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.