Practical Nursing - Frequently Asked Questions

Program

Is the Practical Nursing Program accredited?
Yes. Click on the link below to review the accreditation agency for this program and the current accreditation status of this program.
http://www.nlnac.org/home.htm

What is the length of the Practical Nursing program?
Click on the link below to review the program length:
http://matc.edu/student/offerings/pracnursaas.html

Is the Practical Nursing program a day or evening program?
Most courses are offered during the day but some sections of clinical are between 3:00 – 11:00 p.m. There are some required general education courses that are available in the evenings and on weekends.

What is the cost of the program?
Click on the link below to see the current tuition rates. http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/fees.html

Is financial aid available for the program?
Yes. Click on the link below to review financial aid availability. Contact 414-279-6908 for additional information. http://matc.edu/student/resources/FinancialAid/finaid.html

Are there scholarships available for the program?
Yes. Click on the link below to search for Health Occupations Scholarships. http://matc.edu/student/resources/FinancialAid/scholarships.html

Can prerequisites be completed at a school other than MATC?
Yes. General education courses that match those in the program will be considered for transfer. Admission counselors are available to evaluate transcripts from other schools. Click on the link below to be directed to an admission counselor. http://matc.edu/student/currentstudent/credittransfer/credittransfermain.html

Are the Practical Nursing program courses transferable to another college or university?
Click on the link below to view a list of colleges that transfer degree credits toward a bachelor or higher degree.
http://matc.edu/student/currentstudent/credittransfer/xfrprogram.html

Can I choose where I do my clinical rotation?
No. The faculty within your program will select your clinical site.

Can I work during the program?
Yes, you may work while you are in the Practical Nursing program. However, you should keep in mind that you should plan to spend about 3 hours per credit hour of class per week in preparation. So, if you take a 3 credit course, you’ll want to set aside approximately 9 hours of study time.

Application

Is there a student advisor?
Yes. If you are NOT currently admitted to MATC you should call 414-297-MATC or email http://www.matc.edu/student/newstudent/Admissions.html
If you ARE currently admitted to MATC you should call 414-297-6596.

When can I apply for admission to the Practical Nursing program?
You may apply at any time. Click on the link below to view the start date(s) for this program.
http://matc.edu/student/offerings/pracnursaas.html

Do I need to complete any health forms?
Yes. The health forms involve documentation of immunizations, TB test, and verification from your health care provider that you are functionally able to successfully complete the program. Click on the link below to obtain a listing of functional abilities that students should have for this program. Contact the health records specialist at 414-297-7871 for further information. http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/pdf/HLTHFRMPracticalNurseTech.pdf

Do I need a criminal background check?
A criminal background check is required. Click on the link below to review the criminal background process. There is a $20 fee to run your criminal background check. Contact the MATC paralegal at 414-297-7498 for more details. If you have a criminal background, Wisconsin's Caregiver Law may bar you from working in field or clinical sites, depending on the date and type of your offense. If a placement site cannot be arranged for you as a result of your criminal record, you will not be able to complete your program. This requirement must be satisfied before any clinical placement is made.
Criminal Background Check Process

Are there prerequisite classes that I must take before I can apply?
Yes. Click on the link below to view the necessary prerequisite classes. http://matc.edu/student/offerings/pracnursaas.html

Are there any tests that I must take before I am admitted?
Yes, you must take the Accuplacer exam. . Click on the link below. You must also successfully complete the NLN Pre-PN exam.
http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/Admissions_StepThree.html

How do I apply?
Submit an application with a $30 one-time only admission fee and an additional $20 fee for criminal background check. Click on the link below to review the application procedure. http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/admissions.html

When can I start my technical courses?
You must petition to enter the program. If you plan to petition for entry into the program you should begin working on completing the health forms, criminal background check and have seen a program counselor prior to submitting your petition application. The program counselor will let you know if pre-requisite courses are necessary.
Click here to obtain the form necessary for petition.
Click here to see how to make an appointment to see a program counselor.

Is there an orientation meeting for prospective students?
Yes. The MATC Orientation is mandatory. Click on the link below to review how to complete the MATC orientation session. Other program specific orientations may be offered.
Click here to see how to make an appointment to see a program counselor.

Graduation

Are there jobs available?
Yes. Click on the link below to review the latest employment rate for graduates of this program.
MATC Graduate Report

What are the current salary levels?
Click on the link below to review the latest salary level(s) for this occupation. http://matc.edu/student/resources/JOBshop/WagesAndSalaries.html

Are graduates required to pass a licensure examination?
Yes. Click of this link for additional information. http://drl.wi.gov/prof/burhealth.htm

What resources are available for job placement? http://matc.edu/student/resources/Jobs.html

How can I learn more about Practical Nursing?
http://www.nln.org

Updated 7/16/10