Quick Answer: HCI College advises prospective Practical Nursing students to start entrance exam prep, background screening and health clearances early. Missing documents and low TEAS scores are among the most common reasons applicants miss their preferred start date.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 10, 2026 — With applications accepted year-round, HCI College is encouraging South Florida residents considering nursing to begin admission preparation well before their target start date. Entrance exam scores, background checks, drug screening, immunizations and CPR certification all have to be in place, and each step takes time.
The guidance applies to applicants at both HCI College campuses, at 1764 North Congress Ave. in West Palm Beach and 1201 W. Cypress Creek Rd. in Fort Lauderdale.
Why Early Preparation Matters
Nursing school admission is more involved than most college applications. Clinical training puts students in direct contact with patients, so programs must confirm that students are academically ready, medically cleared and eligible for eventual licensure.
“[Placeholder quote — e.g., on how early preparation helps applicants start on time and with confidence.]” said [Name, Title, HCI College].
Preparation Timeline
| Step | Recommended Lead Time |
|---|---|
| Entrance exam study | Several weeks to months |
| TEAS or HESI A2 exam | Allow time for a retake |
| AHA BLS certification | Before applying |
| Physical, titers, vaccines | Several weeks |
| Background and drug screening | At enrollment |
Lead times are general planning guidance. Admissions can confirm exact deadlines for each start date.
Step 1: The Entrance Exam
Applicants to HCI’s practical nursing program West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale students share can meet the academic requirement in one of three ways:
- TEAS: composite score of at least 40
- HESI A2: at least 70 on each of Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary and Knowledge, Anatomy and Physiology, and Math
- Prior degree: an earned AS, AAS or AOS degree or higher from an accredited institution
HESI A2 results are accepted for up to two years after the test date.
Study Tips
- Take a full, timed practice exam to establish a baseline
- Focus on your weakest content area first
- Refresh basic math, including fractions, decimals, ratios and conversions
- Review introductory anatomy and physiology vocabulary
- Leave room in your schedule for a possible retake
The math review pays off twice. Once enrolled, Practical Nursing students must score at least 90% on the PN106 dosage calculation test.
Step 2: CPR Certification
Applicants must hold a current American Heart Association BLS card. HCI College has taught AHA courses since its founding in 1993 and still offers them today, so applicants can earn this credential through the college.
Step 3: Health Clearances
Students in LPN training West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale complete a pre-entrance physical and all required titers and vaccinations through HCI’s approved vendor. Before clinicals, they must also provide:
- A physical exam attesting to readiness for professional nursing work
- A negative PPD test, or chest X-ray when indicated, read within 72 hours
- Current immunizations and titers showing active immunity
- Annual renewals of PPD tests, flu shots and physical exams as required
Titers can take time because some vaccines require multiple doses or follow-up testing, which is one reason HCI encourages starting early.
Step 4: Background and Drug Screening
Applicants must pass an FDLE Level II criminal background check and a 10-panel drug screen. Results must meet Florida Board of Nursing requirements and be sent directly to the college.
Applicants should know two points in advance:
- A positive drug screen without a prescription may keep a student from moving forward
- Medical marijuana cards are not accepted for clinical purposes
Anyone with a past record should talk with Admissions before enrolling. The Florida Board of Nursing ultimately decides who may sit for the NCLEX-PN.
Step 5: Financial Planning
Financial aid is available to students who qualify. HCI College has been approved since 2016 to award Federal Student Aid, and it provides information on scholarships, Bright Futures, Florida Prepaid and payment options. A net price calculator on the college’s website gives applicants an estimate before they meet with financial aid.
Required materials and a set of uniforms are included in the Practical Nursing program at no additional cost.
Choosing the Right Program
Some applicants arrive after researching an RN school in West Palm Beach and discover that the Practical Nursing diploma is a faster first step. HCI offers both:
- Practical Nursing diploma — about 16 months, 46 credits, NCLEX-PN eligibility
- Associate Degree in Nursing — as little as two years, 72 credits, NCLEX-RN preparation
Admissions representatives can help applicants compare the two based on schedule, finances and long-term goals.
What Happens After Admission
Once enrolled, students in the Fort Lauderdale LPN training course and West Palm Beach program complete four semesters and 1,350 clock hours of theory, lab, simulation and clinical training. Progress requirements include:
- A minimum B (80%) in each didactic course
- Passing each critical skills performance within two attempts
- Completing all clinical hours
- Passing predictor and adaptive assessments where applicable
Students can repeat a course only once. HCI supports students with faculty and peer tutors and 24/7 online tutoring through Tutor.com.
“[Placeholder quote — e.g., on the support students receive once they’ve made it through admissions.]” said [Name, Title, HCI College].
After Graduation
Graduates receive a Diploma in Practical Nursing. After the Florida Board of Nursing reviews their eligibility, they may take the NCLEX-PN. Those who pass can work as Licensed Practical Nurses in Florida, and HCI provides career placement assistance to graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What TEAS score do I need?
A composite score of at least 40.
Can I use HESI A2 scores instead?
Yes, with at least 70 on each of the five required sections, taken within the past two years.
Can HCI help me get my BLS card?
Yes. HCI College offers American Heart Association courses.
How do I know which start date I can make?
Contact Admissions at either campus to review start dates against your preparation timeline.
About HCI College
HCI College, founded in 1993 as Health Career Institute, is a private postsecondary college serving South Florida from campuses in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Programs include an Associate Degree in Nursing; diplomas in Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Optometric Technician and Veterinary Assisting; and American Heart Association courses. HCI College is accredited by ACCSC, licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, and its Practical Nursing program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
Campus Locations
West Palm Beach
1764 North Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
(561) 586-0121
Fort Lauderdale
1201 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 626-0255
Media Contact: [Name], [Title], HCI College, info@hci.edu
Sources and Further Reading
- HCI College, Practical Nursing Admission Requirements — https://www.hci.edu/programs/practical-nursing
- HCI College, Application Process — https://www.hci.edu/admissions/application-process
- HCI College, American Heart Association Courses — https://www.hci.edu/programs/american-heart-association-courses
- HCI College, Scholarships — https://www.hci.edu/admissions/scholarships
- Florida Board of Nursing — https://floridasnursing.gov
About Brian French
Led by a commitment to tech-intelligent curation, Brian French researches corporate developments and produces high quality Florida Press Releases. Brian brings an extensive financial background to his analysis, having graduated from the University of South Florida in Finance and serving as a Vice President and Portfolio Manager for Merrill Lynch Private Investors and the Trust Department in St. Petersburg, FL, as well as a Vice President and Trust Investment Officer for SunTrust Bank in Sarasota, FL. His writing blends macroeconomic trends, fiduciary capital markets, corporate strategy, and modern digital insights for a sophisticated look at Florida's business market.
