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 streamlined option offers a faster route than the traditional LPN program 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)