Practical Nursing
Step into a high-demand career that makes a real impact. In just 10 months, BOCES’ Practical Nursing program prepares you for the New York State Licensing Exam (NCLEX-PN) through comprehensive coursework, clinical training, and real-world patient care experience.


Earn your Practical Nursing Certification in 10 Months.
Learn essential nursing skills, complete clinical rotations, and prepare for the NCLEX-PN exam. With locations in Watertown and Glenfield, our accredited program gets you licensed and ready to enter the healthcare field quickly and confidently.
BOCES Practical Nursing program is designed to provide adult learners with the skills and knowledge needed to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New York State.
With small class sizes, hands-on clinical training, and a focused curriculum, you’ll graduate ready to step into patient care settings or continue to advanced nursing education.
See Admissions Requirements. Learn more about Practical Nursing below.
Location Options and Financial Support.
Classes are offered at two convenient locations—the Globe Building in Watertown and the Sackett Technical Center in Glenfield.
With a focused, 10-month program structure, you can complete training and start working faster than a traditional college program.
Financial assistance is available to those who qualify, and specialized support is provided to help you navigate the admissions process and secure funding.

Intensive Training in Patient Care
Over the course of 10 months, you’ll learn the fundamentals of patient care, including medication administration, wound care, vital signs monitoring, and infection control.
Training takes place in state-approved clinical settings, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare environments.
Instructors are experienced, licensed nurses committed to preparing you for success on the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

How to Register for the TEAS® Exam
The TEAS® exam is a critical step in the admissions process for the Practical Nursing Program. Registration opens approximately one semester prior to the desired start date.
To register, use the button below to visit ATI Testing, create an account, and select Watertown, NY as your testing location.
The exam cost is $102, payable by credit card. Scores of Exemplary, Advanced, or Proficient are preferred. When you register, keep track of your username and password for future use.
To prepare, consider using the 7th Edition TEAS® study manual, available through ATI or online retailers.

Program Details
Prepare for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam while building essential nursing skills in patient care, communication, infection control, and clinical procedures. Clinical rotations offer direct patient care experience in diverse settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
See Cost breakdown and course schedule below.
See Cost breakdown and course schedule below.
Program Cost Detail
Level 1
Program Length: 595 Clock Hours
Tuition: $11,441
Textbooks: Included
Materials & Supplies $500
Level 1 Cost: $11,941
Level 2
Program Length: 595 Clock Hours
Tuition: $11,441
Textbooks: Included
Materials & Supplies $0
Level 2 Cost: $11,441
Total
Program Length: 1190 Clock Hours
Tuition: $22,882
Textbooks: Included
Materials & Supplies $500
Total Cost: $23,382
Course Schedule and Locations
Jefferson County: Globe Building, Watertown, NY
Lewis County: Howard G. Sackett Technical Center, Glenfield, NY
Fall
Start: September 02, 2025
End: January 30, 2026
Spring
Start: February 02, 2026
End: June 26, 2026
Veteran-Focused Training and Support
BOCES is proud to offer veteran-approved training aligning with New York State Bureau of Veterans Education standards.
Both Level I and Level II are eligible for veterans’ education benefits, providing you with a direct path to industry certification and hands-on skills training in a high-demand field.
For more about Veteran and general Financial Aid information, contact the BOCES Health Careers Coordinator Mrs. Davis at 315-779-7230


Nursing Instructors
Jefferson County, Globe Building Watertown, NY
Heidi Michaelson, Gretchen Bragger, Jennifer Mahnken, Krista Mayle
Lewis County, Howard G. Sackett Technical Center, Glenfield, NY
Vada Auctor
Please Note: If you have ever been convicted of a crime or are currently under charges for any crime, including DWI, this may jeopardize your ability to be licensed in New York State. Direct your questions to the New York State Office of the Professions with specific concerns.