New Applicants/Prospective Students

CEC Practical Nursing Program

The first step is for the applicant to apply to the nursing program early in the spring semester before their Junior year. There is a deadline and applications will not be accepted after that date. Applicants should look in CEC's online catalog for deadlines.

Once an application is received at the CEC, the applicant's current APS transcript is reviewed. The transcript is examined to see if the applicant meets the following criteria:

• Must be a resident of Bernalillo County
• Must attend an Albuquerque Public School
• Cumulative grade point of 3.0 or higher
• Biology (Regular): Two semesters with a minimum grade of "B" each semester
• Mathematics: Two years required with a minimum of "B" each year
• Must be capable of performing essential functions (see form in "Resources" section)
• Must be 16 years old by September of year of admission
• Must have current immunizations.
• Annual flu vaccine
• The  COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required for admission however, it remains highly recommended by all hospital facilities. Students who choose not to receive the vaccine may be required to wear a mask during respiratory season to ensure the safety of patients and staff. These guidelines are subject to change at any time based on updates to federal regulations and/or facility policy changes.   
• Must have 1 recent documented TB test.
• Must obtain CPR basic life support prior to the start of the fall semester.

If all requirements are met, the applicant is sent an email stating that they are a qualified applicant. This is the entire application process. If any section of the scoring rubric is incomplete, the applicant becomes disqualified. Materials must be submitted according to deadlines and applicants must be on time for appointments. Once the process is complete, scores are compiled to select the incoming Junior Nursing class. The successful applicant will be notified by personal email and will receive information that will need to be completed and returned by a specified date in the summer.