Heart Association (Healthcare/BLS Provider). 
2. American Red Cross (Professional Rescuer).

New PN students are responsible for tuition; books; liability insurance; lab kits; uniforms; transportation to class & clinicals; internet access as well as software & electronic access to class resources & national online exams.

• Jefferson’s Tuition Rates: https://jefferson.kctcs.edu/affording-college/tuition-costs/index.aspx
• Affording College: https://jefferson.kctcs.edu/affording-college/index.aspx

Jefferson Community & Technical College’s Division of Nursing

Main Office - Downtown Campus
Health Sciences Hall (HSH)
4th Floor | Office Suite 442
110 West Chestnut Street
Louisville, KY 40202
502-213-2440
jf-nursinginfo@kctcs.edu

Carrollton Campus
1607 Highway 227
Carrollton, KY 41008 
   
Dean of Nursing
Renee Eichas, MSN-Ed, RN, SANE-A, PCCN
502-213-5170
renee.eichas@kctcs.edu

ADN Program Coordinator
Ginny Kolter;  RN, MSN, APRN
502-213-2272
vkolter0001@kctcs.edu

Medicaid Nurse Aide Training
Vicky Shouse
502-213-2316
vicky.shouse@kctcs.edu 

Medicaid Nurse Aide Program Coordinator
Dallas McKinley, RN
502-213-2272
dmckinley0011@kctcs.edu

Master Nursing Advisor
Dan O’Bryan
502-213-3664
dan.obryan@kctcs.edu  

Campus Director/Academic Advisor, Carrollton Campus
Heather Yocum
502-213-5216
heather.yocum@kctcs.edu

Nursing Student Support Specialist
Katherine ‘Kat’ Atty
502-213-2192
katty0001@kctcs.edu

Nursing Student Support Specialist
Robin Smith
502-213-2397
robin.smith@kctcs.edu