Pennsylvania LPN Programs

Browse our list of state approved LPN certification programs

Practical nurses have the knowledge to perform approximately 80-90% of the tasks performed by a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). Since less education dictates a lower salary requirement, LPNs have become ideal candidates for health care employers seeking to lower their operating costs by replacing RNs with less expensive health care providers. Although LPN salaries and hourly pay might be lower than RNs, it is still above average given the amount of education and training required to enter the profession.

The actual job duties of a licensed practical nurse are not light in nature. The job entails several physically and emotionally tiring tasks, long work shifts and a high level of responsibility. LPNs are put in the position of caring for injured, elderly and ill patients who are suffering and require medical assistance. With patient’s lives at stake the LPN has no room for error in their work. The burden of caring for multiple patients with a variety of different medical conditions can take an emotional toll on the individual. To remain a healthy individual while working as an LPN one must develop a strong sense of self and employ various coping methods to avoid becoming overly stressed out by their job. Someone who is under great stress cannot provide the best quality of care to others. Thus, the LPN by nature must be a strong individual, both emotionally and physically.

The rewards of an LPN career are substantial as LPNs provide much needed care to people who cannot care for themselves. LPNs help injured people rehabilitate, nurse the sick back to health and assist the elderly with basic daily functions. The work of an LPN is admirable and truly provides a public service while also serving as an occupation. LPNs also have the ability to engage in travel nursing, which allows them to travel the country (or even the world) while continuing to do their job in other places. This career flexibility is very rare and provides a unique benefit for practical nurses.

List of LPN Programs in Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Pennsylvania schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Pennsylvania state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Pennsylvania

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Pennsylvania

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Pennsylvania as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.

Taking the NCLEX-PN Exam in Pennsylvania

When it comes time to challenge the practical nursing license exam it is advisable to prepare for the exam with a self-study program or classroom prep course. Knowing what to expect on the actual test and completing practice questions can increase your chances of passing. When you feel ready to take the test, apply for your practical nursing license with the Pennsylvania state board of nursing and register with Pearson VUE. There is a $200 fee required in order to register for the exam. The next step is to wait until you receive confirmation of your Authorization to Test (ATT). Once you receive your ATT you can schedule your NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE at a nearby testing center.

LPN Quick Reference Links

Pennsylvania Board of Nursing
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Pearson VUE – Official NCLEX Testing Provider
LPN/LVN Career Outlook – US Dept of Labor
Licensed Practical Nurse Wiki
National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service (NAPNES)
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses