Becoming a licensed practical nurse is an excellent way to explore your passion for helping others and begin a promising career in the medical field.
Education and Training
If you want to become an LPN in PA, you’ll need to complete an accredited training program and obtain certification from the state licensing board.
Trade Schools with LPN Programs
- Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lester
- Philadelphia
- Erie, Forty Fort, Scranton
- Uniontown
- Williamsport
- Media
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
All-State Career School (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
Community College of Philadelphia (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Practical nursing classes in small class settings designed to prepare students for entry level positions.
Laurel Technical Institute (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
Laurel’s 12-month Practical Nursing diploma program in Uniontown equips students with essential nursing skills through hands-on training in the classroom, labs, and clinical settings. The program covers key areas such as patient care, medication administration, and IV therapy, preparing students for NCLEX certification and real-world nursing scenarios. Industry-recognized certifications and a flexible schedule enhance the learning experience.
Pennsylvania College of Technology (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
The LPN to RN Associate of Applied Science degree at Penn College provides a rigorous education designed to prepare licensed practical nurses for the registered nursing licensing examination. With a focus on hands-on experience and small class sizes, students benefit from expert faculty and high pass rates. The program is accredited by both the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
The Practical Nursing Certificate program at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology offers a comprehensive 12-month course designed to prepare students for a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This full-time program includes lectures, laboratory, and clinical experiences, and provides preparation for the NCLEX exam. Students benefit from personalized instruction, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and access to free tutoring and job placement services.
Prism Career Institute (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Prism Career Institute offers a Practical Nursing program across its Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, and West Atlantic City campuses, which can be completed in as little as 15 months. This comprehensive program includes 1,560 clock hours of training over approximately 63 weeks for day classes or 70 weeks for evening/weekend classes, preparing students for a range of clinical, laboratory, personal, and administrative nursing duties. Accredited by ACCET and state boards, the program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and a career in diverse healthcare settings.
South College (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
Certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
What Do You Study?
While each institution has its own unique curriculum, most LPN schools in PA teach classes on:
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Human Growth and Development
- Foundations of Nursing
- Physical Examination Practices
- Biology and Microbiology
- Phlebotomy
- Medication Administration and Pharmacology
- Communication
- Sociology
- Medical Recordkeeping and Documentation
- Infection Control and Prevention
- Healthcare Ethics and Patient Privacy
LPN classes also feature a traditional class instruction or “theory” component, which teaches the fundamentals of nursing and patient care.
Clinical Component
Clinical experience is essential for aspiring LPNs in PA. During this part of their training program, students work in on-campus medical simulation labs, practicing on medical mannequins to perfect their nursing skills.
Later in the semester, students participate in externships where a licensed medical professional supervises them as they practice their nursing skills on real patients.
Clinical Hours
Your supervising nurse or physician must document your clinical hours to ensure you meet your LPN course requirements. Depending on availability and your chosen field of medicine, your program may allow you to complete externships at one of the following facilities:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient Clinics
- Nursing Homes
- Psychiatric and Surgical Facilities
- Urgent Care Units
- Maternity Wards
BLS Certification
Many LPN schools in Pennsylvania teach Basic Life Support (BLS) skills as part of their standard curriculum.
During this module, students learn how to render life-saving aid in urgent situations that require the use of CPR, first aid, AED, the Heimlich maneuver, and emergency medication administration.
If your LPN program lacks this information, you can obtain a BLS certification on your own through the following agencies:
Specialized Coursework
Those hoping to work in a particular field of medicine might consider taking additional specialized classes that cover pediatric, surgical, perioperative, mental health, maternal, neonatal, or rehabilitation and restorative care nursing.
Other Occupations to LPN
You may already have a solid foundational skillset for becoming an LPN if you work in a healthcare or nursing profession like:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Patient Care Technician
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Medical Assistant
- Radiology Technician
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Respiratory Therapist
- Surgical Technician
How Long is LPN School in PA?
Aspiring LPNs in PA can complete their training in about 1 year, though some certificate and diploma programs last as long as 18 months.
Those hoping to specialize in a particular area of the medical field might consider enrolling in an associate degree program, which takes at least 2 years to finish.
How Much Do LPN Program Costs in PA?
A typical certificate or diploma program might cost anywhere from $2,000 at a trade school to $37,000 at a private university.
Meanwhile, students might pay $7,000 to $53,000 to obtain an LPN associate’s degree.
Salary Range
Below are some average salaries for LPNs in PA based on data from relevant employment websites.
- IncredibleHealth.com: $51,090
- Salary.com: $53,653
- Talent.com: $58,403
- Bureau of Labor: $58,800
- ZipRecruiter.com: $62,040
- Vivian.com: $64,428
Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for LPNs in areas of the state.
| State | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $28.32 | $58,900.00 |
| Altoona | $26.17 | $54,440.00 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick | $26.25 | $54,600.00 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro | $27.62 | $57,460.00 |
| East Stroudsburg | $27.27 | $56,720.00 |
| Erie | $26.06 | $54,200.00 |
| Gettysburg | $27.30 | $56,790.00 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $28.23 | $58,720.00 |
| Johnstown | $24.77 | $51,520.00 |
| Lancaster | $27.72 | $57,650.00 |
| Lebanon | $28.40 | $59,070.00 |
| Northern PA | $25.47 | $52,970.00 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $30.71 | $63,870.00 |
| Pittsburgh | $27.66 | $57,530.00 |
| Reading | $29.18 | $60,690.00 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton | $27.10 | $56,360.00 |
| Southern PA | $26.15 | $54,390.00 |
| State College | $26.66 | $55,450.00 |
| Western PA | $25.32 | $52,660.00 |
| Williamsport | $26.01 | $54,090.00 |
| York-Hanover | $27.15 | $56,480.00 |
Occupation: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses(SOC Code292061)
source: data.bls.gov
LPNs in PA typically earn higher salaries if they have additional certifications, such as IV therapy, transplant coordination, correctional health, or neonatal life support credentials.
You might also make more working in a research hospital or private clinic rather than a nursing home or rehabilitative care facility.
Pennsylvania LPN Requirements
After graduating from your educational program, you’ll need to apply for state licensure before you can qualify for LPN jobs in Pennsylvania.
To comply with Pennsylvania Department of State regulations, LPNs in PA must have the following qualifications:
- A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Completion of an accredited LPN training course
- A passing score on one of the following competency examinations:
- Three Board-approved continuing education hours in child abuse recognition and reporting
Applicants who meet these standards can pay the required $95 initial licensing fee to receive their official certification. Once you have your license, you can start applying for LPN jobs in Pennsylvania.
Job Description
What Do They Do?
LPNs in PA work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician while providing direct medical care.
Whether they find jobs in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, or medical research facilities, these professionals typically perform the following duties:
- Check and update patient medical charts
- Monitor patients’ vital signs
- Catheter care
- Relay patient concerns to the nurse or doctor
- Draw blood and collect specimens for testing
- Perform wound care and change bandages
- Help patients bathe and dress themselves
- Report changes in patient conditions to the doctor or nurse
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in the United States are likely to see a six-percent increase in the demand for licensed practical nurses between 2021 and 2031.
Having the proper skills and credentials can help LPNs in PA take advantage of this projected growth and find rewarding, well-paying LPN jobs in Pennsylvania.
LPN jobs in Pennsylvania might also be a perfect starting point for aspiring RNs and BSNs.