Program Costs and Financial Aid Options

Submit Application Fee with the application. This fee includes the cost of the Kaplan Admission Test, test monitoring, a PA State Criminal History Record Check, Medical Terminology Challenge Test, online monitoring for the MT Challenge Test and Interview session. See “Admissions” page to download an application. Costs and processes are subject to change.

The Kaplan Admission Test is administered and monitored at the Practical Nursing Program (PNP) computer lab.  Information for test registration and a test date is emailed to the applicant upon receipt of application.

Retaking the Admission Test – If the applicant does not pass the Admission Test on the first attempt, the Admission Test can be retaken 30 days after the first attempt and up to one year from the date the applicant signed the PNP application.

To schedule a retake test, submit a letter to the PNP requesting an opportunity to retake the Admission Test and include the $60 retest fee.

The PNP will email the applicant retest registration and retest date information pending approval of the request.

Tuition may be paid in full prior to starting the program OR the student may opt to pay tuition according to the schedule below. There is one academic year – 50 weeks (1500 hours/189 days).  However the tuition is paid according to two enrollment periods. This is set up to allow adequate availability of financial aid.

First Enrollment Period – includes Level I through Level IV. There are two tuition payments in this enrollment period.

In State Students – The first tuition payment, $5446.00, is due one month prior to starting the program. The second payment, $5446.00, is due at the midway point of the first enrollment period.

Out of State Students – Two tuition payments of $6512.00/payment.

Second Enrollment Period – includes Levels V and VI.  There are two tuition payments in this enrollment period.

In State Students – The third and payment, $2729.00, is due prior to starting Level V.  The final payment, $2729.00, is due prior to starting Level VI.

Out of State Students – The third payment, $3263.00, is due prior to starting Level V. The final payment, $3263.00, is due prior to starting Level VI.

A textbook and online learning resource list and instructions for ordering will be provided on the program’s orientation day. Students are responsible to have current editions of textbooks and online resources by the first day of the program.

To access the Net Price Calculator, click here

Required to enter Practical Nursing Program if not passing Medical Terminology Challenge Test during Admission Testing. Recommended for anyone considering employment in any health care program. A Med Term course (non college credit) is offered by the FCCTC Adult Education Office – 717-263-9033 x 227.  Call for current cost.

For an online course option, call the PN Program office.  Call for current cost.

Students may choose any post-secondary school Medical Terminology course offering 3 or more credits.  Course should be current within last 5 years.  Highly recommended for all incoming students for best success in the PN Program.

Transfer Fee – $150   For students who are admitted to the Program, attend orientation, and then request transfer to the next class.  The student may request transfer one time from the original acceptance.

Readmission Costs

Readmission Fee – $200    For students leaving the Program, after starting, and requesting readmission. Requests for readmission are processed on a case-by-case basis. Readmission is not guaranteed.

Knowledge Competency Testing – $30 per test    For students requesting readmission to the Program who have previously completed PN courses successfully.

Skills Competency Evaluation – $125  For students requesting readmission to the Program who have previously complete PN courses successfully.

Documentation Updates for Readmitted Students – $120 +  Cost varies based on student health insurance and current status of required documents.  Documents that may require updates include Physical Exam, Immunizations, Tuberculosis Screening and PPD, Influenza Vaccine, PA State Police Background Check ($22.00), FBI Clearance ($25.75), Child Abuse Clearance ($8), CPR ($50 – 80), Rapid Drug Screen (10- panel) – cost varies , Chambersburg Hospital Clinical Privileges (no cost).  Prices are subject to change.

Textbook/Uniform Costs for readmission (cost varies) – readmitted student agrees to purchase required textbook editions, extend or renew access to online resources, purchase new uniforms and accessories as required by the Cohort Student Handbook and Orientation Materials.

The student admitted for advanced standing is responsible for the following costs:

Application Fee – $120

Transcript Evaluation – $30

Competency Testing – $30 per test for course seeking advanced standing

Skills Competency Demonstration – $125

Preparation for Clinical Experiences (costs same as for newly admitted student) – see tab above

The following Miscellaneous Fees vary by student/graduate request:

Entrance Exam Retake – $60

Transcript Request Fee – $5

Forms Packet for Portfolio Fee – $5  (students are provided copies free of charge at the beginning of the year)

Returned Check Program Fee – $50

Returned Check Bank Fee – $35 (can vary)

Copy – $0.30 per copy

Additional Print Copies ($10 for 150, $20 for 300, $24 for 400)

Credit Card Usage Convenience Fee – 3.5% of transaction charged

Class/Clinical/Skills Lab Required Make- Up time – $50/hr

Library Book (Lost or Damaged) – replacement cost

For information on gainful employment, please go here.

A laptop computer is required to access online resources and complete online testing when in the classroom.  Tablets – allowed for use in the classroom but not for testing. Cellphone use in the classroom is not allowed.  Some required resources may not be suitable for the tablet or the phone. Any browser selected must be up-to-date. During state wide shut down conditions such as with COVID-19 – must be able to access Zoom links via laptop for class meetings and test monitoring.

REQUIRED: Access to internet at home or place to take tests and participate in class meeting and theory/skills discussion without distraction.

Minimum requirements on the laptop (Chromebook not allowed):

• RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit CPU, 2 GB for 64-bit processor or higher
• Browsers: Google Chrome 49+, Firefox 44.0+, Safari 9.0+, Microsoft Edge 25+ (Google Chrome recommended)
• Broadband Connection with 15 Mbps or higher
• Video Card: At least 64MB of video memory
• Sound Card: At least 64-bit
• Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
• Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled
• Disable pop-up blockers

• Must have camera, microphone, and speaker on laptop
• Recommend wireless or wired mouse and keyboard separate from laptop

as of 4/2022

Tuition costs can be paid by the student, employer, scholarship, government agencies and other third party opportunities.

A variety of resources are available to assist students in meeting the financial costs of the Program.  The Financial Aid Office at the PNP can assist you to identify what programs you qualify for, and assist with the process of application.

1. Federal Loans
2. Federal Pell Grants
3. Federal Parent Plus Loans
4. Pennsylvania Forward Loans
5. Workforce Investment Act (WIOA) funds.  Best to contact your Career Link County office for assistance.
6. PA Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP)
7. PA Trade Act Funds (TRA/TAA)
8. Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) – for qualified students with certain disabilities.
9. Military Veterans – post 9/11 GI bill® *
10. Scholarships – start with www.finaid.org  (managed by US Dept. of Ed for valid scholarship opportunities)
11. Social Organizations –check with local organizations for scholarship/grant opportunities