LPN Programs In PA (Pennsylvania)

Attending one of the many accredited LPN programs in PA is the fastest way to become a professional nurse. Pennsylvania LPNs or Licensed Practical Nurses are in high demand right now and there are job opportunities available all across the state. To meet the rising demand for practical nurses, LPN programs in Pennsylvania offer a wide variety of class times and course options for aspiring nurses.

LPNs generally carry a huge responsibility for ensuring optimum levels of patient care. LPN programs in PA will prepare you for the demands of nursing which requires a good degree of both physical and mental stamina. Here are some of the different responsibilities that an LPN can expect be to be prepared for upon completion of their education.

• Gather and record accurate patient medical records and forward it to the head nurse or doctor
• Maintain personal hygiene of patients
• Collect samples for laboratory diagnosis of the patient's illness
• Taking and monitoring patient vital signs
• First aid – dressing wounds, dealing with common ailments and being able to respond appropriately in an emergency situation
• Doctors orders – this can involve detailed care and even medical instructions outlined by the doctor
• IV Maintenance

In addition to these specific responsibilities, an LPN is also expected to have great people skills and make their patients feel safe. Practical nursing programs in PA are very hands on and will cover both the technical and social sides of practical nursing.

LPN Schools in PA:  Requirements & Costs

The beauty of LPN programs in PA is their accessibility and flexibility. They can be taken at various establishments throughout the state including many technical schools and community colleges. When it comes to flexibility, many LPN programs in PA are based on credit hours and both part-time and full-time enrollment is possible.

Practical nursing programs in PA include bookwork, hands on classes and internships in hospitals and/or nursing homes. Pennsylvania LPN programs can be completed within one year if you opt for a full-time program of study. Upon completion of an accredited Pennsylvania LPN program you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) before you can officially start working as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

The cost of attending one of the many LPN programs in PA will vary depending on where you choose to get your education at. On average, program costs range between $6000 - $15,000. This is a fairly inexpensive education cost when you factor in the decent nursing salary in PA many LPNs earn right out of school.

Available LPN Programs in PA

When researching different LPN schools in Pennsylvania, it's important to make sure the school you choose is accredited by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. There are currently 50+ approved practical nursing programs in PA that are located all throughout the state.

• Bucks County Community College - Newtown, PA
• Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County - Scranton, PA
• Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science & Technology - Pleasant Gap, PA
• Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center - Lewisburg, PA
• Clarion County Career Center - Shippenville, PA
• Clearfield County Career & Technology Center - Clearfield, PA
• Community College of Beaver County - Monaca, PA
• Crawford County Career & Technology Center - Meadville, PA
• Delaware County Technical School - Morton, PA
• Eastern Center for Arts & Technology - Willow Grove, PA
• Fayette County Career & Technology Institute - Uniontown, PA
• Fortis Institute (Erie) - Erie, PA
• Fortis Institute (Scranton) - Scranton, PA
• Wilson College - Chambersburg, PA
• Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center - Altoona, PA
• Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center - Johnstown, PA
• Harrisburg Area Community College - Harrisburg, PA
• Huntingdon County Career & Technology Center - Mill Creek, PA
• Indiana County Technology Center - Indiana, PA
• Institute for Caregiver Education - Chambersburg, PA
• Jefferson County-Dubois Area Vocational Technical School - Reynoldsville, PA
• Lancaster County Career and Technology Center - Willow Street, PA
• Lawrence County Area Vocational Technical School - New Castle, PA
• Lebanon County Career & Technology Center - Lebanon, PA
• Lehigh Carbon Community College - Schnecksville, PA
• Lenape Area Vocational Technical School - Kititanning, PA
• Lincoln Technical Institute - Philadelphia, PA
• Mercer County Career Center - Mercer, PA
• Mifflin-Juniata Career & Technology Center - Lewistown, PA
• New Courtland Education Center School of Practical Nursing - Philadelphia, PA
• Northampton Community College - Bethlehem, PA
• Monroe County Career & Technical Institute - Bartonsville, PA
• Northern Tier Career Center - Towanda, PA
• Penn Commercial Business/Technical School - Washington, PA
• Pennsylvania College of Technology - Williamsport, PA
• Pennsylvania Institute of Technology - Media, PA
• Pennsylvania State University-Lehigh Valley Campus - Center Valley, PA
• The Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences - West Reading, PA
• Pittsburgh Technical Institute - Oakdale, PA
• Prism Career Institute - Philadelphia, PA
• Reading Area Community College - Reading, PA
• Venango County Area Vocational Technical School - Oil City, PA
• Western Area Career and Technology Center - Canonsburg, PA
• Westmoreland County Community College - Youngwood, PA
• Indiana County Community College Center of WCCC - Indiana, PA
• York County School of Technology - York, PA

Finding the best LPN programs in PA will depend on your specific location, schedule and budget. As long as the program you choose is accredited by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing it should be sufficient to meet your education goals.

Pennsylvania LPN Career Opportunities

Even in a down economy, finding a job upon completion of an accredited Pennsylvania LPN program shouldn't be too complicated. Many LPN programs in PA will even assist you in finding employment as hospitals, nursing homes and private practices are always looking for qualified nurses. Surveys show that the health sector is anticipating a boom in employment as hospitals will become more sophisticated and offer expanded treatment to patients. Health surveys provide estimates that the employment rates for LPNs & RNs will increase from 8% to 18% over the next decade.

Another benefit to attending one of the many LPN programs in PA is the fact that you can always continue your education in the future. Many nurses start work as an LPN while they continue to take classes to become an RN or Registered Nurse. There is a specific nursing education program called the LPN to RN that many nursing schools in PA offer.

In closing, pursing an education from one of the many LPN schools in PA is a cost effective and personally rewarding choice for many aspiring nurses. Not only will you be able to find work rather quickly, but the work is meaningful and challenging. Since most LPN programs in PA offer flexible class times and even online courses, there should be no excuse as to why a motivated individual can't get started in this noble profession.