In order to gain legal employment as a Pennsylvania Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), individuals must both complete a state-approved PA LPN program and pass the national LPN licensure examination.
The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing approves numerous LPN Pennsylvania schools throughout the state that offer official, accredited LPN training and education programs.
This article explains how to find state-approved programs, and describes the LPN licensing requirements in the State of Pennsylvania.
PA LPN Licensure Requirements
Those who do not have a formal nursing educational background must fulfill the following requirements in order to work as a Pennsylvania Licensed Practical Nurse:
- Complete a state-approved, accredited LPN Pennsylvania program
- Pass the national licensure examination (NCLEX-PN)
The State of Pennsylvania does not currently participate in the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), which is a collection of states which work together to approve license transfers between states. However, the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing does accept applications for endorsement, which is the process by which those with an active LPN license can transfer their certification to Pennsylvania.
Those interested in obtaining an endorsement application should contact the Board of Nursing at (717)783-7142.
LPN Pennsylvania Program Curricula
While PA LPN programs differ slightly depending upon the academic provider, all state-approved training programs contain the following curricular elements:
- A minimum of 1500 hours of learning
- 60 percent of the curriculum should be clinical, and 40 percent should be theoretical
- The program should be a minimum of 1 year in length
In the theoretical classroom component, students learn several essential nursing and medical skill areas, including the following:
- Biological sciences
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Nutrition
- Pediatric nursing
- Basic nursing
- Maternal nursing
- Nursing for the elderly
- Pharmacology
- Psychology
In addition to the theoretical classroom component, Pennsylvania LPN schools offer students the opportunity to work with patients in a clinical setting (which is typically a hospital). This clinical work is done under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, and prepares students for both successful careers as a Pennsylvania Licensed Practical Nurse as well as for the national licensure examination.
Finding a PA LPN Program
The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing approves numerous training programs throughout the state, most of which can be found in community colleges, vocational schools, and medical facilities.
For a full list of approved programs, see the state's list of schools.
Benefits of LPN Pennsylvania Training
Those who successfully complete a state-approved LPN program, and who are then able to pass the NCLEX-PN examination, are licensed to work in state hospitals and medical facilities as a Pennsylvania Licensed Practical Nurse.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that LPN jobs will increase in demand as Pennsylvania's population ages, making the profession ideal for those interested in beginning a nursing career.
For information on CNA nursing and other educational opportunities, see also:
The Best Nursing Programs Online
David Harris-Gershon - David Harris-Gershon – a blogger for Tikkun magazine and a freelance writer on Israel, the Middle East and America’s role in ...
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