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Procedure for September 2025

(The enrollment process starts April 1, 2025)

Step One – Entrance Exam -  Testing and Enrollment instructions. 

TEAS Testing dates are 4/1/25 - 4/29/25.   Please do not take the exam before the 4/1/25 start date.  TEAS exams taken outside of this date range will be evaluated after 4/29/25. Tests taken outside of this time frame may be considered depending on seat availability. 

Applicants must schedule the TEAS entrance exam directly with ATI testing at (http://www.atitesting.com/.) Related testing fees are paid directly to ATI. To be eligible for our Full-Time and Part-Time classes, candidates must meet the benchmark Adjusted Individual Score of 45% or above.  

  • It is highly recommended that applicants study for this challenging exam. It is vital that applicants give ample time to prepare. 
  • Candidates should register their ATI accounts with Dutchess County BOCES as their institution in order for us to receive their scores. 
  • TEAS with all four sections is the only acceptable version for submission. Version six (6) is not accepted for admission into our program.
  •  Applicants may retake the TEAS exam however 1st time testers that meet the required score will have  preference in seating.  
  •  In order to receive your application into the program, please email an Individual Performance Profile sheet Page 1,  showing all four sections of the TEAS exam results to natasha.west@dcboces.org (link sends e-mail). Include your phone number in the email.

How to register for the TEAS exam?

All testers must create an ATI account. They can create an account at www.atitesting.com (link is external) by clicking on CREATE NEW ACCOUNT  and following the screen prompts. If you need assistance, please contact ATI at (800)-667-7531.

If you plan on taking  your exam at home, please go to this link  before you register to ensure that your computer and software are compatible to the ATI software.https://www.atitesting.com/technical-requirements

I have tested before but I don't know my username or password?

 Users should follow the screen prompts to update their account and receive their Paper/Pencil ID; They should print the information and take it with them to their test session. Only one test per six months is permitted.

I've taken a test using my ATI paper pencil ID. How do I obtain my results?

Students can sign into the ATI system using their username and password they use when they created their account. They can retrieve the results by clicking on RESULTS under the QUICK LINKS section.

Step Two - The interview process

Once you have met the Entrance Exam requirements, candidates should schedule a phone interview. When you call to schedule the interview, make sure that you include your full name as it appears on the TEAS exam and a contact phone number. Calling hours for an interview are Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The phone number for the interview is (845) 486-8045. Once you have successfully completed the interview, you will receive an application and financial aid information.

Please do not send in transcripts and other documents unless you have successfully completed the TEAS/ Interview Process AND have receive your Admission Packet. 

Step Three – Admission Application 

  • Admission Applications information will be distributed to each candidate via e-mail or U.S. postal service. Please note e-mailing will be quicker; applications will be accepted in the order they are completed. There are a limited number of seats available for the September 2025 Session
    • A $100.00 non-refundable Application Fee in the form of a money order or certified bank check made out to Dutchess BOCES will be required with the submission of the Application all in one envelope, except for the high school credential which is send directly from the issuing body.
    • Applications may be mailed or make an appointment to drop off the application. 
    • Always include “School of Practical Nursing” in all items mailed to our school.
    • This program is approved by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Dutchess One Stop, ACCES-VR and Employer/Labor Organizations.
    • Federal Student Aid is available for eligible applicants. Start this process as soon as possible. Students may fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov(link is external) using our school code of 014530 (DUTCHESS COUNTY BOCES SCH PRAC NURS). You will receive further instructions via email on how to access our Financial Aid Portal after you have been accepted into the program. 
  • Applicants will be accepted as their applications become complete. Applications should be completed as quickly as possible in order to avoid being placed on a wait-list.  
    • Each applicant will be required to process their high school credential request from the issuing body. Students may order their transcripts now in order to avoid future delays. The following acceptable high school credential must be sent directly to us from the issuing body: 
  • An official high school transcript with the graduation date must be sent directly to us by the issuing high school.
  • An official Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASCHSE) transcript with scores must be sent directly to us by the issuing body ($10.) See http://www.acces.nysed.gov/common/access/files/hse/attachmenth.pdf(link is external) for more information regarding NYS High School Equivalency Diploma.
    • Please note that high school equivalency diplomas obtained online are not accepted for entrance into the Practical Nursing program
  • A foreign high school evaluation must be mailed directly to us, stating that the foreign credential is equivalent to a United States high school diploma
  • If another company is used for the high school evaluation, they must be a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services http://www.naces.org/members.html(link is external)  or https://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/evalforeigncred-approve...
  • References should be sent in the application envelope. Suggested professional references include supervisors, guidance counselors, teachers, volunteer oversight administrators, pastors and coaches. Please do not use family, friends or coworkers.
  • Background checks and drug screen through Castle Branch are required as part of the application process, with a current fee of $178.76.  Information will be provided in the Application and is subject to change. Criminal clearance is required for acceptance. (Convictions will require Certificate of Good Conduct or Relief from Disabilities from the Court.)
  • Applicant records their TEAS score on application and may continue with the application process based upon the following ATI Academic Preparedness Level and Percentage.

It should be noted that passing the TEAS exam does not guarantee admission into the School of Practical Nursing. However; it is one of the mandatory criteria.  If a waitlist needs to be created, preferential seating will be given to applicants for the next available program.

  • Applicants who have met the minimum TEAS scores must submit their completed application packet as quickly as possible. Wait listed students will be offered enrollment pending future program availability.
  • Applications are evaluated in the order they are received; only complete applications will be processed for acceptance.
  • If applicant is not a United States citizen, a current alien registration card will be required. Student Visa is not acceptable. Federal law and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education (8NYCRR §59.4) limit the issuance of professional licenses, registrations and limited permits to U.S. citizens or qualified aliens; an applicant who is not a U.S. citizen or National must produce citizenship documents in person with their application.
  • All applicants must meet the terms and conditions set forth in the fee schedule regarding payment of tuition. This information will be included in the Acceptance Packet.
  • Previous students of the Dutchess BOCES School of Practical Nursing must call 845-486-8045 to determine if they are eligible to return to the program prior to taking the exam. Readmission is offered for the part-time program only.
  • If you have taken the TEAS test within the past 12 months, please call the school to determine eligibility.
  • Clinical agencies utilized for rotations throughout the program include settings within Ulster and Dutchess Counties.  If any hospital or licensed facility has restricted or terminated your employment, or if you have ever voluntarily or involuntarily resigned or withdrawn from such association to avoid imposition of such measures, you are advised to call the school for information before submitting the entrance examination fee.

Essential Functions of a Practical Nursing Student

For participation in the nursing program students must meet, maintain, and satisfactorily demonstrate that they are able to perform all the essential technical skills and functions of a nursing student that include, but are not limited to, the student’s ability to:

  • Demonstrate the physical endurance and ability to protect a client when the client is standing and ambulating on all surfaces with or without the use of client assistive devices, including canes, crutches, and walkers.
  • Demonstrate the physical ability and endurance necessary to stand/walk for a minimum of three hours and complete patient/client care in the clinical setting within the allotted amount of time.
  • Demonstrate the physical ability and endurance necessary to safely move a client over 100 pounds from one surface to another using the appropriate level of help.
  • Demonstrate the physical ability and endurance to use safe body mechanics in the process of all client treatments, including lifting and carrying equipment.
  • Demonstrate the physical ability to hear blood pressure, heart and lung sounds, alarms, bells and emergency signals with or without corrective devices.
  • Demonstrate the manipulative skills and ability necessary to palpate soft tissue, including pulse, muscles, and bones.
  • Demonstrate the manipulative skills necessary to perform interventions such as sterile procedures, dressing changes and administer medications (including dosage calculation when necessary) following infection control procedures.
  • Demonstrate the ability to distinguish color changes.
  • Demonstrate the ability to respond to a client, faculty member, or other health care provider with and without viewing their face.
  • Demonstrate the ability to adapt rapidly and accurately in stressful situations and display the ability to respond simultaneously to multiple demands in the health care environment.
  • Demonstrate the ability to establish effective relationships with others.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, safely, and efficiently in English by: explaining procedures, receiving information from others, and receiving information from written documents. All students are expected to communicate solely in English unless they have been specifically authorized by faculty or administration to communicate in a language other than English.

Click HERE for the Net Price Calculator

Program Costs

  • Tuition - $14,250
  • Books - $500.00
  • Lab Pack- $45.00
  • Application Fee- $100.00
  • Admissions Fee - $100.00
  • Physical/Immunizations - Varies
  • CPR/Background Check/Drug Screening - $178.76
  • Laptop and IT support- Varies
  • Uniform - Varies

Median Loan Debt 2023-2024: $8,398.

On-time Completion Rates

  • June 2024- 70% Program Completion

License Examination Performance

  • 2024 First-Time Candidates Licensed- 894.5% (NCSBN)

Job Placement Rates

  • 100% job offers rate before completion of program. 
  • 100% job placement rate

- HEGIS Code 5209.20 SOC Code 29-2061 CIP Code 51.3901

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• Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training