Get ready to apply for our Practical Nursing Certificate program.
Prerequisite Courses
To apply to this program, you will need to enroll in five prerequisite courses (i.e., BIO 111, HED 110, ENG 101, MAT 104, PSY 100) during summer and fall. BMCC offers free tutoring, both in person and online—so don’t worry if you have been out of school for awhile–you will have support.
The competitive grade point average (GPA) of the prerequisite courses (i.e., PCI) will be calculated after completing courses in summer and fall 2023 semesters. While courses may be “In-Progress,” students may sit for the admission test in December 2023. Note: This is permitted only once for the first cohort of spring 2024. In subsequent admissions, students must complete (i.e., not In-Progress) the 5 prerequisite courses before applying to take the admission test. Students who transfer credits for prerequisite courses must submit an unofficial copy of their transcript to the Nursing Academic Advisor. The transcript must show grades and the term/semester courses taken.Note: Science courses (BIO 111 or the equivalent transferable course) cannot be more than 5 years old at the time of application submission.
The competitive score on an admission test would also be calculated to determine admission.
Students cannot repeat any prerequisite courses taken at BMCC to obtain a higher grade. The Nursing Department accepts CUNY’s Policy in reference to the “F” and “C-“ grade (policy adopted 9/1/90) for non-nursing courses. Effective Spring 1995, the “F” and “C-“ policy does not apply to Nursing courses and the five required prerequisite courses (BIO 111, HED 110, ENG 101, MAT 104, and PSY 100). Source: CUNY “F” grade policy (revised 9/1/94). See BMCC “F” Forgiveness Policy https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/registrar/policies-and-procedures/grading-forgiveness-policy/.
Students are permitted to transfer credits of the 4 prerequisite courses (BIO 111, HED 110, ENG 101, PSY 100 or their equivalents) and are encouraged to transfer competitive grades.
HESI Nursing Admission Test
The Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) exam is required for students wishing to enter a nursing program at BMCC. Learn more about the HESI exam and how to prepare for it.
Students must take the admission test at BMCC. Other test scores from other nursing schools will not be accepted. The admission test can be taken a maximum of two times but not in the same semester.
As of Fall 2019, students interested in entering the BMCC Nursing Program must take the HESI A2 Nursing Admission Test at the College. HESI A2 Nursing Admission Test scores from other nursing schools will not be accepted. This examination may be taken for a maximum of two times but NOT in the same semester. To reserve a seat for the HESI A2 Nursing Admission Test, eligible BMCC students MUST:
- Complete the Nursing Program Admission Checklist (NPAC) to determine eligibility to take the HESI A2 Nursing Admission Test and submit to the Nursing Academic Advisor in the Spring and the Fall semester.
- It is highly recommended that Day Program applicants complete BIO 426 prior to taking the HESI A2 Nursing Admission Test. Evening/Weekend Program applicants must complete (in addition to the five required prerequisite courses) BIO 426 and BIO 420 prior to taking the HESI A2 Nursing Admission Test.
- Once eligibility is determined, the Nursing Academic Advisor will provide the student with the Nursing Program Admission Application and instructions to pay the fee to take the HESI A2 Nursing Admission Test.
– HESI A2 Exam Schedule (pdf)
Deadlines to Keep in Mind
Application Deadline and Admission Testing Schedule:
- Spring Admission Deadline: November 15
HESI A2 Nursing Admission Test in December - Fall Admission Deadline: May 1
HESI A2 Nursing Admission Test in May
Our Panther Station Enrollment Specialists can help you with any questions about admissions, enrollment and more.
HESI A2 Admission Test for Practical Nursing (PN) Applicants
The Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) exam is required for students wishing to enter a nursing program at BMCC. Learn more about the HESI exam and how to prepare for it. There are HESI test prepresources in on-line and in the library.
Recommended Satisfactory Score for PN Applicant | Items (Recommended Time) | |
---|---|---|
General Biology | 70% – 79% | 30-Item Exam (25 min) |
Math | 70% – 79% | 55-Item Exam (50 min) |
Vocabulary & General Knowledge | 70% – 79% | 55-Item Exam (50 min) |
Grammar | 70% – 79% | 55-Item Exam (50 min) |
Note: Students will have to pay a HESI A2 Exam fee.
Students are accepted into the Nursing Program based on the competitive combined score of the *PCI GPA (50%) and the admission test- **HESI A2 Nursing Admission Test (50%).
Example:
PN applicant has a *PCI of 3.65 | **HESI A2 Test is 88.5 % | Status of Student |
3.65 GPA
3.65 ÷ 4 = 0.9125 0.9125 x 50 = 45.625 |
Score of 88.5%
88.5 ÷ 100 = 0.885 0.885 x 50 = 44.25 |
Competitive combined score |
45.625 points | 44.25 points | 89.875 Total points |