Join the Certified
Pre-Nursing Program
Comprehensive training for future nurses
As a Pre-Nursing student, you'll gain a strong foundation in essential healthcare skills through a combined program that includes Clinical Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, EKG, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certifications. This well-rounded training prepares you for various roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, ensuring you have the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to provide quality patient care. If you're passionate about healthcare and looking to take the first step toward a nursing career, our CP-NP program is the perfect place to start.
Program Fees
Your tuition is tailored to your situation:
- grant-eligible students benefit from fully-funded tuition
- out-of-pocket students may qualify for reduced rates.
Class Info
- 16.5-week program
- Meets 2 days each week
- 6 hours each day
- 9.5-week accelerated program
- Meets 4 days each week
- 6 hours each day
9 out of 10 Students Qualify for Full Tuition Assistance
*based on 2023/2024 enrollments
Start Dates
FALL 2025
In-Person Day Program:
- August 18 - December 11, 2025
- Meets Mon and Thurs at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Central Time
About our comprehensive program
Benefits of Our Comprehensive Program
The Certified Pre-Nursing Program (CP-NP) offers a unique opportunity to earn four specialized certificates in one comprehensive course:
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Phlebotomy Technician
- EKG Technician, and
- Basic Life Support
This program is specifically designed to prepare students for entry into a nursing program by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge. Through expert instruction and hands-on experience, students will develop critical competencies that provide a strong foundation for advanced nursing education. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue further studies and excel in their nursing career.
Who is the CP-NP program designed for?
The CP-NP program appeals to individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in nursing, but want to gain foundational skills before entering a nursing program. It is ideal for those who are eager to enhance their qualifications and stand out in a competitive nursing school application process.
The program is also attractive to individuals who are looking for a structured, comprehensive pathway to develop critical healthcare skills, even if they do not plan to pursue a career in nursing. It offers a solid foundation for those who want to explore different areas of healthcare while still standing out to potential employers.
Additionally, those who prefer a more hands-on, practical approach to learning are drawn to the CP-NP program.
Why is the CP-NP a better option than completing the certificates individually?
The Certified Pre-Nursing Program is the most cost-effective and efficient way to complete all four certificates.
Students enrolled in CP-NP pay a flat rate of $5,000 with no additional fees or hidden costs. In contrast, taking each certificate separately adds up to $9,900 plus extra fees—nearly double the cost.
The program is designed to maximize hands-on learning and time efficiency. Students begin with both the Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certifications at the same time. A portion of the day is dedicated to CCMA-focused instruction, followed by a joint lab session for hands-on training, then the remainder of the day focuses on CPT. Once the CPT training is completed, that portion of the training day is replaced with EKG Technician. This structured approach allows students to progress quickly while gaining practical experience in multiple areas, all within a single, streamlined program.
Potential Opportunities For Program Graduates
Graduates of the CP-NP program have several potential opportunities depending on their career goals.
Those planning to pursue a nursing degree can use the foundational skills gained in the program to strengthen their nursing school applications and be better prepared for their coursework.
For individuals not immediately entering a nursing program, the training provides valuable healthcare knowledge that can make them competitive candidates for entry-level roles in medical settings.
Additionally, the hands-on, practical experience offered by the program allows graduates to explore different areas of healthcare, opening doors to various career pathways in the industry.
Dual Enrollment for High School Students
The Dual Enrollment CP-NP option allows high school students to gain valuable experience and earn certificates while completing their junior or senior years. This program is designed to help students explore healthcare career paths and build skills that will benefit them in the future.
The classes are offered outside of a student's normal school day, providing flexibility to balance both high school and career preparation.
- Fall Semester: Online, meeting twice a week from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Spring Semester: In-person, meeting twice a week from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Accelerated Summer Program: In-person, meeting four times a week from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
For high schools with a partnership with Saint Joseph's College, students may be able to attend morning sessions as part of their regular school day.
Don’t have a Saint Joseph’s College Nursing Prep Learning Pathway at your school yet?
Ask your counselor to reach out to us to explore the opportunity!
Why Pursue A Career in Healthcare
Healthcare support occupations remain among the fastest-growing professions, offering strong career opportunities of at least 602,500 new jobs projected by 2033 and competitive salaries. Medical assistants earn a median annual salary of $42,000, while phlebotomists earn $41,810, and electrocardiogram (EKG) technicians in Indiana average $42,508. As demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, certifications are increasingly essential, with many employers requiring or encouraging credentials to secure these in-demand careers.
Course Topics
In the Certified Pre-Nursing program, students will enroll in four separate certificate programs. Through these programs, students will gain hands-on training and essential skills needed for entry into the healthcare field, preparing them for a variety of patient care roles. To explore the skills and certifications offered in each area, visit the dedicated program pages:
How to Apply
The application and enrollment process for our Certified Pre-Nursing Program must be completed at least 30 days prior to requested program start date.
Required documents for our Certified Pre-Nursing Program are:
- Photo ID
- Social Security Card
- Birth Certificate
- Health Insurance Card
- High School Diploma or Equivalent