Thomas Reed, RN
June 4, 2025
Pennsylvania relies on Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as key personnel in its healthcare workforce. LPNs deliver basic patient care with the oversight of RNs and physicians while working at hospitals as well as long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare settings. The LPNs in Pennsylvania gain skills for medication administration and vital sign measurement as well as patient hygiene maintenance. Long-term care services and aging population demographics in the state boost the importance of LPNs in Pennsylvania.
Uniontown, PA - Private 2-year - laurel.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Laurel Business Institute in Uniontown, PA, offers a 12-month Practical Nursing diploma program. This program equips students with essential nursing skills through classroom learning, simulation labs, and clinical experiences. Courses cover nutrition therapy, pharmacology, and medical surgical nursing. Admission requires a minimum 2.0 GPA, Wonderlic SLE score of 20, or ATI TEAS scores. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX certification. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with 300 hours in skills labs and 670 clinical hours.
Williamsport, PA - Public 4-Year - pct.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing (LPN) Program at Pennsylvania College of Technology prepares students to become PA licensed practical nurses. With over 1,536 hours of instruction, the program offers both full- and part-time classes to accommodate various schedules. Located in the scenic North Central Pennsylvania, the program is designed to meet the needs of Northern Tier business and industry, focusing on healthcare training. The curriculum is comprehensive, ensuring students are well-prepared for the demands of the nursing profession. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students, making this program accessible to a wide range of applicants.
Erie, PA - Private 4-year - mercyhurst.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercyhurst University's Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate program provides a fast-track pathway into healthcare, preparing students for a dynamic nursing career in just one year. Designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, the program equips students with essential skills through hands-on training in state-of-the-art nursing facilities. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and can work in diverse settings like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. With nearly 100% job placement and a curriculum emphasizing practical skills and patient care, this program offers an accessible entry point into the nursing profession.
Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - carlow.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Carlow University's Practical Nurse Certificate offers an accelerated pathway into healthcare, providing students with a comprehensive 16-month program that combines rigorous clinical training and compassionate patient care. Designed for aspiring nurses, the program costs $559 per credit and requires 44 credits, preparing graduates to take the NCLEX-PN exam. Students gain hands-on experience across diverse healthcare settings, developing essential skills in direct patient care, community engagement, and cultural competence. With Pittsburgh's growing healthcare demand and an expected deficit of 18,700 LPN positions by 2030, this certificate provides a strategic entry point into a stable and impactful career.
Reading, PA - Public 2-Year - racc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dive into the dynamic world of practical nursing at Reading Area Community College, where you'll gain comprehensive skills to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. This intensive one-year certification program prepares students to provide holistic patient care across diverse settings like long-term care, doctors' offices, and home health. With a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate, students receive high-quality clinical training through rotations at top regional healthcare facilities. Graduates can expect competitive salaries ranging from $40,000-$50,000 and opportunities for career advancement in nursing leadership and specialization.
LPN programs throughout Pennsylvania require students to participate in in-person learning activities because they cannot complete their education entirely through online studies although hybrid models are becoming more common. Students in this program complete theoretical coursework online but still need to attend in-person labs and clinical rotations. The adaptable learning approach appeals to students who work or have family commitments. Students need to complete practical hands-on training through simulation labs and clinical sites as licensing standards require it despite the advantages of online learning.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster County Career and Technology Center |
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| Northampton County Area Community College |
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| Laurel Business Institute |
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| Certifying Board | Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, Department of State |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED plus completion of a Board-approved practical nursing program (minimum 1,500 hours over at least 12 months) and 3 hours of child abuse education |
| Application & Fees | $95 application fee for PA program graduates, $115 for out-of-state graduates, $120 for endorsement, $145 endorsement with exam, plus $200 NCLEX exam fee and a $70 temporary permit fee |
| Processing Time | Authorization to test in about 1–2 weeks, permanent license generally issued within 4–6 weeks of passing NCLEX and completing requirements |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal every two years with a $76 fee, due by your license expiration date |
| Continuing Education | 2 hours of Board-approved child abuse recognition/reporting training required each renewal cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement & Compact | Out-of-state LPNs apply with endorsement fee and verification of an active, unrestricted license, multistate licensure available via the Nurse Licensure Compact. |
LPNs in Pennsylvania experience excellent job market conditions together with high salary ranges. The average yearly compensation for LPNs in Pennsylvania ranges between $55,000 to $60,000 and their wages vary based on work environment, location and experience level. The salaries in urban areas remain higher due to increased market demand for nurses yet rural settings provide supplementary benefits to recruit nursing personnel. The nursing workforce at LPN level experiences high demand because LPNs work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics and home healthcare services.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Pennsylvania | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $57,177 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $27.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$63,900 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $57,177 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$51,541 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 4.8% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~6,910 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Butler County Community College |
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| Carlow University |
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| Fortis Institute-Scranton |
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Pennsylvania LPNs can advance their careers through continued education and certification programs. The typical career advancement for practical nurses begins with enrollment in LPN-to-RN bridge programs that grant associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing and accept previous education credits. These programs enable LPNs to gain RN status after passing the NCLEX-RN exam thus allowing them to perform advanced duties and earn higher compensation. Specialized certifications focusing on IV therapy along with wound care and gerontology skills help LPNs build stronger job prospects in the market.
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