LPN Programs Philadelphia, PA

Look through the classifieds online or in your local newspaper and you’ll find jobs for full-time and part-time nurses and certified nurse assistants. The plethora of openings is good news for those enrolled in a practical nursing program as graduates are almost certain to find employment. The aging population creates an enormous need for nurses in home-based care. Practical nurses also work under the direction of physicians, registered nurses, and licensed dentists in hospitals, doctors’ offices, substance abuse clinics, prison healthcare systems, long-term care facilities, and psychiatric clinics. They provide direct, personalized care, monitor patients’ health, provide counsel, support patients’ families, and participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care. In spite of changing hospital hiring policies, LPNs will always be in high demand as the National League for Nursing and other professional associations recognize the valuable contributions practical nurses make to the healthcare team. LPNs are of extreme importance to health care delivery in almost every medical setting. If you love a career that presents new challenges daily, then you’ll thrive as a licensed practical nurse.

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology

The Practical Nursing Certificate program at P.I.T. launches graduates into a world of opportunity. Successful graduates can transfer the credits earned (50 credits) into the associate’s degree program at P.I.T. or to a bachelor of science program at another college. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to the take the NCLEX-PN for a license to begin practicing as a licensed practical nurse. The program combines classroom instruction with practical training in the lab and real-world healthcare settings, which begin early in the program. The latter part of the program will entail more clinical hours than classroom hours. Students must be prepared to travel and work 8 to 12-hour shifts at the clinical sites. P.I.T. offers a friendly learning environment, parallel learning to fast-track to a degree, free tutoring, and training in workplace etiquette. Course modules include human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, introduction to nursing practice, role development of the practical nurse, intravenous therapy, and nursing practice. Full-time students complete the program’s 50 credits in three semesters. The duration of the program is 76 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Be a high school graduate or have earned a GED or successful completion of at least 30 college credits
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Complete an AHT TEAS course with a grade C or better
  • Complete the Admission Application form and pay the registration fee
  • Provide proof of citizenship or residency
  • Complete 5 credits of anatomy and physiology
  • Complete a satisfactory background check for Criminal and Child Abuse History
  • Obtain acceptable medical exam results
  • Complete a satisfactory drug screen
  • Agree to and sign the Enrollment Agreement

Tuition and fees cost $485 per credit hour.

  • Website: https://www.pit.edu/
  • Address: 601 Walnut Street, Suite 703 East, Philadelphia, PA 19106
  • Phone: 800.353.5489
  • Email: info@pit.edu
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 73.17%

Lincoln Tech

Students enrolled in the Practical Nursing program at Lincoln Tech receive extensive preparation for success on the NCLEX-PN. The curriculum includes instruction in the school’s simulation lab, nursing arts laboratory, and wet lab. Skills competency training develops critical skills that students use in the clinical rotations in acute care and long-term care settings. Hands-on skills include measuring vital signs, infection control, immobilizing injured limbs, dressing wounds, and administering medications. Additionally, students learn how to perform standard procedures, such as making diagnoses, drug and IV therapy, collecting data, and attending to the needs of infants, pregnant women, adults, and seniors. The entire program focuses on active participation combined with informative lectures facilitated by experienced instructors. Key modules covered in the 1500-hour program include life span, pharmacology, mental health, human anatomy and physiology, professional awareness, nursing fundamentals, maternal-pediatric nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and nursing clinical (covered in all four semesters).

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years old on or before graduating from the program
  • Be a high school graduate or have a state-approved high school equivalency assessment
  • Complete and sign the Enrollment Agreement
  • Pay a deposit toward the registration fee
  • Take and pass a nursing entrance exam with passing scores
  • Complete a criminal history background check with acceptable results
  • Sign an acknowledgment that an additional criminal history background check is a prerequisite for State Licensure as a Practical Nurse
  • Submit a resume or confirmation of verifiable work history
  • Submit a short essay as directed by the admissions staff
  • Provide two professional references
  • Submit complete and current immunization records including documentation of flu vaccine
  • Complete a physical exam indicating
  • lability to perform job duties
  • Must be free of contagious or communicable disease

The cost of attendance is $34,057 inclusive of tuition, books, student fee, technology fee, tools, tax, and uniforms.

Delaware County Technical School

The one-year practical nursing program at Delaware County Technical School prepares students for a career as a licensed practical nurse. The Board-approved program is also accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Course topics include math, anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of nursing,  basic nutrition, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, obstetrical nursing, concepts of mental health, psychiatric and mental retardation, and gerontological nursing. Classes take place in the Marple classroom and at various health care facilities where students earn real-world experience during the supervised clinical. The school admits approximately 100 students each year.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 17 years old
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED diploma
  • Take and pass the TEAS assessment
  • Provide a satisfactory background check for Criminal and Child Abuse History
  • Provide two letters of recommendation
  • Submit a completed application and fee
  • Attend an interview with the program supervisor and/or faculty
  • Provide documentation of TB clearance and drug screen
  • Must have up-to-date immunization

Tuition and fees for all four level of the program is $24,233.

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology

The practical nursing program at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology prepares students to provide patient-centered to diverse populations in a variety of healthcare settings. Students will learn how to apply evidence-based theoretical concepts from the sciences, collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, and maintain information technology literacy. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, professions and vocations, medical surgical nursing, maternal child nursing, pediatric nursing, and professions and vocations II. Students will also benefit from extensive preparation for the NCLEX-PN examination.

Admission criteria:

  • Take and pass the pre-entrance test – TEAS with a score of 44% or greater
  • Submit a completed application
  • Provide official high school transcript or GED diploma
  • Pay the non-refundable application fee of $75
  • Attend an admissions interview
  • Obtain required clearances – Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal History Report, Child Abuse Clearance
  • Complete a satisfactory physical exam
  • Must have a current flu shot
  • Submit a current immunization record
  • Pass a urine drug screen
  • Have current CPR certification for Health Care Providers or Professional Rescuers
  • Pay the non-refundable tuition deposit of $500 at the time of acceptance

Tuition for the program is $16,850. Other required costs in clude textbooks, application fee, student uniforms, criminal record clearance, FBI criminal history report, physical exam, CPR certification, graduation fees, and NCLEX exam fee.

  • Website: https://www.eastech.org/
  • Address: 3075 Terwood Road Willow Grove, PA 19090
  • Phone: 215-784-4800
  • Fax: 215-784-4801
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 89.71%

The Health & Technology Training Institute

The Health & Technology Training Institute offers a practical nursing program in conjunction with the District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund’s Practical Nursing Program. The program will include theory in the classroom and hands-on practice in the school’s lab along with real-world patient care opportunities in various medical facilities. Students will learn specialized nursing care such as medical surgical nursing, mental health concepts, maternal child nursing, pediatric nursing, obstetrical nursing, and geriatric nursing. Other courses covered include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, transition to nursing, and NCLEX preparation. Students must obtain 78% or better to graduate from the program.

Admission criteria:

  • Must attend a scheduled information session
  • Submit an initial application with a non-refundable application fee
  • Complete the TEAS exam and obtain a satisfactory score
  • Attend an interview with the Admissions Committee
  • Obtain medical clearances, blood titers, flu vaccine, and PPD or chest x-ray
  • Pass a drug screen and PA criminal background check
  • Must meet the program’s Essential Functional Ability requirements
  • Sign an Enrollment Agreement and attend a mandatory Bridge program

Tuition for the program is $25,000. Tuition assistance is available for District 1199C members and community residents.

  • Website: https://www.httiphila.org/
  • Address: 100 South Broad Street, 9th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19110
  • Phone: 215-568-2220
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 62,50%

Prism Career Institute

Prism Career Institute’s Practical Nursing program prepares students for the licensure exam. The curriculum includes 1,560 clock hours of theory and practical instruction on campus and at approved health care facilities. Course topics include body structure and function. career readiness, intravenous therapy, mental health, medical terminology, foundations of med math, pharmacology, nursing practice, personal and professional relationships. growth and development through the lifespan, and test-taking strategies.  Upon completion of the program, graduates may be eligible to apply to the PA State Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX for Practical Nursing. Day and evening/weekend schedules are available.  The duration of the program is 63 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • Attend an interview with an Admission Representative
  • Take the entrance exam and obtain a minimum score of 45 and a minimum score of Reading: 46, Math: 43, Science: 30, and English: 37
  • Must be COVID-19 vaccinated
  • Must have current CPR certification
  • Must complete 2-step PPD and required immunizations

Tuition for the program is $28,283 if completed in the normal time.

How Long is the LPN Program in Philadelphia?

A practical nursing program includes theory and hands-on training that requires at least 12 months’ commitment to complete according the Board’s specification. A fast-track, two-semester program is available at GateWay College and is open to students who have completed the prerequisite coursework. The 12-month estimated time to completion is based in full-time attendance only. Part-time schedules may be completed in 18 to 24 months.

How Do I become an LPN in Pennsylvania?

One of the most common pathways to become a practical nurse in Pennsylvania is through licensure by examination – designed for persons who are not previously licensed. You must be issued a license by the Board before you take up practice as a practical nurse.

You may apply for an LPN license by examination after you have graduated from a Board approved LPN nursing program and passed the NCLEX-PN and meet any additional requirements for licensure.

Apply for licensure by completing the following requirements:

  • Submit proof of education – completing high school or equivalent
  • Must provide proof graduating from an approved practical nursing program
  • Must have completed 3 hours of continuing education
  • Must take and pass the NCLEX exam
  • Must submit a completed application and pay the initial fee of $95

Full details on obtaining an LPN license in Pennsylvanua are available here: Pennsylvania Practical Nursing Licensure Requirements

How Much Does The LPN Program Cost in Philadelphia?

Practical nursing programs in Philadelphia are among the most expensive in the United States. The average cost of tuition for the one-year program is $27,000. You can lower your cost through the use of financial aid. The majority of practical nursing programs in Philadelphia are offered at private for-profit institutions.

Can You Become An LPN Online in Philadelphia?

It is not possible to become an LPN online in Philadelphia. Practical nursing, like other healthcare professions, require hands-on training as part of the educational preparation. State-board approved programs must include the hands-on lab activities and a clinical internship at a health care facility. Due to this requirement, there are no practical nursing programs delivered fully online in Philadelphia.

Free LPN Programs In Philadelphia

There are no options for free LPN training in Philadelphia. If you enroll in the practical nursing program at The Health and Technology Training Institute, you may significantly reduce the total cost of your education by applying for tuition assistance from District 1199C. Tuition assistance is available for District 1199C members and community residents only.

How Much Does a Practical Nurse Earn in Philadelphia?

Licensed practical nurses earn a median average salary of $56,050 in Philadelphia.