LPN Schools and Training Programs in Pennsylvania (PA)

How to Become an LPN in Pennsylvania

The field of nursing continues to be a growing career and will continue to be strong. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in Pennsylvania make up 23% of the nursing workforce in the state. Becoming an LPN is the fastest route to becoming a nurse.

Nursing as a career is very rewarding, but it can also be one of the toughest career choices. Anyone choosing to be a nurse must have the compassion to take care of patients no matter the age, illness or injury and the stamina to carry out a busy work day. Nursing is a 24 hour job and nurses work one of three shifts and the work week includes holidays and weekends.

LPN Education Requirements

LPNs are required to complete an accredited LPN program. Most programs take eight to twelve months to complete and offer a diploma or certificate upon completion. There are two year LPN programs that offer an Associate’s degree in Nursing upon completion. Programs can be found at community colleges and vocational training schools as well as two and four year colleges and universities.

An LPN program includes class and clinical training and both are taught by certified nursing instructors. Class room subjects include nursing fundamentals and administration, pharmacology, anatomy, nutrition, obstetric, pediatric and geriatric care, psychology, biology and communication skills. Clinical training will include hands on patient care in a healthcare facility.

LPN candidates are also required to obtain a CPR card and pass the National Council for Licensure Examination for LPNs (NCLEX-PN). At the completion of the program, the graduate is required to apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing to take the exam. Most LPN programs include a CPR class as part of the course of study.

The Pennsylvania LPN Licensing Procedure

Graduate LPNs are required to be licensed by the state of Pennsylvania before holding a nursing position. To take the NCLEX-PN exam, the graduate must apply to the PA State Board of Nursing and upon application approval, register with Pearson VUE, the exam administrator. Once the Nursing Board has approved the student’s application, Pearson View will give the applicant a 90 day window to take the exam. The student will choose from the available dates and times and sign up for the exam. If the exam is not taken within the 90 days, a new application will have to be submitted. The application includes a finger print card and a criminal background check.

LPN licenses expire on 30 June of even numbered years and all LPNs are required to renew their licenses every two years. There are no required continuing education hours to be completed as a requirement to renew a license, but the PA State Board of Nursing requires all nurses to stay current with the latest and newest nursing methods and encourage all nurses to take classes and attend seminars on a regular basis.

LPN Salaries in Pennsylvania

An LPN salary averages $19.85 per hour and $41,300 annually. Salary for a newly licensed LPN with no to little experience averages $25 to $28,000 annually. In addition to salary, an LPN compensation package may include health insurance, long term disability, life insurance, pension and/or 401K participation, compensated time off and tuition reimbursement.

The high end of the LPN salary scale is about $70,000 annually. Salary increases through the career of an LPN depends on the number of years of experience, the type of facility and the level of responsibility.

LPNs will find employment opportunities in nursing homes and hospitals, home care and hospice organizations, visiting nurse organizations, assisted care facilities, clinics, private medical practices, educational facilities, incarceration establishments and temporary nursing staffing companies.

LPN Schools in Pennsylvania

Fortis Institute

Fortis Institute can give you the skills you need to train for a career in the healthcare field.

* Programs vary by location

* Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information

Programs:

Practical Nursing
Patient Care Technician
Medical Assistant
And more...

Locations: Scranton

Grand Canyon University

Do you aspire to fulfill an evolving healthcare role as a highly-qualified nursing professional? GCU is the place for you.
RNs, pursue your BSN or MSN conveniently online, backed by the legacy of GCU's traditional campus.
GCU's bachelor's and master's programs prepare students to fill roles in direct care, management, health education and administrative disciplines.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing and master's degree in nursing at GCU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Develop with hands-on practice, online and lab simulations and in depth peer discussions exploring best practices.

Programs:

Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Emphasis in Educational Leadership
M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Health Informatics
M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)

Northcentral University

Northcentral University was founded in 1996 to provide working professionals around the world with unprecedented access to richly engaging, professionally relevant, and academically-rigorous education from a U.S. university.
As a regionally accredited, private, online and graduate-focused university, NCU offers doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business, technology management, education, and psychology, as well as doctoral and master’s degrees in marriage and family therapy.

Programs:

Doctor of Education - Nursing Education
PhD - Addictions
PhD - Gerontology
And more...

Keiser University

Since 1977, Keiser University has provided quality student-centered, career-focused education. Keiser University Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for in-demand professions. Degrees are offered with a curriculum that is in pace with technology and workforce demand trends in business, criminal justice, health care, information technology and more. Our “one-class-at-a-time” approach allows busy students to focus on their education and balance the demands of work and family.

Programs:

Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Science

Lincoln Tech

Get a hands-on education at Lincoln Tech. Designed for today’s tough job market, our in-depth programs cover many fields including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, Automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Programs vary by campus.

Programs:

Medical Assistant

Locations: Allentown

Elmira Business Institute

Take the fast track to your future at Elmira Business Institute!

Learn how you can get the training you need to begin a rewarding career in a field of high-demand. Complete and submit the form and one of our Admissions Representatives will be in touch soon to tell you more.

Programs:

Medical Assisting

Locations: Vestal

Lansdale School of Business

A Tradition of Excellence since 1918

No matter what occupation you choose to pursue, the competition for a good job is fierce. Lansdale School of Business (LSB) can help you stand out from the rest by teaching you the specific skills you need to succeed in the career you desire.

Programs:

Associate Degree-Medical Assistant

Locations: Phoenixville

Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University is a national leader in Christian higher education and a place where students, faculty, staff and alumni make a real difference in the world.

Programs:

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Harris School of Business

Harris School of Business offers career-focused education that gives you the skills you need to make the leap into your new career.

Programs:

Professional Medical Assistant

Locations: Wilmington

Central Penn College

Earn a degree at Central Penn College and achieve your career goals. Choose from bachelor and associate degree programs in criminal justice, business, and technology.