LPN Programs in Pennsylvania

Becoming a Pennsylvania licensed practical nurse requires that you attend a Pennsylvania Board of Nursing approved LPN program. PN programs take about a year to complete and with its completion comes your chance to apply for the NCLEX-PN.

Recent job postings show that the demand for LPNs will continue to increase in the next years. With an average annual salary amounting to $40,000, it is normal for many to want to go through the quickest route to becoming a nurse.

If you are adamant in becoming an LPN soon, here are some schools that you might want to look into –

Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center

This school’s Practical Nursing program is a 12-month, full-time program which prepares students to be employed as licensed practical nurses. A part-time student can finish the program in about 24 months.

The program which runs from August to August of each year and comprises of both classroom and clinical instruction. As soon as the program is completed, a graduate becomes eligible to apply for the National Exam for Practical Nursing licensure. The pass rate for this school, at the moment, is at 94% to 100%.

The full-time PN program has schedules that run for 12 months with four vacation weeks and about ten holidays spread throughout the school calendar. The part-time program, on the other hand, has both clinical and classroom learning sessions scheduled through 24 consecutive months; with eight vacation weeks and about twenty holidays throughout the two-year program.

The course grades are computed based on percentages. A test average of 75% or higher is required in order to go to the next level of courses. The clinicals are also evaluated on a satisfactory versus unsatisfactory scale. The students need to show a satisfactory clinical evaluation in order to advance.

Northampton Community College

The college admits high school graduates and GED recipients. Home-schooled students that have completed their senior level curriculum can also be admitted into the LPN program provided they pass other prerequisites. Non-high school graduates who are 18 years old and over can also be admitted into the LPN program provided that they show how the program can benefit them.

Acceptance into the LPN program is not a guarantee of admission. Students still need to meet academic standards and special admission requirements. NCC knows that not all students of nursing programs follow goal-oriented learning, therefore, they are offering two options which are the Practical Nursing certificate and the RN certificate programs. Each of these programs is comprised of nursing and general education courses with planned clinical studies.

Community College of Beaver County

This diploma program can be taken in just three semesters, with graduates becoming eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam. Employment opportunities can be found in all types of healthcare agencies like long-term facilities, hospitals, private homes, clinics and visiting nurse agencies.