Admissions Guide

Before you apply, here are some important things to know about the program:

You must complete all 4 steps to be considered an applicant for the program. You can submit items one at a time, in any order, but your application is not considered until all 4 steps are complete.  

✅ Step 1: Take the TEAS Test

• Register at ATITesting.com
• Take the test (3-4 hours) to measure English, Math, Science, and Reading
• A score of 44 or higher is required
• Scores must be from the last 2 years
• You must wait 30 days between retests
• Scores between 44-57 may require extra prep before starting
• Send your Official ATI Transcript to DCIU Practical Nursing Program

✅ Step 2: Fill Out the Application

• Complete the DCTS Practical Nursing Program Application

✅ Step 3: Pay the $260 Program Application Fee

• Pay online or in-person at the LPN office with a credit card or money order made out to DCTS Practical Nursing Program
• Questions about payment? Call 484-423-1422
• The program application fee is non-refundable

✅ Step 4: Send Your Official High School Transcript

• Request your high school transcripts to be sent directly from your high school or school district
• Official transcripts can be emailed to lpn@dciu.org, faxed to 484-589-1422, or mailed to 85 N. Malin Road, Broomall, PA 19008
• In-person drop-offs must be sealed in an official school or district envelope
• If you earned a GED outside of PA or attended high school outside the U.S., you must request a Certificate of Preliminary Education (CPE) through PA TIMS
  • You will be required to upload or mail official documents (transcripts, diplomas, etc.) for review that have been translated by an outside service to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
  • The price is determined by the state and translation services can take up to 10 weeks to complete.
  • Once complete, submit the Certificate of Preliminary Education to the Practical Nursing Program along with a copy of your transcript.

Once all four of the items of the application package listed above are in the admissions office, the admissions team will review and let you know if you are accepted. The complete application package must be on file to join a waitlist when necessary. 

Once all pre-admission documents are submitted and you are accepted, you will receive a conditional acceptance letter with more information and next steps. Here's what comes next:

Financial Aid

• Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov
• Add our school code: 031284
• Contact Jeanne Cavalieri-Grover, Financial Aid Consultant for support at jgrover@dciu.org or in person one-day per week on campus.

Submit Your Health & Clearance Forms

• Forms must be submitted 1 month before your start date
• Accepted students will receive a 4-digit code to upload documents to Castle Branch online record system.
• Questions? Call Castle Branch at 1-877-343-0494 

Pay Your $1,000 Deposit

• Due 1 month before your start date
• Non-refundable and applied toward tuition
• Not covered by financial aid
• Pay in-person at the PNP Office (credit/debit) or send a money order made out to "DCTS PNP" (include your name and address) 

The Practical Nursing Program offers a high-quality, affordable path to becoming an LPN. Our program is recognized as Pennsylvania's top higher education program for value, preparing students for rewarding nursing careers in just one year.

2026-2027 Program Cost

The total program cost for the 2026-2027 year is $27,433. Our program is divided into four levels. Tuition and fees for each level are:

Level	Tuition	Fees	Lab Fee	Other Costs	Total
Level 1	$5,908.92	$70	$100	Lab Supplies: $164 ATI Access: $592.25 Computer: $684.32	$7,519.49
Level 2	$5,908.92	$70	$100	ATI Access: $592.25	$6,671.17
Level 3	$5,908.92	$70	n/a	ATI Access: $592.25	$6,571.17
Level 4	$5,908.92	$70	n/a	ATI Access: $592.25 Graduation Fee: $100	$6,671.17

 

 

(Prices subject to change. A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is due one month before the program start date. Prices listed above are for non-Financial Aid students.)

Additional Required Costs

These are not included in tuition, but are required to participate in the program: 

• Books
  • Level 1: 
    • Human Body in Health & Illness (8th Edition, Herlihy) ISBN: 978-0443124440
    • Math for Nurses (10th Edition, Mary Jo Boyer) ISBN: 978-1975100926
  • Levels 2-4: 
    • Williams’ Basic Nutrition (17th Edition, Nix) ISBN: 978-0443123641
    • Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (10th Edition, Videback) ISBN: 978-1975239152
    • Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing (7th Ed.)
       
• Uniforms
  • Pewter Gray scrubs for class (any retailer)
  • Clinical uniform from Logowearhouse (with program logo) - recommended at least 2 sets
    • https://logowearhouse.shop/dciu-pnp/shop/home
• Clearances & Certifications
  • Criminal background checks
  • Child Abuse Clearance
  • CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Provider AHA or ARC)
  • Drug testing
  • Physical exam & required immunizations

Financial Aid Options

Our program is eligible for:

• Federal Student Aid grants and loans
• PHEAA PA Forward Loans
• Veterans Administration benefits
• PHEAA PA TIP Grant (for eligible Pennsylvania students)
• Scholarships & tuition reimbursement from employers and community organizations.

How to Apply for Federal Financial Aid

1. Create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov (student and, if applicable, parent).
2. Complete the FAFSA - use school code 031284. 
3. If borrowing loans, complete your Loan Agreement (MPN) online.
4. Complete Entrance Counseling (required for federal loan borrowers).

Our Financial Aid Consultant, Jeanne Cavalieri-Grover, is available on campus one day per week or via email at jgrover@dciu.org.

 

If your chosen cohort is full when your materials are submitted:

• You may be placed in the next available cohort.
• You may need to pay the $260 application fee again
• The $1,000 deposit is still required for the new cohort 30 days before you start the program.
• Please note: Paying fees without submitting all application steps does not guarantee a spot.