Best LPN Programs in Pittsburgh 2026

Discover Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with details on schools, classes, tuition, and clinical training. Review licensing requirements and nursing career opportunities in the Pittsburgh area.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
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Pittsburgh Pennsylvania LPN programs providing practical nursing education and hands-on clinical experience for entry-level healthcare roles

2027 Best LPN Programs in Pittsburgh, PA

Finding the right LPN program in Pittsburgh doesn't have to be overwhelming. We here at practicalnursing.org have done the research for you. Our rankings take a close look at each school's accreditation, pass rates, and affordability to help you make a smart choice. This guide highlights the top practical nursing programs in the Steel City, giving you the details you need to start your nursing career on solid ground. For a full explanation of how these rankings were put together, check out our methodology page: https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

Carlow University

Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - carlow.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

Carlow University's 16-month, campus-based Practical Nurse Certificate prepares students for the NCLEX-PN and immediate entry into diverse healthcare settings. The 48-credit program, priced at $559 per credit, integrates classroom theory with hands-on clinical experiences in skills and simulation labs, plus direct patient care in long-term care, home health, rehabilitation, physician offices, and community agencies. With a focus on cultural competency, community engagement, and compassionate, ethical care, the program builds on 75 years of nursing education excellence. Pittsburgh is Pennsylvania's second-largest LPN employer, and the state projects an LPN deficit of 18,700 by 2030. Free application, rolling admissions, and a fall start offer accessible entry.

  • $559 per credit
  • 16-Month program
  • 48 total credit hours
  • Rolling admissions
  • Full-time enrollment
  • Starts fall
  • $0 application fee
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
  • 75 years of nursing excellence
  • Clinical experience in varied settings
#2

Butler County Community College

Butler, PA - Public 2-Year - bc3.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing - Anatomy and Physiology Track, Certificate (Anatomy and Physiology)

Campus Based - Visit Website

This three-semester Practical Nursing certificate at Butler County Community College centers on an Anatomy and Physiology Track, providing an in-depth understanding of human body systems. The 48-credit curriculum blends nursing theory, pharmacology, psychology, and English with intensive anatomy coursework, alongside hands-on clinical experiences in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and home health. A chemistry prerequisite ensures a solid scientific base. Graduates can sit for the NCLEX-PN and pursue Pennsylvania LPN licensure. Emphasizing body functions, the program prepares students for safe patient care, medication administration, and collaborative teamwork, meeting state requirements for immediate career entry.

  • 3-Semester program
  • 48 total credit hours
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
  • Chemistry course prerequisite
  • Career as Licensed Practical Nurse
  • Meets Pennsylvania licensure requirements
  • Main campus location
*IPEDS 2025 dataset, accessed via NCES Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Pittsburgh LPN Program Overview

Pittsburgh’s healthcare sector relies on Licensed Practical Nurses to deliver hands-on, bedside and community-based care across hospitals, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, home health, and outpatient clinics. LPNs in the city work under the direction of registered nurses and physicians, providing vital services such as medication administration, wound care, monitoring, and patient education within Pennsylvania’s defined scope of practice.

The local care landscape is anchored by large hospital systems and extensive post-acute networks, including flagship facilities such as UPMC Presbyterian and Allegheny Health Network’s Allegheny General Hospital, as well as the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. The region also includes numerous long-term care and assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health and hospice agencies, and primary care and specialty clinics. Federal labor statistics indicate continued national demand for LPNs, particularly in long-term and home-based care, trends that align with Pittsburgh’s strong presence of post-acute and community care providers.

Most Pittsburgh-area practical nursing programs can be completed in about 12 months of full-time study. Many schools also offer part-time or evening options that typically range from 18 to 24 months. Curricula combine classroom instruction, skills lab and simulation, and supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and community health settings throughout the metropolitan area to prepare students for entry-level practice.

In Pennsylvania, practical nursing education programs must be approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Graduates are required to pass the NCLEX-PN to obtain licensure. Board-approved programs in the Pittsburgh area are designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN through structured coursework, clinical experiences, and exam-focused review. The Board provides rules on scope of practice, a list of approved programs, and licensure application requirements for prospective LPNs.

State and local public agencies regularly publish information relevant to practical nursing, including program approvals and NCLEX-PN pass rates through the state board, as well as healthcare facility listings and public health trends through Pennsylvania state resources. Applicants should confirm that any Pittsburgh-area program is currently Board-approved and review the latest licensure guidance and exam information prior to enrollment.

Employment Opportunities for LPNs in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s healthcare sector stands as a vital and expanding pillar of its economy, providing over 199,000 jobs. The city has experienced a significant transformation into a prominent healthcare hub, with healthcare employment growing to more than 17% of local employment. This robust growth is largely driven by continuous advancements in medical technology, the needs of an aging population, and expanded access to crucial healthcare services. Notably, Pittsburgh’s concentration of healthcare jobs surpasses the national average, indicating a thriving environment for medical professionals.

For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), the job market in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area is particularly active. As of May 2023, there were 5,050 LPNs and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) employed, highlighting a strong demand for skilled nursing professionals. This data is regularly compiled by government agencies such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics. LPNs in Pittsburgh find diverse employment opportunities across a wide array of healthcare settings, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the city’s medical infrastructure.

Key Healthcare Employers and Facilities for LPNs in Pittsburgh:

  • Hospitals:LPNs are integral to hospital teams, assisting with direct patient care, medication administration, and wound management. Major hospital systems like UPMC and Allegheny Health Network are prominent employers. UPMC, for example, is the largest non-government employer in Pennsylvania and frequently hires LPNs for various departments, including rehabilitation units like those at UPMC Mercy.
  • Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities:These facilities frequently seek LPNs to provide essential direct resident care, administer medications, and oversee other nursing staff. Examples include Eldercrest Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Hillcrest Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, and Carnegie Park Post Acute.
  • Rehabilitation Centers:In settings focused on recovery from illness, injury, or surgery, LPNs play a crucial role in supporting patient mobility, managing wound care, and monitoring progress. Encompass Health is a notable employer in this area.
  • Senior Living Facilities:This broad category encompasses independent living, personal care, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care communities. LPNs provide direct care, assist with daily living activities, and manage medication regimens. Employers include UPMC Senior Communities, Northland Heights Senior Living, Paramount Senior Living at South Hills, and Baptist Senior Family.
  • Home Health Agencies:LPNs specializing in home health provide individualized, one-on-one nursing care in patients’ homes. They manage care plans, monitor patient conditions, and offer vital support. Agencies such as Care Options for Kids, Maxim Healthcare Services, Interim HealthCare, and Aveanna Healthcare actively recruit LPNs for both adult and pediatric homecare roles.
  • Private Practices and Physicians’ Offices:LPNs often work in physicians’ offices, assisting with patient examinations, taking vital signs, administering immunizations, and performing administrative tasks.
  • Specialized Clinics:Opportunities also exist in niche settings like plasma donation centers, where LPNs may work as medical support specialists for companies such as BioLife Plasma Services.
  • Staffing Agencies:A number of staffing agencies, including NurseDash, Med Plus Staffing LLC, and IntelyCare, connect LPNs with per diem, contract, or direct-hire positions across various healthcare facilities throughout the Pittsburgh area, offering flexibility and diverse experiences.

Beyond the major hospital networks, smaller facilities and local healthcare providers are also significant employers for LPNs in Pittsburgh. These include numerous assisted living facilities, independent senior living communities, and local home health agencies, which rely on LPNs to deliver high-quality patient care. The overall outlook for LPN employment in Pittsburgh remains strong, supported by the city’s robust and expanding healthcare infrastructure.

List of LPN Programs in Pittsburgh, PA

Welcome to our curated list of LPN programs in Pittsburgh, PA. The table below details each school's city and state location, outlines key program highlights, and includes direct links to the program pages. This resource helps prospective students compare offerings, understand what sets each program apart, and quickly access the information needed to apply. We've organized everything to simplify the search process.

Pittsburgh, PA

Carlow University

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse Certificate

    Campus Based - Website

    • $559 per credit
    • 16-Month program
    • 48 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Starts fall
    • $0 application fee
    • Prepares for NCLEX-PN
*NCES, IPEDS 2025 survey, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/