2024 - Best LPN Programs in Pennsylvania

Last Updated/Verified: Sep 13, 2024

Pennsylvania is building up its medical community by supporting professional nursing though improved knowledge and skills, while also helping policy makers assess the impact of their decisions on healthcare workers and patients. Licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs are on the rise, with an estimated 9% increase predicted through 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Individuals seeking to meet this nursing demand can become LPNs in the state by enrolling in one of the many practical nursing programs. LPNs in Pennsylvania earn approximately $26.21 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $54,520. This is roughly $1,340 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Pennsylvania? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Pennsylvania are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 52 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 20 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Pennsylvania click here.

Details on Pennsylvania LPN Schools & Classes

Pennsylvania boasts around 50 schools that offer LPN programs, so numerous options abound for potential students. Quality practical nursing programs can be found at community colleges, trade schools, and more. Total program length depends on part-time or full-time study, but can be completed in as little as one year. Roughly 50 total credits are needed for most LPN programs.

Throughout the program, students will take classroom courses in nursing theory and related topics, perform lab studies, and participate in clinicals at local medical facilities. Course titles are likely to include:

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology
  • Human Growth and Development
  • General Psychology
  • Concepts in Practical Nursing
  • Basic Microbiology

Accreditation

Accredited programs are the gold standard when it comes to practical nursing education. These programs are held to rigorous academic standards and hold a higher level of prestige. Agencies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) commonly accredit programs in the state. In addition to this, it’s important to find a program that is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

Each school will have its own set of admissions requirements that students should look over carefully. Common requirements include:

  • Documented high school diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Satisfactory TEAS score
  • Personal interview with staff/faculty

Tuition and Costs

Total practical nursing program expenses can vary between schools and are comprised of a few different aspects. Tuition, associated fees (application fee, graduation fee, etc.), and materials such as books are all things that make up the final price. Financial aid in the form of loans and scholarships is typically available for students who need a little extra assistance.

As an example on cost, the LPN program through the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology runs about $400 per credit hour. There will also be fees for supplies, books,  and other miscellaneous costs.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Pennsylvania LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Pennsylvania LPN Licensing Requirements

In Pennsylvania, an LPN applicant must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, as well as complete a board-approved nursing program that consists of 1500 hours and no less than a year of coursework. Once this coursework is complete, the graduate must submit the Pennsylvania Exam/TPP application to the Board of Nursing, as well as register and sit for the NCLEX exam. Once the exam is passed, all applications have been accepted, and the applicant has submitted to a criminal background check, licensure will be granted.

Pennsylvania LPN licenses expire on June 30th of even-numbered years. There are no continued education requirements for renewal.

NCLEX Exam Information

The NCLEX-PN is the exam that all practical nursing grads must take in order to be eligible for official licensure. This exam measures the student’s comprehension of the practical nursing curriculum. For detailed information on the exam, visit our guide here. The NCLEX-PN practice test may also be of use to students who wish to get a better feel for the test before they take it.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Pennsylvania is currently awaiting implementation of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which is an agreement between participating states to offer multi-state nursing licenses.

Out-of-state LPNs can apply for licensure by endorsement as long as he or she has the following:

  • Proof of licensure from another state with an education equivalent to Pennsylvania
  • Hasn’t allowed their most current license to lapse more than 5 years and have fulfilled continuing competency requirements
  • Passed the NCLEX

Foreign educated LPN's must verify educational courses through the Board based on the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluation.

2024 PA NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 52
  • Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 1,766
  • 2022 Average Statewide Pennsylvania NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 81.5%

Top Ranked Pennsylvania LPN Programs

1

United Career Institute

8957 Lincoln Hwy suite 101, Irwin, PA 15642 - (724) 515-2440 - Visit Homepage

United Career Institute is a leading private career school, offering a top-notch Practical Nursing program. With a convenient location and a commitment to hands-on training, students thrive in a supportive and intimate learning environment. Prepare for a rewarding healthcare career at United Career Institute.

Overall Score: 98.60 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Bucks County Community College

275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940 - (215) 968-8000 - Visit Homepage

The practical nursing program at Bucks County Community College in Newtown prepares nursing hopefuls with classroom instruction and clinical experiences in just 12 months of study. This full-time program admits new students annually in July and boasts an intimate 8 to 1 student/faculty ratio.

Overall Score: 97.44 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Community College of Beaver County

1 Campus Drive, Monaca, PA 15061 - (724) 480-2222 - Visit Homepage

Community College of Beaver County (CBCC) is located in Monaca, Pennsylvania. CBCC offers affordable and convenient programs, including a practical nursing diploma program that can be completed in just three semesters (one calendar year). The curriculum includes coursework in Human Anatomy & Physiology, Human Growth & Development, and much more.

Overall Score: 96.76 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Mercer County Career Center

776 Greenville Rd., Mercer, PA 16137 - (724) 662-3000 - Visit Homepage

Mercer County Career Center's LPN program provides students with nursing education through theory, clinical experiences, and labs. MCCC's 12-month program consists of 1500 hours of instruction and prepares students for gainful employment within the community.

Overall Score: 95.87 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Venango Technology Center

1 Vo-Tech Dr, Oil City, PA 16301 - (814) 493-6590 - Visit Homepage

Venango Technology Center offers students a 1,505 clock-hour practical nursing program to train them for entry-level healthcare careers. The comprehensive curriculum consists of 50% classroom learning and 50% clinical practice. In just one calendar year, students learn concepts in psychiatric nursing, nutrition, body structure and function, and more.

Overall Score: 95.42 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

Harrisburg Area Community College

One HACC Drive , Harrisburg, PA 17110 - (717) 780-2380 - Visit Homepage

Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) is the largest and oldest community college in Pennsylvania located in Harrisburg, with additional locations in Gettysburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York. HACC offers a four-semester practical nursing certificate program that preps students for the NCLEX exam and future healthcare employment.

Overall Score: 94.34 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

Indiana County Technology Center

441 Hamill Road, Indiana, PA 15701 - (724) 349-6700 - Visit Homepage

Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) is an innovative regional career development and technology center located in Indiana, Pennsylvania. ICTC integrates vocational skill and academic instruction, with a practical nursing program that utilizes a hands-on approach to learning. Students get the benefits of small class sizes and experienced instructors to truly engage with the nursing material.

Overall Score: 93.71 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County

3201 Rockwell Avenue, Scranton, PA 18508 - (570) 346-8471 - Visit Homepage

Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County (CTCLC) is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. CTCLC provides career-minded students with postsecondary educational career options, including a 15-month practical nursing program that breaks the curriculum into 50% classroom learning and 50% supervised, hands-on clinical learning.

Overall Score: 92.05 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

Schuylkill Technology Center

101 Technology Dr., Frackville, PA 17931 - (570) 874-1034 - Visit Homepage

Schuylkill Technology Center's practical nursing program teaches students via classroom lectures and clinical practice. Students can choose from full-time and part-time attendance and can complete the program in as little as one year.

Overall Score: 91.81 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

Franklin County Career & Technology Center

2463 Loop Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202 - (717) 263-9033 - Visit Homepage

Franklin County Career & Technology Center, based in Chambersburg, educates future LPNs through its popular practical nursing program. The rigorous curriculum offers challenging coursework and clinical experiences to prepare students for real-world nursing. Students can enter the program at two points in the year; either February or August.

Overall Score: 91.56 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
11

Chester County Intermediate Unit

443 Boot Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 - (484) 593-5950 - Visit Homepage

Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, with additional locations in Phoenixville, West Grove, and Coatesville, is a dynamic educational agency, providing innovative education that is also cost-effective. CCIU's practical nursing program teaches students nursing theory and skills so that they can provide basic, patient-focused care.

Overall Score: 91.28 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
12

Hazleton Area Career Center

1451 West 23rd Street, Hazle Township, PA 18202 - (570) 459-3221 x82400 - Visit Homepage

Hazleton Area Career Center, a prominent public career school, proudly offers a comprehensive Practical Nursing program. Nestled in a convenient location, this institution provides students with personalized attention and a diverse learning environment. Launch your healthcare career with confidence at Hazleton Area Career Center.

Overall Score: 91.26 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
13

Fortis Institute - Scranton

517 Ash Street, Scranton, PA 18509 - (570) 558-1818 - Visit Homepage

Fortis Institute is a postsecondary school located in Scranton, Pennsylvania with several additional locations in the state and across the country. Fortis Institute in Scranton offers both accredited diploma and degree programs in a variety of fields, including a hybrid practical nursing program that focuses on nursing theory and hands-on experiences.

Overall Score: 91.16 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
14

Northampton Community College

3835 Green Pond Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020 - (610) 861-5376 - Visit Homepage

Bethlehem’s Northampton Community College offers an LPN certificate program that consists of 27 nursing course credits and 16 general ed credits. Admission is granted in the fall semesters each year, and enrolled students enjoy a curriculum that includes classroom, lab, and simulation experiences in addition to hands-on clinical coursework.

Overall Score: 91.02 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
15

Clearfield County Career & Technology Center

1620 River Road, Clearfield, PA 16830 - (814) 765-5308 - Visit Homepage

Clearfield County Career Technology Center (CCCTC) is a postsecondary school located in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. CCCTC provides quality career and technical education programs, such as its practical nursing program. Enrolled students complete 12 months of classroom and hands-on learning experiences, with a total of 1,500 clock hours.

Overall Score: 90.31 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
16

Greene County Career & Technology Center

60 Zimmerman Drive, Waynesburg, PA 15370 - (724) 627-3106 - Visit Homepage

Green County Career Technology Center (GCCTC) is located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. GCCTC offers 13 professional programs, including a popular practical nursing pathway. Students complete one year of theoretical and clinical instruction to become valued entry-level nurses.

Overall Score: 89.34 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
17

Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center

445 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 15904 - (814) 266-6073 - Visit Homepage

Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center, a renowned public career school, stands as a premier choice for aspiring nurses with its exceptional Practical Nursing program. Situated in a convenient location, this institution provides a dynamic and supportive learning environment, empowering students to excel in their healthcare journeys.

Overall Score: 88.61 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
18

Crawford County Career & Technical Center

860 Thurston Road, Meadville, PA 16335 - (814) 724-6024 - Visit Homepage

Crawford County Career & Technology Center (CCCTC) is located in Meadville, Pennsylvania. CCCTC has been offering a quality practical nursing program since 1969, with a curriculum that weaves together classroom instruction and clinical experiences within the community. The program can be completed in 13 months of study.

Overall Score: 88.59 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
19

Northern Tier Career Center

120 Career Center Lane, Towanda, PA 18848 - (570) 265-8111 - Visit Homepage

Northern Tier Career Center (NTCC), located in Towanda, Pennsylvania, provides quality vocation-technical education. NTCC offers a practical nursing program that can be completed in one year. The curriculum combines classroom learning with clinical hours for real-world skills practice.

Overall Score: 88.23 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
20

Lancaster County Career & Technology Center

1730 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584 - (717) 464-7050 - Visit Homepage

Lancaster County Career & Technology Center (LCCTC) is located in Willow Street, Pennsylvania, with additional campuses located in Brownstown, Mount Joy, Manheim, and Lancaster. LCCTC offers a wide variety of vocational career programs, including a practical nursing program that utilizes a multi-experience simulation lab and has 12-month and 18-month completion options.

Overall Score: 88.14 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Pennsylvania

RankedProgramScore
#21 Lehigh Carbon Community College
4525 Education Park Drive, Schnecksville, PA 18078
(610) 799-2121
88.00
#22 Pittsburgh Technical College
1111 McKee Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071
(412) 809-5100
87.88
#23 Eastern Center for Arts & Technology
3075 Terwood Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090
(215) 784-4800
87.84
#24 Mercyhurst University
501 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16546
(814) 824-2000
85.85
#25 Lenape Technical School
104 Armstrong Street, Ford City, PA 16226
(724) 763-1311
85.75
#26 Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center
350 Jumper Road, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705
(570) 822-6539
85.32
#27 Lebanon County Career & Technology Center
833 Metro Drive, Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 273-8551 x2117
85.26
#28 Pennsylvania College of Technology
One College Avenue , Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 327-4519
84.04
#29 Penn Commercial Business/Technical School
242 Oak Spring Rd., Washington, PA 15301
(724) 222-5330
83.36
#30 Reading Area Community College
10 S 2nd Street, Reading, PA 19603
(610) 372-4721
82.77
#31 York County School of Technology
2179 S Queen St, York, PA 17402
(717) 741-0820
82.57
#32 Penn State Lehigh Valley
2809 Saucon Valley Rd., Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 285-5000
82.43
#33 Lincoln Technical Institute
5151 Tilghma Street, Allentown, PA 18104
(610) 398-5300
81.77
#34 Somerset County Technology Center
281 Technology Dr, Somerset, PA 15501
(814) 443-3651
81.45
#35 Jefferson County DuBois
576 Vo Tech Road, Reynoldsville, PA 15851
(814) 653-8265
81.41
#36 Delaware County Technical Schools
85 N. Malin Road, Broomall, PA 19008
(484) 423-7003
80.91
#37 PITC Institute
827 Glenside Ave., Wyncote, PA 19095
(215) 576-5650
80.75
#38 Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
1339 Saint Mary Street Suite 2, Lewisburg, PA 17837
(570) 768-4960
80.34
#39 Western Area Career & Technology Center
688 Western Avenue, Canonsburg, PA 15317
(724) 746-2890
77.68
#40 Central Pennsylvania Institute Science & Technology
540 North Harrison Road, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823
(814) 359-2793
77.41
#41 The Rapha School
17 Griffith Drive, Home, PA 15747
(724) 549-4700
76.18
#42 Fayette County Career & Technical Institute
175 Georges Fairchance Road, Uniontown, PA 15401
(724) 437-2721
74.27
#43 Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center
1500 4th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 946-8457
73.52
#44 Penn College at Wellsboro
22 Walnut St. , Wellsboro, PA 16901
(570) 724-7703
73.10
#45 Prism Career Institute
8040 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19152
(215) 331-4600
72.10
#46 Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
800 Manchester Ave., Media, PA 19063
(800) 422-0025
71.35
#47 Health and Technology Training Institute
100 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19110
(215) 568-2220
70.42
#48 Great Lakes Institute of Technology
5100 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509
(814) 347-8432
68.87
#49 Falcon Institute of Health & Science
3045 Avenue B, Bethlehem, PA 18017
(610) 252-2277
68.77
#50 Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center
2380 Elk Lake School Rd, Springville, PA 18844
(570) 278-9229
59.41

Programs Not Included In Rankings

Program
All-State Career School
50 W. Powhattan Avenue, Essington, PA 19029
(610) 362-1124
Huntingdon County Career & Technology Center
13221 Big Valley Pike, Mill Creek, PA 17060
(814) 643-6525

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional PA Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Pennsylvania

The table below lists career information collected by the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Pennsylvania. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Philadelphia, Camden, Wilmington14,170$28.52$59,320
Pittsburgh5,020$25.74$53,540
Scranton, Wilkes, Barre, Hazleton1,940$24.75$51,480
Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton1,820$26.64$55,410
Harrisburg, Carlisle1,820$26.04$54,150
Lancaster1,610$25.46$52,950
Reading900$26.42$54,960
Erie860$23.90$49,720
York, Hanover800$24.60$51,170
Altoona570$24.01$49,940
Williamsport490$24.44$50,840
Lebanon430$25.87$53,800
State College370$24.07$50,060
Chambersburg, Waynesboro360$25.37$52,760
Johnstown350$23.51$48,890
Bloomsburg, Berwick350$24.80$51,580
East Stroudsburg210$25.13$52,270
Gettysburg200$25.25$52,520

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)