Application Requirements

NSCC’s Practical Nursing Certificate is CLOSED for Fall 2025. 

Fall 2025 Practical Nursing Admissions

Priority Application Deadline: Passed
Application Inquiries: SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu
Checklist: Download the Application Checklist

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Step 1: Attend a Mandatory Information Session

Before applying, all students must attend a Practical Nursing Information Session (between August 2024 - June 2025) to learn about admission requirements, curriculum, clinical experiences, and the application process.

Location: Virtual (Zoom) & In-Person (Danvers Campus)
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Attendance: Arrive on time! Late arrivals (5+ minutes) will not be admitted and must attend a future session. Attendance will be recorded.

UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSION DETAILS

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Step 2: Take the ATI TEAS Exam

Exam Requirements:

• Preferred that TEAS are taken at NSCC (online TEAS exams not accepted)
• Exams taken in testing locations other than NSCC must adhere to the proctoring requirements with a secured browser. 
• ATI TEAS Version 7 required
• Max 3 attempts per academic year (Sept 1 - Aug 31)
• Tests from other locations require an official transcript from ATI (Order Here)

Minimum TEAS Scores

Reading: 69% |  Math: 63.3% | Science: 36.4% |  English: 54.2%

TEAS Exam Exemption

If you hold a Bachelor of Science degree from an academic institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and have completed Anatomy & Physiology I & II with a C or better, the TEAS requirement is waived.

For information or concerns about the ATI TEAS Exam, please contact TEAS@northshore.edu.

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Step 3: Complete the Application

Submit the Selective Admissions Application for the year you are applying (previous applications do not count).

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Essay (see Step 4)
• TEAS scores 
• Other supporting materials (see below)

NSCC’s Practical Nursing program is CLOSED for Fall 2025

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Step 4: Write & Submit Your Essay

Upload your word-processed essay, written in the English language, with your application. The essay should be approximately 1-2 pages in length and must answer all questions. 

Prompt: Why do you want to pursue a career in Practical Nursing? 

• What qualities make you a strong candidate for the program?
• What steps will you take to ensure success?
• Provide personal examples or anecdotes.

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Step 5: Submit Transcripts

All official transcripts from previous colleges/universities must be sent directly to NSCC. If you’ve already submitted transcripts, you must send updated ones if you’ve completed additional coursework.

How to Submit

1. Email: SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu
2. Mail:
   NSCC Admissions Office
   1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923

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Step 6: Demonstrate Proficiency

Upload documentation to your application. Communications & Mathematics Proficiency can be demonstrated in multiple ways:

• SAT scores
• Accuplacer tests
• High school GPA
• College coursework

More on Communications Proficiency >
More on Math Proficiency >

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Step 7: Submit High School Transcript or GED

Upload your high school transcript or GED score report. If you submitted this within the last 5 years, confirm with SelectiveAdmissions@northshore.edu.

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Step 8: Submit a Professional Reference

Provide one professional letter of recommendation from the following:

• Employer
• School counselor/advisor
• Professor

A direct upload link will be sent to your reference upon application submission.

Accreditation

North Shore Community College is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

The Practical Nursing Certificate at North Shore Community College’s Ferncroft Road campus in Danvers, MA, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The ACEN Board of Commissioners recently granted the program Continuing Accreditation status. Additionally, the program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

ACEN Contact Information:
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000