Medical Assistant-Certified to Practical Nursing (MA to PN) Pathway

The Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C) to Practical Nursing (PN) pathway is designed for students who already hold a Washington State MA-C license and are looking to transition into the Practical Nursing program. This pathway offers certified Medical Assistants an opportunity to earn lab credits for previous MA-C training and experience, while maintaining the same academic and clinical standards.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the MA to PN pathway, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Active MA-C License: You must hold an active, unencumbered Medical Assistant-Certified license in Washington State. Proof of licensure is required with your application.

  • Approved MA-C Education: You must have completed an MA-C program from an approved educational institution. Official transcripts are required at the time of application.

  • Prerequisite Coursework: All required prerequisite courses for the Practical Nursing program must be completed:

    • With a minimum grade of 2.5 in each course

    • And a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher across all prerequisite courses

    Note: Completion of MA-C training does not count toward prerequisite coursework for the LPN program.

Skills Assessment Requirement

As part of the MA to PN pathway, you will be required to pass a hands-on Skills Proficiency Exam in the following areas:

  • Hand hygiene (handwashing)

  • Donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Use of restraints

  • Intramuscular (IM) injection

  • Oral (PO) medication administration

  • Subcutaneous (SubQ) injection

  • Blood glucose monitoring

You’ll have the opportunity to practice these skills during orientation. The first week of lab, you’ll complete a skills check-off. If you pass this Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), you may be excused from parts of the lab course. If not, you’ll be enrolled as a traditional LPN student and required to attend all lab sessions.

Required Documents

Your application must include:

  • A copy of your active Washington State MA-C license

  • Official transcripts showing completion of an approved MA-C educational program

How to Apply

  • Select "MA to LPN Pathway" on your Practical Nursing application.

  • Upon acceptance, you may be eligible to earn 2 credits through Credit for Prior Learning (CPLA) by demonstrating proficiency on the skills exam.

Program Completion

Students in the MA to PN pathway will complete the full 90-credit Practical Nursing AAS degree, which includes:

  • All required prerequisite courses

  • Core Practical Nursing coursework

  • 2 credits awarded for prior learning (if applicable)