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

Gain Knowledge and Skills While You Earn Your Nursing Degree at Fortis!

Programs:

Practical Nursing
Associate Degree in Nursing
Patient Care Technician
And more...

Locations: Grand Prairie

Grand Canyon University

Which career path will you take – Business, Nursing, Education, Psychology? Something else? GCU offers more than 100 majors to get you started!
Colangelo College of Business: Features more than 25 programs from the bachelor through the master's level, including several high-demand MBA programs and an accelerated accounting degree.
College of Nursing and Health Care Professions: Rich 25-year history providing outstanding health care and nursing degree programs, including an RN to BSN program & master's in nursing degrees.
College of Education: Whether you are looking to start or advance your career as a teacher or administrator, GCU offers bachelor’s and master’s in education degrees in key areas.
College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Provides a job focused education and features a variety of programs from counseling and psychology to justice studies, history and English literature.
Does something else interest you? GCU also offers programs in Doctoral Studies; Theology; Science, Engineering & Technology; and Fine Arts & Production. Speak with an enrollment counselor today!

Programs:

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

Colorado Technical University Online

Flexible, online RN-BSN and MSN programs available
RN-BSN program is designed to help registered nurses earn their bachelor’s in as little as 9 months
Courses designed to expand on student’s prior knowledge and enhance their patient care skills

Programs:

Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Administration

Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Nursing@Simmons, the innovative, online nursing degree program from Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences prepares Registered Nurses for the next stage of their careers.

You need to have a Bachelor’s degree and RN license to be qualified for this school.

Programs:

MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
RN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

Northcentral University

Earn your graduate degree online with Northcentral University. We offer online programs focused on doctoral and master’s degrees in the schools of business and technology management, education, psychology and marriage and family sciences.

The field of technology is rapidly evolving to meet the growing demands of modern society. For those seeking a future in tech, this means maintaining skills, increasingknowledge and quickly adapting to change. For today’s students, however, successwill require dedication, commitment and access to education specifically designedto meet the demands of this dynamic industry.

Programs:

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

Jacksonville University

The University

With over 80 years of academic achievements, Jacksonville University is a traditional, longstanding institution consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's best colleges.

Programs:

MSN Clinical Nurse Educator
MSN Leadership in Healthcare Systems

Ohio Christian University

Pursue your education at Ohio Christian University. Take classes online or on campus. Pursue your degree to help you start the career you want. Learn more now.

Programs:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Kaplan University

Flexible, online and on-campus program available.
Capstone projects and clinical practicums that can help prepare students for more career opportunities.
Students learn from instructors with experience in the health care field.
Programs include Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness, Master of Health Care Administration, and more.

Programs:

MS in Nursing
Master of Science - DNP Path (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
And more...

Keiser University Graduate School

Since 1977, Keiser University has maintained a practical, hands-on approach to career education to help our students achieve their personal and professional goals. Our student-centered approach remains at the foundation of the Keiser University mission and continues to attract students who prefer a more personal learning experience.

Programs:

Master of Science in Nursing
Doctor of Health Science

Denver School of Nursing

At Denver College of Nursing, we believe good nurses are the future of quality healthcare. That’s why we strive to achieve excellence in healthcare education every day. We know our students can make a difference in others’ lives while in school by participating in SNA, community service, service –learning and GHP, as well as after graduation—and for years to come.