How to apply to the
Practical Nursing program

Now Accepting Applications

Until May 1st.

Application Steps

01

Identify Your Application Period

Note the application deadlines below. Submit your application between the open and closing dates. A lottery will be held to select students after each period closes, based on a point system.

02

Make sure you meet the admission requirements

The Practical Nursing program uses a scoring system to rank applicants. The applicants with the highest score are offered seats.

 

To apply, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Hold a current CNA certification from the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry

 

Required Prerequisite Courses

Complete each course with a grade of C or better:

  • Human Anatomy
      • HTHS 2110 or Zoology 2320 or equivalent – 4 credits
  • Human Physiology
      •  HTHS 2111 or Zoology 2420 or equivalent – 4 credits
  • Psychology or Human Development
      • Psych 1010 or CHF 1500 or equivalent – 3 credits

 

Additional Points Awarded

  • Pathophysiology: HTHS 2230 or equivalent
  • Nutrition: NUTR 1020 or equivalent
  • Quantitative Literacy: MATH 1030 or higher
  • Hands-on patient care experience
  • Associates degree (or higher) or 28-credit technical certificate from an accredited institution
  • Previous qualified applicant

 

You can apply before completing all required courses, but you’ll earn fewer points. All required courses must be finished before the program starts.

 

Admitted students will also be required to pass a background and drug screening check. More information about these checks can be found in the FAQs section at the bottom of the page.

03

Complete the online application

Applications are submitted online during open application periods. The application walks you through the admissions requirements step-by-step. Make sure you have these items ready:

  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • Official transcript from a tech college (if submitting a 28-credit technical certificate)
  • Copy of your CNA certificate
  • Health-Related Employment Verification Form  – only the official OTECH form is accepted

04

Wait for acceptance notification
  • You’ll get an email about your application status about 6 weeks after the deadline.
  • If accepted, respond by the deadline in your letter to secure your spot.
  • If placed on alternate status, you must also respond by the deadline.
  • Don’t miss the deadline, or you may lose your place.

05

Register for your program

You’ll meet with the Practical Nursing Admissions Advisor to complete enrollment and receive details for any remaining requirements:

  • Background Check* 
  • Drug Screening*
  • Physical & Emotional Requirements *
  • Health Documentation*

 

Must be completed through school instructions, and outside checks won’t be accepted.

 

*See FAQs below for additional information.

I’ve registered. What’s next?
Get Help Paying For School

Thousands of dollars are available to help pay for school expenses like books and tuition.

Pay Tuition

Tuition and fees are due before your first course. Pay online through your student portal.

Buy Supplies

Be ready for class by getting the required Nursing tools.

frequently asked questions

When will I hear if I have been accepted to the program?

Applicants will be notified about six weeks after the final application deadline. See the “04 Wait for acceptance notification” section for details.

Transcripts should be sent to the OTECH Records office.

The application process is now online. During an application period, visit the “Start Application” link to begin. You may contact the PN admissions advisor at 801-627-8426 if you need further assistance.

There are multiple options available. Visit our Financial Aid page for more details.

Because the program structure is lockstep, lecture based, and has scheduled clinical shifts, leaves of absence can be difficult to accommodate. However, every effort is made to do so.

Because the number of applicants always exceeds the number of spots available, a competitive point application process is used to select the most qualified applicants.


Applicants are evaluated across four criteria, including cumulative grade point average, direct hands-on patient care experience, completion of required prerequisite courses, and other formal education. Previous qualified applicants and alternates will also be awarded points.


Points are awarded for each criterion according to the following table.

Criteria Maximum Points
GPA 5.5
Pre-requisite courses 5
Associate’s degree or higher (AAS, AS, AA, BS, BA, MS, MA) or a certificate from a 900-hour tech college program 1
Patient care experience 5
Alternate in previous application cycle 0.5

Admission to, and progression in, the practical nursing program is contingent upon submission of satisfactory local, national, and sex offender registry background check results. 

  • Background checks will not be conducted until acceptance into the program
  • Background checks must be completed according to OTECH’s instructions
  • Prior checks from outside sources won’t be accepted
  • Convictions may affect program completion and employment

Students accepted into the PNP need to complete drug testing and meet current vaccine requirements to qualify for participation in clinical experiences at healthcare facilities. 

  • Drug screen must follow school-provided instructions
  • Outside screenings won’t be accepted
  • Drug Screen Policy

You must be able to: 

  • Use hands and fingers with precision
  • Coordinate hand and eye movements
  • Stand/walk for long periods (12+ hours)
  • Lift at least 50 lbs
  • Stay emotionally stable under stress

Provide proof of:

  • Vaccinations: Hepatitis B, TDap, MMR, Varicella, Flu, COVID-19*
  • TB Screening: Two-step, QuantiFERON Gold, or Chest X-ray (within 1 year)
  • Health Insurance

 

*Clinical partners may require full vaccination per CDC guidelines for placement. Clinical experience is required to complete the program.

questions?

Meet with PN admissions advisor

Admissions Advisors