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Pennsylvania, PA | LPN Nursing Program Information

How to Become an LPN in Pennsylvania

The road to licensure as a Practical Nurse in Pennsylvania includes graduating from of a state approved LPN program, which typically takes about a year of full time study and is widely available through universities, colleges, and private institutions. Before application to an LPN program, a number of prerequisites, ranging from scientific topics like microbiology to liberal arts like English and psychology must be completed—usually around ten courses for a total of 30 credit hours. At all LPN schools, there is a standard for minimum grade point average in prerequisite courses, which can be as low as a C average or a 2.5 GPA. But meeting minimum requirements will not always guarantee acceptance—with a large number applicants for nursing programs in Pennsylvania, a ranking system is established at most schools of nursing that gives preference to those applicants with better grades.

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After half a year of prerequisites, a typical Licensed Practical Nurse program in Pennsylvania requires around one year of study and the completion of 60 credit hours of course work, after which students must take and pass the National Counsel Licensing Examination-Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing must first approve an applicant and charges a $35 application fee and the exam itself, taken though Pearson Vue, costs $200. It is important to note that any criminal record must be reported prior to application for examination, and acceptance to sit the exam is examined on a case to case basis. It is best to contact school administrators before beginning a program to see if your criminal history may present a problem.

Once a student successfully completes the NCLEX-PN they are eligible to work as an LPN in Pennsylvania. Once employed, an LPN license must be renewed every two years, which carries a $40 fee. Unlike many other states, there is no requirement for verification of practice hours or continuing education for renewal.

LPN Jobs and Salary for Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, LPNs typically work in hospitals—where around sixty percent are employed—and other health care settings such as nursing homes, clinics and even private homes. The average salary for an LPN in Pennsylvania metropolitan areas is around $43,000 per year and a bit less in rural settings. Additional benefits, like health care and 401k, can be worth more than $15,000 a year as well. As reported by the US Department of Labor, the job outlook is good for LPN’s, with higher than average growth expected, particularly in nursing homes and home care facilities. (according to BLS.gov)

Working under the direction of doctors and Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses in Pennsylvania are responsible for many tasks that are all very important in monitoring, assessing, and maintaining patient health. Usually, they focus on essential bedside care such as monitoring vital signs, giving injections and administering other prescribed medicines, dressing wounds and so on, and feeding, bathing, collecting samples and maintaining medical equipment.

Full time Licensed Practical Nurses work the usual 40 hours per week. But, because many patients need around the clock attention, many LPNs work nights, weekends and holidays. While not ideal for everyone, this can be beneficial for those needing flexible schedules due to other commitments such as family, school and so on—especially considering the competitive salaries earned by LPNs. In addition, it opens up part time opportunities for LPNs with other responsibilities such as school and family outside of normal work hours.