Apply Now to begin in Fall Semester (August start)
The Practical Nursing program has been revised into a two year, four semester full-time curriculum. The sequence for fall admission to the program will be fall/spring & fall/spring (August 2025-May 2027). Applications for the fall 2025 class are being accepted now and must be completed by no later than April 1, 2025. Early application is encouraged for advising purposes. This will allow us to help you plan and suggest proper courses to begin your studies. Current enrollment in missing prerequisites is not required to apply early, but to be considered, they must be successfully completed before entering the program. Note: we plan to accept each spring and fall for a four semester program. There will not be classes in the summer and course sequence will be Fall/Spring/Fall/Spring with no classes in the summer semester. More details will be posted for the spring 2025 admission in spring 2024.
How To Apply
We require all application material(s) be submitted directly to Health Professions – if you fail to do so, be aware we will not be responsible for any delays in processing your file. Complete the following and submit (if applicable) in one envelope to:
Pam Woody, VWCC-Health Professions
3091 Colonial Ave.
Roanoke, VA 24015.
1. Apply to VWCC.
If you are not a current VWCC student, apply to the college by completing a VWCC Application. Please make sure you indicate your plan of study as Career Studies Certificate: Introduction to Practical Nursing on the college application. This is an important first step to the application process. If transcripts begin to arrive on your behalf, and you have not completed the VWCC application and indicated that your plan of study is CSC: Intro to Practical Nursing, then your transcripts may not be “matched” to your record and you will not be considered for a class position.
2. Apply to the Practical Nursing Program.
Apply to the Practical Nursing Program by submitting a Fall 2025 Practical Nursing Application Form. An application is also available in the Health Professions office in the Fralin Center for Science and Health Professions, Room HP339 (you cannot submit online).
3. Submit A Handwritten Essay
The instructions for your handwritten essay are on the back of the application. Note: If both the program application form and the essay are not received by April 1, the applicant will not be considered for a class position. No exception.
4. Obtain your transcripts.
Have all official transcripts (high school and college in original intact sealed envelope) and a copy of GED scores (if applicable). We strongly suggest applicants request transcripts be sent to the applicant’s mailing address, so you are fully aware of whether your request is filled and all material can be placed by you in one larger envelope for submission. Remember, do not open any envelope which contains a transcript, they are no longer “official” to us when you open.
If any school refuses to issue “official” transcripts directly to you, please request they be sent addressed directly to Pam Woody at the address above. Please do not request transcripts from VWCC or any other community college in Virginia. HS transcripts are required even if you are a college graduate. GED holders must also submit official high school transcripts if completed at least through the 9th grade. If you were home-schooled, a detailed academic curriculum report showing completion by the school administrator is required (including a statement indicating if a lab component was completed for Biology and Chemistry).
Note: Some high schools and colleges use electronic forms of transcripts (such as e-transcript, Parchment, etc.) and they are acceptable. When using Parchment, please select Allied Health-Undergraduate.
Transcript Request Form (PDF)
5. Submit your application materials.
We suggest mailing your application packet to Miss Woody at the address above. It is the applicant’s responsibility to request their own transcripts and pay any required fees. Faxed transcripts are not considered “official” for application. Neither are transcripts opened by the student or electronic transcripts sent directly to the student. Please have all electronic transcripts, sent to Pam Woody at VWCC.
6. Review the Practical Nursing Checklist
Complete the Practical Nursing (LPN) Checklist-FALL (PDF)
COST OF ATTENDANCE
The cost of attendance is an estimate of the costs a student may have while at Virginia Western.
ADVISING
healthprofessions@virginiawestern.edu
Fralin Center HP339
New Students: Chapman Hall
540-857-7341 or 540-857-6644
Fax: 540-857-6640
Mailing address:
School of Health Professions
3091 Colonial Ave., SW
Roanoke, VA 24015
PROGRAM HEAD
Melinda Wooldridge, BSN, RN-BC
Program Head, Practical Nursing
Diploma – Tazewell County Vocational Practical Nursing Program, 1985
A.A.S. in Nursing – Southwest Virginia Community College, 1998
B.S.N. – American Sentinel University, 2019
Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse, 2022
SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Martha Sullivan, Dean