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

Liberty University

100% Online & No Standardized Testing

We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and complete your degree as quickly as possible.

Programs:

MSN: Health Policy
MSN: Community Health
MA: Medical Sciences: Business Management
And more...

Fortis Nursing - Scranton

Fortis offers nursing programs including ADN, PN, BSN degrees, and more
40+ schools in 15 states including Florida, Arizona, Ohio, and Virginia
All colleges are accredited by ABHES, ACCSC, ACICS, or other accrediting bodies
Fortis Online serves benefits to US military service members
Grants & scholarship aid may be available for qualifying students

Programs:

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

Locations: Grand Prairie

Purdue University Global

Building on Purdue's mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Globaldelivers a fully personalized online experience that's tailored to working adults. By opening the doors to adults who need flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives, we make it possible to achieve a high-quality education from a prestigious university system—completely online.

Programs:

Master of Science - DNP Path (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Keiser University Graduate School

Since 1977, Keiser University has maintained a practical, hands-on approach to career-focused 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:

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...

Brenau University

Brenau Adult and Graduate Studies: Designed with You in Mind

Our online learning format is designed to help you successfully complete a professionally tailored degree or certificate, and still find a healthy balance between work and home life.

At Brenau, “Be More” isn’t just a tagline, it’s a promise to yourself to reach your full potential in life and in your career. We help you do this with online programs that virtually surround you with instructors, staff and fellow students who encourage you to grow into the best “who” you can be – all on your schedule.

Programs:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing- RN to BSN

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

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.

Programs:

Medical Assisting (Hybrid)

Locations: Summerdale

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.