A licensed practical nursing (LPN) certificate can be completed in just 12 to 18 months, preparing students for a challenging but rewarding career with Pennsylvania’s leading hospitals and medical centers. The program is flexible, allowing students to pursue other objectives and activities while enrolled; some institutions even provide a two-year associate’s degree program. Colleges that offer the LPN certificate are spread widely throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Delaware County Technical School, Harrisburg Area Community College, Northampton Community College, and Fortis Institute - Erie are just a few of the many community colleges and education centers with a high-quality LPN program.
A career as an LPN
Licensed practical nurses contribute to Pennsylvania’s healthcare industry by performing a range of practical skills, including administering medication and basic care, measuring blood temperature, and performing CPR. With this degree of skill and experience, LPNs are given independence in healthcare centers and can develop leadership skills as they mentor nursing assistants and orderlies in their duties.
Employment prospects
There are 36,060 registered LPNs working in hospitals, medical centers, and institutions across Pennsylvania. Annual income for the middle 50% of the state’s LPNs is $36,140 to $48,240. Qualified and dedicated LPNs have little challenge finding employment in Pennsylvania’s many reputable healthcare institutions, such as Hahnemann University Hospital, Lankenau Medical Center, and Pennsylvania Hospital.
To begin your career as a licensed practical nurse, see our list below of Pennsylvania’s accredited LPN programs.