Those living in The Keystone State who would like to launch a practical nursing career must first complete a state-approved licensed practical nurse (LPN) training program.
Licensed practical nurse training schools are monitored and approved at the state level. The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing is the state's governmental agency that approves those LPN Pittsburgh nursing schools found in the city and its surrounding suburbs.
This article explains where interested students can locate approved Pittsburgh LPN training programs and details Pennsylvania's licensing requirements.
LPN Pittsburgh Nursing License
Prospective students who have never earned an accredited nursing degree in the United States are required to complete the following steps before being allowed to work as a Pittsburgh LPN:
- Complete a practical nursing program approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing
- Pass the nationally-required licensing examination (NCLEX-PN)
- Undergo a criminal history background check
Active nurses with an out-of-state license who would like to transfer their licensure to Pennsylvania can inquire about the state's endorsement process by contacting the Board of Nursing at (717) 783-7142.
Pittsburgh LPN Programs' Courses
Board-approved LPN training programs in Pennsylvania are allowed to mold their own class offerings and course schedules. However, students should be aware that all state-approved LPN Pittsburgh nursing schools are required to provide the following:
- At least 1500 hours of instruction (lasting a minimum of one full academic year)
- 60 percent of the curriculum should be dedicated to clinical training while 40 percent should be dedicated to theoretical learning in the classroom
Pittsburgh nursing students enrolled in accredited LPN programs learn several important subject areas, including:
- Biological sciences
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- Physics
- Pediatric nursing
- Psychology
- Maternal nursing
- Basic nursing
In addition to the classroom-based learning component, state-approved LPN Pittsburgh nursing schools provide students with the opportunity to work directly with a range of patients. This work, often performed in local hospitals, is supervised by a registered nurse.
LPN Pittsburgh Nursing Schools
The state's Board of Nursing approves programs offered by a variety of providers, including community colleges, career schools and technology centers.
To find currently-approved programs in Pittsburgh, see Pennsylvania's LPN programs list.
Benefit of Pittsburgh LPN Training Programs
Students who are able to both graduate from a state-approved LPN Pittsburgh nursing program and pas the subsequent NCLEX-PN examination gain the credentials to work as a licensed practical nurse in Pennsylvania.
With the state's aging population, LPN jobs are expected to be in high demand over the coming decade, making an investment in nurse training a solid option.
For more nurse training resources in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, 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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