Starting your application to medical trade school is an exciting step toward a new career in healthcare. Whether you’re exploring how to apply to a Medical Assistant program or preparing to apply to a Practical Nursing program, Prism Career Institute can help. We offer day and evening courses and hands‑on learning that help you move forward with confidence. Here, we outline the essential steps to make applying to healthcare training easier.
Admission Criteria: What Are the Requirements to Apply to a Healthcare Program?
Before applying to a healthcare program, you should be sure you meet the admission requirements. At Prism Career Institute, our programs have foundational admission requirements that ensure you are ready for both the academic material and hands‑on experience. These expectations help the admissions team understand your readiness and long‑term goals. They include:
- Being at least 18 years of age: Students must meet the minimum age requirement to enroll in our programs.
- Providing proof of high school completion: Enrollees must submit a diploma, transcript, or General Education Development (GED) certificate before beginning classes.
- Complete an admissions interview: This step allows the admissions team to learn about your goals and ensure the program aligns with your needs.
- Achieve a passing score on the entrance exam: You must complete and pass the required tests to move forward in the admissions process, either the Test of Essential Academic Skills (or the Medical Assistant Reading Comprehension Entrance Assessment for the Medical Assistant program.
Your Application Checklist: What Do You Need to Apply for Medical Trade School?
Ensuring a smooth application process begins with gathering the proper documentation and information well in advance. If you’re wondering how to apply for healthcare training, Prism Career Institute’s admission team is here to support you along the way. Our checklist of essential application materials includes:
- Government-issued photo ID: Presenting a valid form of identification is required for enrollment and to verify your identity.
- Completed admissions questionnaire: Completing this form allows our admissions team to understand your background and interest in our programs.
- Scheduled entrance exam appointment: An assessment is required for both the Medical Assistant (MA) and Practical Nursing (PN) programs.
- Health documentation: Preparing the necessary items, including immunizations, background checks, and any required clearances for externship placements, is obligatory.
Education Prerequisites: Is Testing Required to Apply for Healthcare Training?
Entrance testing is a crucial part of applying to healthcare training at Prism Career Institute because it helps determine whether applicants are academically prepared for the demands of the coursework.
For the Practical Nursing program, candidates are required to complete the ATI TEAS, which evaluates essential academic skills needed for success in nursing education. Students must earn a minimum score of 46 to qualify. The TEAS exam must be completed successfully before students can proceed to the next steps in the application process for Practical Nursing training.
For the Medical Assistant program, candidates must complete the Medical Assistant Reading Comprehension Entrance Assessment: Minimum passing score of 19 out of 25 correct responses. The assessment evaluates reading comprehension and academic readiness for the program.
The CNA Question: Do You Need to Be a CNA Before Applying to a PN Program?
If you’re considering the Practical Nursing program, you may wonder if you need to be a certified nursing assistant (CNA) beforehand. PN applicants are not required to have previous experience as a CNA. Prism Career Institute’s PN program is structured to support students from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who are entirely new to healthcare. Our curriculum begins with foundational nursing concepts, laboratory instruction, and guided clinical experiences that help students build competency step by step.
Let Prism Career Institute Make Your Healthcare Application Easy
Are you ready to apply to healthcare training at Prism Career Institute? Our accredited programs, taught by experienced healthcare faculty, ensure a smooth application process for prospective students in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and West Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Students choose Prism Career Institute for hands-on training and real-life clinical experience with externships and state-of-the-art labs. Our Medical Assistant program offers hybrid classes that combine online theory classes with in-person labs. We offer financial aid for qualified students and comprehensive career services, including resume assistance, interview preparation, and job placement. To learn more about how to apply, contact us or apply online today.
FAQs About Applying to Healthcare Training
Is a high school diploma or GED required for our programs?
Yes, a high school diploma or GED is needed for both the MA and PN programs.
How long does it take to become a PN or MA?
The PN program can be completed within 15 to 18 months, depending on day or evening shift, while the Medical Assistant program can be completed in as little as 10 months.
What is the very first step in the enrollment process?
The first step of the enrollment process is ensuring you meet all the admission requirements.