In the state of Pennsylvania, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can expect to see an increase in the number of job openings over the next few years. This is because many LPNs are set to retire, leaving a large number of positions open. As an LPN in Pennsylvania, you can expect to earn an average annual salary of $42,920, which is slightly higher than the national average. This is mainly due to the fact that the cost of living is also slightly higher in this state. Registered nurses, by comparison, earn an average salary of $58,360. The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing has determined that all LPNs have to pass the NCLEX-PN exam before they can practice. This means that they must first follow an LPN program that allows them to take this exam. If you are interested in becoming an LPN in Pennsylvania, you have a huge variety of schools to choose from.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 LPN programs in Pennsylvania.
1. Allegany College of Maryland
At Allegany College of Maryland, students are prepared to become responsible for the care of patients in hospitals and other health facilities. This is done within the accepted scope of work of an LPN. The course starts once a year, always in the fall. Although this program is not available online, The college does offer LPN to RN programs that can be completed online, as well as a number of other programs that can be done 50%, 80% or 100% online.
Campus: Everett, PA and Somerset, PA
Type: Community College
Accreditation: Maryland Board of Nursing
Tuition: Varies depending on location of the college and student, but ranges from $110 to $247 per credit hour
Minimum time commitment: One year
Online availability: No
Program requirements: High school diploma, placement assessment
Program: Practical Nursing Certificate
School website: Tuition and Financial Aid
2. Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County
At the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, students will learn how to care for the sick, how to promote health and how to prevent diseases. They will do this while being supervised by a registered nurse (RN) or a physician. The school is highly respected in the state and a variety of benefits exist for students, including in terms of financial aid.
Campus: Scranton, PA
Type: Career Technology Center
Accreditation: National League for Nursing A.C.
Tuition: Average of $19,504, although it depends on living arrangements and age. Furthermore, financial aid is available.
Minimum time commitment: 52 weeks over 15 months
Online availability: No
Program requirements: Student must be PA resident, have a GED, passes physical and dental exams. Must provide references, transcripts and sit a pre-admission test.
Program: Licensed Practical Nurse Program
School website: Tuition and Financial Aid
3. Eastern Center for Arts and Technology
At the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, students will be prepared to become selected and qualified individuals who are at the forefront of the practical nursing career. Once students are able to complete the program, which is available full time and part time, they will be able to take the NCLEX-PN examination. This will allow them to be licensed in their chosen profession and enter the workforce.
Campus: Willow Grove, Abington, Ambler, Royersford and Harleysville, PA
Type: Community College
Accreditation: Middle States Commission of Secondary Schools
Tuition: Varies depending on student location and type of course. 64% of students receive financial aid.
Minimum time commitment: One year full time or two years part time
Online availability: No
Program requirements: TEAS, two letters of reference, various checks and tests upon successful application
Program: Practical Nursing Program
School website: Tuition and Financial Aid
4. Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology
Graduates of the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology will have all the necessary skills and knowledge to become valuable members of the health care team. This means they will learn how to assess the needs of their patients, work together with other members of the team, assist in the development and monitoring of care plans and more. Students are also expected to be fully committed to their own continuous professional education and to be able to work independently where required.
Campus: Pleasant Gap, PA
Type: Vocational-Technical School
Accreditation: Pennsylvania State Board of Vocational Education
Tuition: Varies
Minimum time commitment: 12 months
Online availability: No
Program requirements: GED or equivalent, pre-admission test, two personal references, personal interview, CPR certificate, various exams and clearances
Program: Practical Nursing
School website: Tuition and Financial Aid
5. Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit LPN Career
When you enroll at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, you will become part of an old tradition. Indeed, the school has existed for over 40 years and it has always been at the forefront on developing a strong health care workforce. Many LPN graduates ended up continuing their education, becoming RNs or even going as far as their master’s or doctorate degree. The focus of the course is strongly on appropriate delivery of health care, so that the people of the communities can see an improvement in their quality of life and overall living standards.
Campus: Lewisburg, PA
Type: Regional education agency
Accreditation: ACEN
Tuition: $14,853
Minimum time commitment: 12 months
Online availability: No
Program requirements: Pre-admission test, two letters of reference, GED or equivalent transcripts, urine drug screening, TEAS
Program: Licensed Practical Nurse
School website: Tuition and Financial Aid