Best LPN Programs in PA: Online and Campus Training
Looking for a top Pennsylvania LPN program? Get the rundown on programs that stand out and can help you earn your license in about a year.
Healthcare systems across Pennsylvania and the country are struggling to keep up with the ripple effect of COVID-related staffing shortages and a generation of nurses heading toward retirement. As a result, hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, nursing homes, and other medical facilities are in dire need of new nurses – including licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
If you’re interested in joining the nursing field but aren’t quite ready to earn your associate or bachelor’s degree, enrolling in an LPN program in Pennsylvania offers a quick and affordable way to begin your career. In the following guide, we spotlight some of the best LPN programs in Pennsylvania, what you’ll learn during your studies, and how you can earn your LPN licensure and begin your career. Keep reading to find your LPN program match and learn how you can join the next generation of nurses in Pennsylvania.
Learn More About Pennsylvania LPN Programs in These Cities
College Spotlights: Best LPN Programs in Pennsylvania
There are many quality LPN programs in PA to choose from. But which ones are the very best? Below we’ve highlighted three top options that are approved by the state board of nursing, offer quality curriculums that prepare LPN students for licensure, and have reasonable tuition costs. Review our detailed profiles of each below and see if one of them meets your needs.
FAQs About LPN Programs in Pennsylvania
What skills do you learn in LPN programs in PA?
During an LPN program in Pennsylvania, learners gain critical theoretical and practical knowledge vital to an entry-level nursing career. Alongside classroom-based learning, students at schools like Penn College hone nursing competencies through over 900 hours of hands-on training. Schools like Reading Area Community College offer a holistic approach that prepares students for careers in areas from home health to assisted living facilities.
Stand-out LPN programs make it a priority to prepare students to pass the NCLEX-PN exam. In the process, students also gain skills such as communication, teamwork, attention to detail, and empathy. Once they complete their Pennsylvania LPN program, students have the technical knowledge and soft skills to provide competent, compassionate nursing care.
How much do LPN programs cost in Pennsylvania?
LPN programs in Pennsylvania can vary in cost, but generally community and technical colleges offer tuition rates lower than other post-secondary institutions. Some programs charge per credit, while others reduce the rate slightly for full-time students. Resident students traditionally pay significantly less than nonresidents. Keep reading as we highlight the costs of several stand-out programs.
Reading Area Community College
Practical Nursing
Total Credits: 51
$2,835/semester for Berks County residents; $4,875/semester for out-of-county residents
Practical Nursing
Total Credits: 68
$587/credit for in-state residents; $839/credit for out-of-state residents
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in Pennsylvania?
When you combine tuition, fees, and books, paying for an LPN program gets expensive. Various sources of financial aid can help reduce that expense. And while earning your degree is a worthy investment of time and money, be sure you understand the true cost of college before enrolling.
In addition to federal and state loans, LPN students have access to a significant list of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. Groups like the Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania and the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania offer various annual scholarships for Pennsylvania nursing students. LPN students can review our financial aid guide for an in-depth look at various resources and tips to help offset the cost of college. Plus, check out our scholarship guide for LPN students to see how you can secure some free funding.
How long do LPN programs in PA take to finish?
The duration of your LPN program will vary. Your status as a full-time or part-time student, as well as personal and professional obligations, impact how long you will take to finish your degree.
Students tackling an LPN program in Pennsylvania at Beaver County Community College can complete the program in just three semesters and graduate in one calendar year. LPN students at Penn College take a slightly longer route, completing a more sizeable curriculum leading to an associate degree. Regardless of the type of degree, students tackle both the coursework and hands-on clinical requirements that prepare them for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Inside Look at Online LPN Programs in Pennsylvania
For LPN students, a solid, hands-on clinical education is essential to learning effective nursing practice. But while LPN students inevitably complete various in-person requirements, some programs are available as hybrid online programs in Pennsylvania. These hybrid LPN programs allow students to complete some courses online while still requiring an in-person element. Some hybrid LPN programs in PA are offered through Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, Harrisburg Area Community College, and Great Lakes Institute of Technology.
Pennsylvania’s hybrid online LPN programs utilize a platform where students complete theory-based coursework at their own pace while putting theory into practice during in-person meetings. And while online coursework requires some serious self-discipline, hybrid options increase accessibility, especially for students who juggle the responsibilities of school, work, and family.
LPN Licensing Information and Requirements in Pennsylvania
Similar to understanding the true cost of college before you enroll, be sure you know Pennsylvania’s specific nurse licensing requirements before you begin your LPN educational journey. Upon graduation you’ll be armed with the skills to provide competent nursing care, but before you head into the workforce you’ll need to secure a Pennsylvania nursing license—a process that the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing oversees. Learn about some of the essential components of the licensure process below.
Education and Training
Before you begin your nursing career, you’ll need to hone the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for competent and compassionate nursing practice. This process begins by enrolling at an accredited, state-approved LPN program. Throughout your academic studies, you’ll master the essential skills and professional standards as determined by accrediting bodies and professional organizations. In addition to traditional classroom learning, LPN students also gain hundreds of hours of hands-on clinical experience.
Professional Nursing Examination
As an LPN program comes to a close, students should begin preparing for their certification exam. Before taking their exam, students must receive an Authorization to Test, begin the application process with the state board, and then register for the exam through Pearson Vue. In Pennsylvania, LPN licensure hinges on passing grades on one of two exams: the NCLEX-PN practical nursing exam or the State Board Test Pool Exam. Graduates waiting to take the exam can apply for a temporary permit.
Completed Background Check and Application Materials
Submitting a complete application with all required materials eliminates delays in receiving your LPN license. LPN graduates must provide proof of the completion of their program and pay all applicable fees. Graduates applying from out-of-state must submit official academic transcripts. All LPN applicants must complete a state and federal background check; their criminal history records check should be dated within 90 days of the application’s submission.
Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting
Even before receiving their license, LPN applicants in Pennsylvania are required to complete three hours of continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Upon completion, applicants should allow 7-10 days for the credits to process.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
LPN licenses in Pennsylvania are valid for two years. Renewing your license is contingent upon completing 30 required contact hours of continuing education. Continuing education hours must be completed within the active lifespan of the license. Of those 30 contact hours, two must be dedicated to the topic of child abuse recognition and reporting.
LPNs receive a renewal notice every two years, prior to their license expiring. That said, even if the LPN doesn’t receive this notice, it’s their responsibility to maintain an active license.
Salary and Job Outlook for LPNs in Pennsylvania
Those who choose to become an LPN in Pennsylvania can enjoy a promising job outlook from 2022 to 2032. The nationwide growth rate for LPNs is 5.3%, but in Pennsylvania, it is slightly higher at 6.2%. This translates into 2,900 annual openings. While many of these are new jobs arising from the expansion of healthcare in Pennsylvania, others result from LPNs leaving the profession due to retirement or advancing to work as registered nurses.
In Pennsylvania, the median annual wage is $59,620, with those in the 10th percentile earning $47,020 and those in the 90th percentile earning $72,270. The highest pay is found in the Philadelphia area, home to world-renowned medical centers such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Those in the Philly metro area can expect a median annual wage of $62,710 and significantly more job opportunities than those in more rural areas of the state. Refer to the charts below to learn what to expect regarding salary and job outlooks for your area of the Keystone State.
Job Outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses in Pennsylvania
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Pennsylvania | 34,410 | 36,560 | 2,150 | 6.20% | 2,900 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Annual Earnings for Licensed Practical Nurses in Pennsylvania
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $47,020 | $59,650 | $72,270 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $48,240 | $59,390 | $70,760 |
| Altoona, PA | $42,740 | $53,550 | $66,230 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | $47,250 | $54,520 | $63,100 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | $45,290 | $60,730 | $70,680 |
| East Stroudsburg, PA | $47,360 | $59,090 | $63,080 |
| Erie, PA | $41,990 | $54,880 | $63,520 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $47,690 | $56,790 | $64,630 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $49,150 | $59,650 | $68,200 |
| Johnstown, PA | $43,740 | $50,120 | $62,900 |
| Lancaster, PA | $48,270 | $58,710 | $64,560 |
| Lebanon, PA | $48,270 | $59,950 | $68,520 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $51,440 | $62,710 | $75,400 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $46,580 | $59,090 | $66,790 |
| Reading, PA | $49,180 | $60,820 | $72,800 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA | $47,730 | $56,750 | $63,400 |
| State College, PA | $45,840 | $57,240 | $62,900 |
| Williamsport, PA | $43,210 | $53,320 | $63,390 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $46,950 | $57,750 | $63,570 |
Source: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Pennsylvania LPN Student and Professional Resources
Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania
The Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State Nurses Association
Pennsylvania Association of Practical Nursing Administrators
Southeastern Pennsylvania Area Black Nurses Association
Pennsylvania Association of Licensed Practical Nurses: Facebook
