Selected Applicant
For those applicants selected for admission as determined by this point system (highest point accumulation to lowest):
- A mandatory orientation session will be conducted for those selected for admission and alternates. The information session(s) will be held on each campus. Date(s): to be announced. We will address the following:
- A physical is required. The physical is to confirm that the applicant is in good health and possesses the required physical abilities to function satisfactorily within the program and the occupation. TB screening is required as part of the physical exam. The results must render a negative TB result or treatment protocol completed.
- Drug screening will be required from a specific lab; Health Works located at 5909 US Hwy 49, Hattiesburg, and must render a negative result in order to continue. Applicants are given specific time frames for obtaining their drug screen.
- Obtain “Form #121, Certificate of Immunization Compliance” from the Mississippi State Department of Health. Immunizations required to perform the clinical portion of courses in the PN Program are: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, MMR (2), Tetanus (within 10 years), and Varicella (2) or documented exposure (Titer).
- Applicants must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check in accordance with section 43-11-13 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. The criminal background check process is necessary for the practical nursing student to enter the healthcare facilities to complete the required clinical experience.
If fingerprinting or criminal history records checks disclose a felony conviction, guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere to (a) felony possession or sale of drugs, (b) murder, (c) manslaughter, (d) armed robbery, (e) rape, (f) sexual battery, (g) sex offense listed in Section 45-33-23(h), (h) child abuse, (i) arson, (j) grand larceny, (k) burglary, (l) gratification of lust and/or (m) aggravated assault, and/or (n) battery of a vulnerable adult that has not been reversed on appeal or for which a pardon has not been granted, the student shall not be eligible to participate in the health care vocational-technical education (CTE) program of study (the PN Program). If the applicant has been accepted when these results are revealed the student will forfeit their seat.
Fingerprinting for Criminal Background Check must be done and results approved by the Mississippi Board of Nursing (MSBN) prior to licensure. The MSBN Criminal background Check requires you pay a separate fee directly to the MSBN.
- CPR-BLS (Health Care Provider certification) is required. This certification may be the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or other acceptable agencies. This certification is required prior to any clinical activity and must not expire prior to graduation from the practical nursing program.
Points for Selection
- Applicants are selected by the point system indicated in this packet (highest to lowest). Priority in tie point instances will be given to (1) in-district candidates, (2) out-of-district candidates, and (3) out-of-state candidates.
- Qualified alternates will be placed on a waiting list and may be selected to fill any vacancies that occur prior to the end of late registration for the current year.
- Please refer to the Cat Country Guide under due process for student complaints.
- Applicants will be ranked and selected by a point scale system. Each applicant’s total points are calculated and applicants are ranked based on “highest to lowest” total point score as of February 1. Following score, priority will be given to (1) in-district candidates, (2) out-of-district candidates, and (3) out-of-state candidates.
Below is an overview of how the point scale works.
Student ATI Proctored TEAS Score: (excepted within two years of date taken) | ATI Proctored TEAS Score Range: | Points Awarded |
| 95.88 – 100 | 10 |
| 91.75-95.87 | 9 |
| 87.62 – 91.74 | 8 |
| 83.49 – 87.61 | 7 |
| 79.36 – 83.48 | 6 |
| 75.23 – 79.35 | 5 |
| 71.10 – 75.22 | 4 |
| 66.97 – 71.09 | 3 |
| 62.84 – 66.96 | 2 |
| 58.70 – 62.83 | 1 |
ACT Prior to 10/1/1988 | Enhanced ACT Score | Points Awarded |
25 or higher | 27 or higher | 10 |
23-24 | 25-26 | 8 |
20-22 | 23-24 | 6 |
17-19 | 20-22 | 4 |
15-16 | 18-19 | 2 |
13-14 | 16-17 | 1 |
Ranking of college GPA based on a minimum of 12 semester hours applicable towards a degree or a four year cumulative high school GPA IF no college courses have been acquired.
GPA Range | Points Awarded |
3.8 – 4.0 | 10 |
3.5-3.7 | 8 |
3.2-3.4 | 6 |
2.9-3.1 | 4 |
2.6-2.8 | 2 |
2.5 | 1 |
Ranking of assigned points for applicants with a GED and no college GPA:
Score Range | Points Awarded |
190-200 | 10 |
180-189 | 8 |
170-179 | 6 |
160-169 | 4 |
150-159 | 2 |
145-150 | 1 |
Ranking of assigned points for applicants with a Hi-Set Score and no college GPA:
Score Range | Points Awarded |
75-100 | 10 |
66-74 | 8 |
56-65 | 4 |
46-55 | 2 |
Passed | 1 |
High school Allied Health classes | Points Awarded |
Two years completed | 2 |
One year completed | 1 |
Verifiable Health Care Employment (1 year) | Points Awarded |
Form must be completed (1 year or longer) | 2 |
Form must be completed (3 months-11 months) | 1 |
Less than 3 months | 0 |
Related Healthcare fields | Points Awarded |
State Certification in Certified Nursing Assistant | 1 |
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA/ CMA) | 5 |
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | 5 |
Military Medic | 7 |
Courses completed prior to the submission date of February 1 (with Verifiable College transcript(s))
Pearl River practical nursing program does not require prerequisites, however, if a student has completed any of the following courses with a final grade of “A” or “B”, points will be awarded (see application ‘point scale system’ below):
- Principles of A & P I and II lecture and labs
BIO 1511, BIO 1513, BIO 1514, BIO 1521, BIO 1523 BIO 1524 - Anatomy and Physiology I & II lecture and labs BIO 2511, BIO 2513, BIO 2514, BIO 2521, BIO 2523, BIO 2524
- Human Growth & Development EPY 2533
- Nutrition FCS 1253
- Medical Terminology I & II BOT 1613 and BOT 1623
Point Scale for Selected College Courses:
2 points per hour for an A and
1 point per hour for a B.
*Courses completed prior to February 1 of the application year will be considered for awarding of points.
Point Scale for Selected College Courses: 2 points per hour for an A and 1 point per hour for a B.
