Why Choose an LPN Program in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is home to over 100 state-approved Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs, offering diverse pathways into nursing across urban and rural communities. With strong healthcare infrastructure, competitive salaries, and excellent job prospects, Pennsylvania provides an ideal environment for aspiring LPNs.
Key advantages of pursuing LPN training in Pennsylvania:
- High demand: Pennsylvania projects 7% growth in LPN jobs through 2032 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Above-average salaries: PA LPNs earn $52,830/year, higher than the national average
- Strong NCLEX pass rates: 86.5% first-time pass rate (above national average)
- Diverse program options: Community colleges, vocational schools, and hospital-based programs
- Bridge programs available: LPN-to-RN pathways for career advancement
This guide covers everything you need to know about LPN programs in Pennsylvania, including costs, admission requirements, top schools, financial aid, and career outlook.
Pennsylvania LPN Program Overview
⏱️ Program Duration
- Full-time programs: 12-18 months
- Accelerated programs: 9-12 months
- Part-time programs: 18-24 months
- Total hours: 1,000-1,500 hours (classroom + clinical)
📚 Curriculum Components
- Classroom theory: 600-800 hours
- Clinical training: 400-600 hours
- Lab practice: 100-200 hours
- Skills covered: Med administration, wound care, vital signs, patient care
🏥 Clinical Training Sites
Pennsylvania LPN programs provide hands-on experience in:
- ✅ Hospitals (acute care, emergency)
- ✅ Long-term care facilities
- ✅ Nursing homes and assisted living
- ✅ Home health agencies
- ✅ Physician offices and clinics
- ✅ Rehabilitation centers
💰 Cost of LPN Programs in Pennsylvania
| Cost Category | Community Colleges | Private Vocational Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $8,000 - $12,000 | $12,000 - $15,000 |
| Textbooks & Materials | $500 - $800 | $500 - $800 |
| Uniforms & Supplies | $300 - $500 | $300 - $500 |
| Background Check & Drug Screening | $100 - $200 | $100 - $200 |
| NCLEX-PN Exam Fee | $200 | $200 |
| PA Licensure Application | $35 | $35 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED COST | $9,135 - $13,735 | $13,135 - $16,735 |
💡 Cost-Saving Tips:
- Choose community colleges: Save $3,000-$5,000 compared to private schools
- Apply for financial aid: FAFSA opens doors to grants, loans, and scholarships
- Employer tuition reimbursement: Many healthcare facilities offer $2,000-$5,000/year
- State grants: Pennsylvania State Grant Program offers up to $4,123/year
- Work-study programs: Some hospitals offer paid LPN training programs
📋 Admission Requirements for Pennsylvania LPN Programs
✅ Basic Requirements
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Age: Minimum 18 years old (some programs accept 17 with parental consent)
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Education: High school diploma or GED certificate
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GPA: Minimum 2.5-3.0 cumulative GPA (varies by school)
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Background Check: PA State Police Criminal History Check + FBI fingerprinting
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Drug Screening: Pre-admission drug test (must be clean)
📚 Academic Prerequisites
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Entrance Exam: TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education)
Minimum scores: TEAS 50-60%, TABE 10th grade level
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Math Skills: Basic algebra and dosage calculations
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Reading Comprehension: 10th-12th grade level
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Science Background: High school biology preferred (not always required)
🏥 Health & Safety Requirements
Immunizations Required:
- ✅ MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- ✅ Hepatitis B series
- ✅ Varicella (Chickenpox)
- ✅ Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- ✅ Annual flu vaccine
- ✅ COVID-19 vaccine (most programs)
Health Screenings:
- ✅ TB test (Tuberculosis screening)
- ✅ Physical examination
- ✅ Drug screening (urine test)
- ✅ Ability to lift 50 lbs
- ✅ Visual acuity test
Certifications Needed:
- ✅ CPR/BLS certification (AHA or ARC)
- ✅ Valid driver's license (for clinical sites)
- ✅ Health insurance proof
- ✅ Liability insurance (some programs)
🏆 Top LPN Programs in Pennsylvania (by Region)
📍 Philadelphia Metro Area
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Community College of Philadelphia - Philadelphia
Cost: ~$9,500 | Duration: 15 months | Pass Rate: 88%
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Fortis Institute - Forty Fort
Cost: ~$14,000 | Duration: 12 months | Pass Rate: 85%
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Orleans Technical College - Philadelphia
Cost: ~$13,500 | Duration: 12 months | Pass Rate: 87%
📍 Pittsburgh Region
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Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) - Pittsburgh
Cost: ~$8,500 | Duration: 12 months | Pass Rate: 90%
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Western Area Career & Technology Center - Canonsburg
Cost: ~$10,000 | Duration: 18 months | Pass Rate: 89%
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Everest Institute - Pittsburgh
Cost: ~$12,500 | Duration: 12 months | Pass Rate: 84%
📍 Central Pennsylvania
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Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) - Harrisburg
Cost: ~$9,000 | Duration: 15 months | Pass Rate: 91%
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Lancaster County Career & Technology Center - Willow Street
Cost: ~$8,800 | Duration: 18 months | Pass Rate: 88%
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YTI Career Institute - York
Cost: ~$11,500 | Duration: 12 months | Pass Rate: 86%
📍 Northeast Pennsylvania
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Luzerne County Community College - Nanticoke
Cost: ~$9,200 | Duration: 12 months | Pass Rate: 89%
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Lackawanna College - Scranton
Cost: ~$12,000 | Duration: 12 months | Pass Rate: 87%
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McCann School of Business & Technology - Hazleton
Cost: ~$13,000 | Duration: 12 months | Pass Rate: 85%
🔍 How to Verify Program Approval:
Before enrolling, confirm the program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing:
- ✅ Visit: PA State Board of Nursing
- ✅ Phone: (717) 783-7142
- ✅ Check: PA Licensing System (PALS)
📝 Preparing for the NCLEX-PN in Pennsylvania
📊 NCLEX-PN Fast Facts
- Test Length: 85-150 questions
- Time Limit: 5 hours
- Exam Fee: $200
- PA Pass Rate: 86.5% (first-time)
- National Pass Rate: 81.89%
- Format: Computer adaptive test (CAT)
🎯 Top Study Resources
- UWorld NCLEX-PN: $219 for 90 days (highest pass rate)
- Kaplan NCLEX-PN: $299-$699 (comprehensive prep)
- Hurst Review: $399 (98.9% pass rate)
- Archer Review: $49-$199 (budget-friendly)
- NCSBN Learning Extension: $150 (official prep)
💡 Pennsylvania NCLEX Application Process:
- Register with Pearson VUE at pearsonvue.com/nclex
- Pay $200 NCLEX-PN examination fee
- Apply for PA licensure at PALS ($35 fee)
- Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) within 2-4 weeks
- Schedule your exam at a Pennsylvania testing center (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, etc.)
- Take the NCLEX-PN within 90 days of receiving ATT
- Receive "Quick Results" 48 hours after exam ($7.95 fee)
- Official license mailed within 7-10 business days
💼 LPN Career Outlook in Pennsylvania
$52,830
Average Annual Salary
Source: BLS 2024
+7%
Job Growth (2022-2032)
Faster than average
2,500+
Annual Job Openings
Through 2032
💰 LPN Salaries by Pennsylvania City (2024)
| City | Average Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $56,200 | $27.02/hr |
| Pittsburgh | $54,300 | $26.11/hr |
| Allentown | $53,800 | $25.87/hr |
| Harrisburg | $51,900 | $24.95/hr |
| Scranton | $49,500 | $23.80/hr |
| Erie | $48,700 | $23.41/hr |
🏥 Top Employers for Pennsylvania LPNs
- ✅ UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)
- ✅ Penn Medicine
- ✅ Lehigh Valley Health Network
- ✅ Geisinger Health System
- ✅ WellSpan Health
- ✅ Main Line Health
- ✅ Genesis Healthcare (long-term care)
- ✅ Amedisys (home health)
🎓 Ready to Start Your LPN Career in Pennsylvania?
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LPN programs cost in Pennsylvania?
LPN programs in Pennsylvania typically cost between $8,000 and $15,000 for tuition and fees. Community colleges tend to be more affordable ($8,000-$12,000), while private vocational schools range from $12,000-$15,000. Additional costs include textbooks ($500-$800), uniforms and supplies ($300-$500), background checks and drug screenings ($100-$200), and NCLEX-PN exam fee ($200).
How long does it take to complete an LPN program in Pennsylvania?
Most LPN programs in Pennsylvania take 12-18 months to complete as a full-time student. This includes classroom instruction (600-800 hours) and clinical training (400-600 hours). Some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in 9-12 months, while part-time options may take up to 24 months.
What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate for Pennsylvania LPN programs?
Pennsylvania LPN programs have an average NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate of 86.5% (2024 data). This is above the national average of 81.89%. Top-performing Pennsylvania schools report pass rates of 90-95%. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires programs to maintain at least a 75% pass rate to remain approved.
What are the requirements to become an LPN in Pennsylvania?
To become an LPN in Pennsylvania, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete a Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing-approved LPN program
- Pass a criminal background check
- Complete drug screening
- Pass the NCLEX-PN examination
- Apply for licensure through the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
Most programs also require a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses.
How much do LPNs make in Pennsylvania?
The average LPN salary in Pennsylvania is $52,830 per year ($25.40/hour) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level LPNs typically earn $43,000-$48,000, while experienced LPNs can earn $58,000-$65,000+. Salaries vary by location, with Philadelphia ($56,200), Pittsburgh ($54,300), and Allentown ($53,800) offering the highest pay. Long-term care facilities and hospitals tend to pay more than home health or physician offices.
Are there online LPN programs in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not offer fully online LPN programs because hands-on clinical training is required by the State Board of Nursing. However, many schools offer hybrid programs where theory classes are online and clinical rotations are completed in-person at local healthcare facilities. This format provides flexibility while meeting state requirements for clinical hours.
Start Your LPN Journey in Pennsylvania Today!
With 100+ approved programs, affordable tuition, and strong job growth, Pennsylvania offers excellent opportunities for aspiring LPNs.