Practical Nursing Application Steps

Admission into the Practical Nursing program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is competitive and requires a supplemental application process as outlined below.

Application & Program Support

Program Application Period

Spring 2026

Applications Open: Sept. 1, 2025
Application Deadline: Oct. 20, 2025, 4 p.m.

Applicants will be notified of their application status via their student email on or before Nov. 15.

1. Review Qualifications & Requirements
BACKGROUND CHECK

Admission into the Practical Nursing program is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check for students accepted into the program.

A clean background check is required for full admission into the program.

Students are responsible for the requesting and payment of the background check as well as handling any disputes that arise.

Background checks performed for previous employment may not be used for admission into the program.

VACCINATIONS

Practical Nursing students participating in clinical rotations with certain healthcare institutions will be subject to vaccination requirements. CWI has been granted discretion to approve exemptions to vaccination requirements due to medical conditions, disabilities, and/or, religious reasons.

Vaccine Medical Exemption Form

Vaccine Religious Exemption Form

Full-Time Commitment

Students admitted into the Practical Nursing program are placed in a cohort and are expected to attend classes full-time. At this time, a part-time class option is not available.

Each Practical Nursing cohort begins during the spring semester, in January, and ends fall semester, in December. The program consists of three, consecutive semesters: spring, summer, and fall.

Clinical Rotations

Practical Nursing students are required to complete clinical experiences in and out of the Treasure Valley which may include Ada County, Canyon County, Mountain Home, and Fruitland.

Clinical rotations may will vary and may include days, evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

The student must make necessary accommodations in order to attend clinical during scheduled timeframes and are responsible for their own transportation.

Practical Nursing Student Handbook
2. Apply to CWI
Apply to CWI.

Choose Nursing, Practical as your major.

Be admitted as a student, and complete next steps on the Student Checklist for Success.

Contact Admissions
3. Complete Prerequisite Classes
Grades for completed and in-progress prerequisite classes will be reported on your Practical Nursing Program Application. Meet with your advisor to discuss options specific to your situation.

Classes, with the exception of Medical Terminology, English, and Psychology must have been completed within the last seven (7) years.

Grades for in-progress classes will be verified at semester end. Significant changes in your grades or failure to complete a class may result in reconsideration of your acceptance into the program.

Current CWI students may view their progress in Student Planning.

For classes in which you are currently enrolled, please complete a Course Credit Verification Form.

If you have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree, please submit a Bachelor’s Degree Transfer Credit Request Form.

Prerequisite Classes

To be eligible for acceptance into the Practical Nursing program, you must complete the following prerequisite classes with a C or higher:

HLTH 101 Medical Terminology

GEM 3: Mathematical Ways of Knowing

In addition, students must complete one of the following options:

Option 1

BIOL 127/127L Human Structure & Function

Option 2

BIOL 226 Human Anatomy & Physiology I Plus

BIOL 227P/227L Human Anatomy & Physiology I

BIOL 228/228L Human Anatomy & Physiology II

Option 3

MMBS 111/11L Introductory Microbiology

BIOL 227/227L Human Anatomy & Physiology I

BIOL 228/228L Human Anatomy & Physiology II

Additional Classes

While not required to apply to the Practical Nursing program, completion of the following classes with a C or higher increases your ranking points on your application and are required for the certification test.

ENGL 101 English Composition 1

PSYC 101 General Psychology

Associate of Science Degree Plan Intermediate Technical Certificate Plan

Competency Options

Math

To demonstrate math competency in math classes seven (7) years or older, students may choose to complete the Math Diagnostic test.

Upon successful completion of the Unit 0 and Unit 1 & 2 tests with a 70% or higher, students may request a printout confirming their math competency to include when applying to the program.

Math Placement Information

Science

For students to demonstrate competency in Biology or Microbiology classes completed more than seven (7) years ago, there are a few options:

Complete BIOL 280 Pathophysiology to prove competency in Human Anatomy & Physiology.

Complete MMBS 250 General Microbiology to prove competency in MMBS 111 Introductory Microbiology.

Successfully complete a prior learning assessment.

The proficiency exam will not change the original grade earned in the class.

Exams for the lab component of each class are not required to demonstrate competency.

Students who earn 85% on the exam will receive an email from the program Department Chair confirming a successful pass which should be included with their program application.

Credit for Prior Learning – Biology Credit for Prior Learning – Microbiology
4. Take the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam
Schedule and complete the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Exam through Testing Services at CWI.

Only scores above 60% will be accepted on the application and must be from within the last five (5) years.

Students may only attempt this exam twice a year between January and November.

As part of your application, you will be asked to include a copy your exam results.

Schedule Your Exam
5. Verify Certifications
While not required to apply to the Practical Nursing program, current certifications you hold can increase your ranking points on your application.

ACCEPTED CERTIFICATIONS

The following is a list of accepted certifications. As part of your application, you will be asked to include a copy of each listing the date issued and expiration.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Paramedic

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Respiratory Therapist

Surgical Technologist
6. Apply to the Practical Nursing Program
Upon completion of Steps 1 – 5, you are now ready to officially apply to the Practical Nursing program.

Practical Nursing Program Application

Your completed and signed application, along with any required materials, should be sealed in an envelope and submitted to One Stop Student Services in-person or by mail by the deadline,

Please write your full name and Practical Nursing Program Application on the envelope.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Additional materials or additions to your application will not be accepted upon submission.

Applicants not admitted may reapply the following year.