Best LPN Programs in Pennsylvania
Pursue a Nursing Career with an LPN Degree
Pennsylvania is home to the fifth-highest number of older adults among U.S. states, according to state data. This creates a strong need for a well-trained healthcare workforce, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
LPNs provide basic patient care, monitor vital signs, and document patient activity. They typically communicate changes in patient status to physicians and senior nursing staff, such as registered nurses (RN), who often have different roles and responsibilities than LPNs.
Training programs in Pennsylvania can help you become an LPN in the Keystone State. Here we’ll explore and rank the top LPN programs in Pennsylvania, as well as provide a career outlook and salary overview.
Top LPN Programs in Pennsylvania
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Schnecksville, PA- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Lehigh Carbon Community College delivers associate and certificate programs to prepare learners for nursing careers. Many of the school's programs are available in on-campus and online formats. Studying remotely allows learners to attend class without commuting or adjusting their schedule to attend day classes.
Associate and certificate programs in nursing feature coursework covering crucial theories and practical knowledge. Many individuals apply their training to entry-level positions in nursing immediately after graduation. Graduates can also pursue a bachelor's degree, which they may use to qualify for more advanced roles with higher earning potential.
Lehigh Carbon Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 60
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 11
Number of Certificate Programs: 25
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 8
- In-State$6,360
- Out-of-state$9,540
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,843
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Community College of Beaver County
- Monaca, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution, Community College of Beaver County offers options at the associate and certificate levels for learners interested in nursing. Students can enroll online or on campus in Monaca, Pennsylvania. Learners with full-time jobs often study online because of the increased flexibility remote learning offers.
Coursework in nursing programs covers theories and practical knowledge that participants need to succeed in the field. Individuals can pursue entry-level nursing positions after graduation. Graduates can also pursue a bachelor's degree, which they may use to qualify for more advanced roles with higher earning potential.
Community College of Beaver County at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 52
Number of Certificate Programs: 25
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 1
- In-State$9,720
- Out-of-state$14,580
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,149
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
York College of Pennsylvania
- York, PA
- 4 year
- Campus
Delivering online and on-campus associate and certificate programs, York College of Pennsylvania educates learners based in the state and throughout the country. To qualify for positions, students can earn a nursing associate degree or certificate, which require coursework and technical training. Graduates often apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
The school's online programs allow enrollees not located near the school's campus to pursue studies without relocating or commuting. Additionally, online programs allow students to maintain employment while pursuing their degree. Prospective applicants should look into the associate and certificate programs offered and see if any meet their needs.
York College of Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 4
- In-State$18,910
- Out-of-state$18,910
- In-State$13,212
- Out-of-state$13,212
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled4,307
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment8%
- AccreditationYes
Northampton Community College
- Bethlehem, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
With a main campus in Pennsylvania, public Northampton Community College delivers nursing associate and certificate programs. To prepare for entry-level roles in nursing, many students pursue an associate degree or certificate in the field. Graduates often apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Enrollees located anywhere can take advantage of the school's online programs. This can also be a great option for students who wish to work in nursing but require more flexibility than a traditional in-person program provides. For specific information about the institution's programs, prospective applicants can consult an admissions counselor.
Northampton Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 66
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 10
Number of Certificate Programs: 36
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 9
- In-State$6,420
- Out-of-state$9,630
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,800
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Community College of Philadelphia
- Philadelphia, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution, Community College of Philadelphia helps learners prepare for the workforce through associate and certificate programs in nursing. Although the school is located in Pennsylvania, students in any state can enroll in its online programs. The flexibility of online programs often appeals to working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities.
While earning an associate degree or certificate, participants complete field-specific coursework and gain important training. Immediately after graduation, many individuals apply to nursing positions. Graduates often pursue bachelor's studies before entering the workforce, which can lead to more job opportunities and higher salary potential.
Community College of Philadelphia at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 54
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 5
Number of Certificate Programs: 34
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4
- In-State$7,632
- Out-of-state$11,448
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled15,996
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Licensure Requirements for Pennsylvania LPNs
As with other states, Pennsylvania maintains its own set of LPN licensing standards. To get your license, you’ll first need to meet education requirements. After you get your license, you’ll keep your license active by completing continuing education (CE) activities.
LPN Education and Examination Requirements
To become an LPN in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or an equivalent. And perhaps most importantly, you must complete an LPN training program that meets Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requirements.
Your program must consist of at least 1,500 hours and cover a study period of at least 12 months. (The LPN programs in Pennsylvania that appear in this ranking all meet this standard.)
After meeting the educational requirements, you must then pass a standardized nursing examination. Pennsylvania recognizes two exams: The National Council of State Boards – Practical Nursing Exam (NCLEX-PN) and Pennsylvania’s State Board Test Pool Exam (SBTPE).
Obtaining an Initial LPN License
Once you meet the education and exam requirements, you’re eligible to get your initial license. To obtain it, you must apply for your license through the board of nursing.
To complete your licensing application, you must:
- Have your school submit your LPN program transcripts directly to the board
- Provide written documentation from the test provider indicating you have passed one of the two necessary exams
- Pay an initial fee of $95 (if you completed your LPN education in Pennsylvania) or $115 (if you completed the training outside of Pennsylvania)
- Complete three hours of child abuse recognition education through a recognized provider
Pennsylvania also has an LPN licensing reciprocity program, which allows you to obtain a license by endorsement. You can obtain your license via endorsement if you completed an eligible LPN education program in the United States or Canada. Depending on your credentials, you may be able to qualify for an endorsement without passing the NCLEX-PN or SBTPE exams.
Maintaining and Renewing an LPN License in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania LPN licenses expire every even-numbered year on June 30, regardless of when they were initially issued. You must renew your license before it expires to remain in good standing.
To renew your license, you must pay a $76 renewal fee. You’ll also need to complete at least two hours of child abuse recognition CE training each renewal period.
LPN Employment Trends in Pennsylvania
There is an acute need for nurses and other healthcare workers in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education reported March 2023 that the Keystone State will need 17,600 more nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants by 2030. In early 2024, the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) described the state’s nursing shortfall as the worst in the country.
Given these statistics, now may be an opportune time to become an LPN in Pennsylvania. You’ll help address a critical shortfall in the state’s healthcare system.
Here’s a snapshot of overall LPN employment statistics and trends in Pennsylvania:
| Average Annual Salary (May 2023) | $58,800 |
| Total Employment (May 2023) | 30,110 |
| Projected Short-Term Employment Growth (2023-25) | +0.9% |
| Projected Long-Term Employment Growth (2022-32) | +6.2% |
According to the BLS, these are the five highest-paying Pennsylvania cities and metro areas for LPNs. Salaries vary based on workplace, experience, and other factors.
| Philadelphia Metro | $63,870 |
| Reading | $60,690 |
| Lebanon | $59,070 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $58,900 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $58,720 |
HAP’s January 2024 Hospital Workforce Survey also reported multiple LPN employment trends worth noting:
- Team-based care models have led to a 68% increase in the number of LPNs providing direct nursing care from 2020-23.
- Pennsylvania’s rural hospitals have average nursing support staff vacancy rates of 28%, indicating strong opportunity for LPNs.
- Pennsylvania’s statewide average nursing support staff vacancy rate was 19%. The rate was the highest percentage among the 12 nursing and healthcare specialization categories tracked in the survey.
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs in Pennsylvania
You can train to become an LPN in Pennsylvania in approximately one year. After high school, you must complete an approved LPN education program covering at least 12 months and 1,500 hours.
