Yes. The PES School of Nursing Education Practical Nursing Program is fully approved and active in the State of Michigan.
Applications for Fall 2026 admission dates will be opening shortly.The first day of class for the fall 2026 semester will be September 1, 2026.
The Practical Nursing Program is designed as an accelerated 12-month program.
The Practical Nursing Program is designed to prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination for practical nursing licensure.
The program utilizes a blended learning format that may include classroom instruction, simulation/lab experiences, online coursework, and in-person clinical experiences.
PES School of Nursing Education is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Admission requirements currently include:
Additional requirements may apply.
Yes. Applicants must hold an active CNA certification and have at least six (6) months of CNA work experience prior to beginning the program.
Yes. PES School of Nursing Education offers CNA training programs that may help students begin their pathway toward Practical Nursing education.
The PES School of Nursing Education Practical Nursing Program requires applicants to possess active CNA certification and direct CNA work experience prior to admission. While Medical Assistants (MAs) play a very important role within healthcare, the CNA role provides a significantly different type of patient care experience that more closely aligns with the foundational expectations of practical nursing education.
Certified Nursing Assistants routinely provide extensive direct bedside care to patients and residents in settings such as long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing environments. This experience develops critical foundational skills including:
These experiences are essential in helping students develop the clinical maturity, emotional readiness, patient interaction skills, and hands-on care foundation necessary for success within an accelerated Practical Nursing program.
While Medical Assistants often work in outpatient or clinic-based settings and perform valuable administrative and clinical support functions, the MA role differs substantially from the level of continuous bedside caregiving and patient support experience obtained through CNA work and employment.
For this reason, PES has determined that CNA experience best prepares applicants for the pace, rigor, and patient care expectations of the Practical Nursing curriculum. Furthermore, these requirements are what is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, and we cannot deviate from this.
At this time, the program does not utilize a traditional multi-year waitlist system. Admission is competitive and based on seat availability and admissions review.
No. Applicants must complete the admissions process, including interviews and admissions review. Submission timing may impact seat availability.
Cohort sizes are intentionally limited to support quality education and student success.
Tuition and program costs are detailed on the PN program page.
PES School of Nursing Education is not currently a Title IV federal financial aid institution at this time.
Yes. Payment plan options may be available for qualifying students.
Books, uniforms, clinical requirements, testing fees, and additional educational materials are separate from tuition unless otherwise stated.
Additional costs may include, but are not limited to:
A detailed estimated cost sheet will be provided during admissions.
Program schedules may vary and are subject to change based on educational and clinical requirements.
Many students maintain employment while enrolled; however, due to the accelerated nature of the program, students should expect a rigorous academic and clinical schedule.
Clinical experiences may occur at various approved healthcare facilities throughout West Michigan and surrounding areas.
Scheduling options may vary by cohort and availability.
Yes. Due to the accelerated nature of the program and state educational requirements, attendance expectations are strict.
Yes. Students may be required to complete criminal background checks, drug screenings, and other compliance requirements prior to clinical placement.
Yes. Clinical agencies may require proof of immunizations, health screenings, CPR certification, and additional medical documentation.
Students are required to have a laptop computer (no netbooks and no tablets) and internet connection.
Yes. Students are expected to comply with program dress code and professional appearance requirements.
Attendance, make-up work, remediation, and progression policies are outlined within the student handbook and program policies.
Many Practical Nursing graduates later pursue LPN-to-RN bridge opportunities. Individual transferability and admissions requirements vary by institution.
Graduates may pursue employment opportunities in areas such as:
As a newly approved program, outcome data is not yet available.
Yes. The program is fully approved in the State of Michigan.
Application instructions and admissions information are available at:
Applicants may go through the following process:
School of Nursing Education