Practical Nursing

Phase 1 - 605 hours

Phase 1: 

605 hours - 350 theory hours, 137 lab hours, 118 clinical hours

• Nursing Fundamentals, including Geriatric Nursing

Provides essential information on the fundamental concepts and basic skills of nursing. The concepts and basic skills learned in this course will offer a foundation for which all further nursing care and knowledge is developed. Fundamentals is taught in conjunction with Geriatrics of Nursing which teaches students how to care for patients who are aging or suffering from conditions normally affecting aging patients.

• Anatomy & Physiology

Provides foundational knowledge of the structure and function of the human body, essential for practical nursing practice. Students will explore the organization of body systems and their physiological processes, gaining insight into how these systems work individually and interdependently. An introduction to common disease processes affecting each system is included to support clinical understanding and application.

• Pharmacology, including Drug Administration

Provides a foundation to understanding drug therapy, general principles of pharmacology and the mathematics involved as well as the responsibilities of the nurse.

Phase 1 clinical partner*: St. Luke Health Services & The Cottages at Garden Grove

Phase 2 - 595 hours

Phase 2: 

595 hours - 347 theory hours, 10 lab hours, 238 clinical hours

• Nutrition

Covers principles of nutrition, nutrition in health promotion and nutrition in the clinical practice.

• Medical-Surgical

Provides essential information on common disorders along with comprehensive concepts on caring for clients with these disorders including nursing responsibilities.  Pharmacology, anatomy and pathophysiology will be incorporated into this course.

• Mental Health and Mental Health Communication

Provides essential information that will allow the student to understand and build a foundation for mental health nursing. The therapeutic skills discussed in this course will be necessary for the care of those with psychological and psychosocial problems. 

• Reproductive Health

Provides essential information that will allow the student to understand and build a foundation for maternity care along with nursing responsibilities.

• Pediatrics

Provides essential information on Pediatric care along with nursing responsibilities

• Senior Experience 

Capstone clinical experience.

• NCLEX Review 

Final preparatory review for students as preparing to take the NCLEX licensure exam.

• Prepare to work as a Practical Nurse

Includes writing a professional resume and what to include in a professional portfolio, sharpening interview skills, finding and applying to job openings, and applying for professional licensure. 

Phase 2 clinical partners*: CiTi school nurses, City of Oswego Fire, Oswego County Opportunities, Inc., Oswego Health, St. Joseph’s Health and private practices.

1. Complete an application

   1. Pay application Fee: non-refundable $75 - due upon submission of an application (cash, credit card, check or money order)

      1. Apply online

      2. Print and mail a completed application to 

CiTi 
c/o Adult Programs - R. Shelanskey
179 County Route 64
Mexico, NY 13114

2. Pre-admissions Testing (2025 class: Kaplan Practical Nursing)

   1. Informational flier on exam and how to sign up

   2. Arrive 15 minutes before scheduled start time

   3. Bring photo ID

   4. Allow up to four (4) hours for testing

3. Two (2) Reference Letters 

   1. The individuals selected to complete a reference letter must mail the completed reference letter to CiTi directly or they can email the letter to AdultOfferings@CiTiboces.org

   2. Reference letters submitted by the applicant are invalid

   3. Printable reference letter forms

4. Transcripts from high school and any college courses, if applicable

a. Have transcripts mailed to: 

c/o Adult Programs - R. Shelanskey
CiTi
179 County Route 64
Mexico, NY 13114

5. Admissions Essay

a. Printable Essay Form

6. Copy of your driver's license or government issued ID.  

• To help maintain a safe learning environment, we use the Raptor Visitor Management System. Your driver’s license or another government-issued ID will be scanned.
• This system checks your ID against national safety databases and helps us verify who is in the building. Your information is handled securely and is only used for safety purposes.

An admissions interview will be scheduled prior to program acceptance

• Submit the Following Documents by December 18, 2026 (required for clinical rotations)

  1. American Heart Association BLS CPR/AED for the healthcare professional certificate of completion

     1. American Heart Association provider search

  2. Infection Control Certification

     1. Department of Health listing of providers in Central New York

  3. Health form (requires an appointment with a medical professional)

     1. Printable form

     2. Physical and immunization records and vaccinations required for medical personnel by the Center for Disease Control and NYS HealthDepartment

  4. 2 PPD Readings (requires an appointment with a medical professional)

     1. Printable form

  Failure to submit these documents on time will prevent you from continuing in the program.