Are you interested in pursuing a career in healthcare but unsure where to start? Consider applying to practical nursing programs. Practical nursing programs provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). LPNs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
In Philadelphia, there are many LPN programs available for prospective students. This page aims to provide a comprehensive list of LPN programs in Philadelphia to help you choose the best program for your career goals. With the demand for healthcare professionals on the rise, pursuing a career as an LPN can be a great way to start a rewarding and fulfilling career in the healthcare industry.
Featured LPN Programs
The following is a list of the best LPN programs in the Philadelphia area, chosen through extensive research to ensure top-notch options for pursuing LPN licensure. This list is regularly updated to offer the most reliable choices within the Philadelphia region. Take a step towards a rewarding career in practical nursing by delving into further details through the provided links for each school.
Prism Career Institute
Prism Career Institute offers a Practical Nursing Program with campuses in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The program prepares students to become practical nurses in as little as 15 months. The program is designed for those who have a passion for working in a collaborative environment and providing care to others.
As practical nurses, students will work under the direction of physicians, registered nurses (RNs), and other healthcare professionals to care for people who are sick, injured, or disabled. The program covers various responsibilities, including clinical duties, laboratory duties, personal care duties, and administrative duties. After completing the program, students will be qualified for many LPN career opportunities in a wide range of healthcare settings such as hospitals, medical clinics, doctor offices, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, government agencies, and more.
The Practical Nursing program spans 1,560 clock hours in the dedicated training laboratories on the campuses in PA and NJ. The program can be completed in approximately 63 weeks for day class students or 70 weeks for weekend/evening students. Prism Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) at all three of their locations in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The practical nursing programs have been certified by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, while the Philadelphia program has been designated with the Provisional status by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Prism Career Institute offers financial aid services to qualifying students to help them secure grants, loans, and other types of assistance. The institute also provides an online Prism Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz to identify strengths, social style, and the training and positions that best suit the student. Prospective students can contact an Admissions Representative at (888) 290-6209 for more information and apply online to get started. However, it is recommended to review the Gainful Employment Disclosures for important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended the practical nursing programs.
Admission Requirements
- 18 years of age or older.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent from a US Department of Education-recognized institution.
- Complete an interview with a Prism Career Institute Admissions Representative and be recommended to apply.
- Minimum score of 45 on the entrance exam with specific minimum scores in each category.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $28,721 |
| Program Duration | Day Classes: 60 weeks, Night Classes: 70 weeks |
| Clock Hours | 1,560 clock hours |
| Class Schedule | Day and Evening Class Options |
| Website | https://www.prismcareerinstitute.edu/programs/practical-nursing/ |
| Location | 8040 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19152 |
| Phone | 215-331-4600 |
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology Practical Nursing Program is a 12-month, full-time program designed to prepare students for a successful career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the healthcare industry. The program offers an exceptional education that includes integrated lectures, laboratory experiences, and clinical experiences.
The classes are highly personalized, with expert nursing professionals leading the way. This ensures that students receive the in-depth instruction and training they need to successfully pass the NCLEX exam and become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Additionally, students have the option to continue their education in the Allied Health program to complete an associate degree in Allied Health-Practical Nursing.
Unlike many other programs, the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology Practical Nursing Program doesn’t require students to complete TEAS Testing for admission. Instead, students may complete the AHT180 TEAS Test Prep course and earn a grade of C or higher before admission.
Upon completion of the program, graduates receiving a Practical Nursing Certificate should be able to utilize their knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide nursing care for individuals and families under the supervision of an experienced RN, physician, or dentist. They should also be able to use the nursing process to assist in identifying and meeting the basic needs of individuals and families with diverse needs across the lifespan. Graduates will function within the ethical, legal, and professional standards of practice for the practical nurse as developed by national nursing organizations and the state.
Graduates will also be able to use effective therapeutic communication, interpersonal, and technological skills with individuals, families, and members of the healthcare team. They will be able to utilize basic critical thinking skills to provide safe, therapeutic nursing care to clients, collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to meet the basic needs of clients, and assist in the utilization of the teaching/learning process to promote, maintain, and restore health to individuals and families. Additionally, graduates will be able to demonstrate leadership abilities in the long-term care setting by organizing and delegating client care under the supervision of an RN and function as a patient advocate. Finally, they will establish a pattern of personal responsibility, self-development, and lifelong learning.
Admission Requirements
- Applicant must be at least 17 years of age.
- Submit an official high school transcript or GED diploma with scores; or, if a high school graduate from a foreign country, or have an out-of-state GED, must obtain a Certificate of Preliminary Education (CPE) from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Students must complete (5) credits of Anatomy and Physiology with a grade of C or higher.
- Complete AHT180 TEAS Smartprep course with a grade of C or higher.
- Provide official college or post-secondary education transcripts, if applicable.
- Pass a satisfactory background check for Criminal and Child Abuse History. An FBI background check is required.
- Pass a satisfactory physical examination and document immunization and tuberculosis screening.
- Pass a satisfactory drug screening test indicating no evidence of drug use.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | $24,600 (Tuition & Fees: $22,625, Books & Supplies: $1,975) |
| Program Duration | 52 weeks |
| Class Schedule | Full-Time |
| Website | https://www.pit.edu/gainful-employment/practical-nursing/ |
| Location | 800 Manchester Ave, Media, PA 19063 |
| Phone | 610-892-1500 |
| [email protected] |
Health & Technology Training Institute
For those looking for a LPN program with flexibility, the practical nursing program at Health & Technology Training Institute (HTTI) is a great pick.
The HTTI Practical Nursing Program is a 22-month, part-time, evening and weekend course designed specifically for working adults. Students must receive a grade of 80% or better in all courses in the Practical Nursing curriculum. Additionally, students must pass a drug dosage/calculation test in Level II and Level III, as well as a medication proficiency skills test, before they can administer medication at the clinical site.
In terms of physical requirements, students must meet the Essential Functional Abilities, which includes abilities like bending, lifting, hearing, and sight. Students with disabilities can still apply if they meet all program prerequisites and submit documentation of an Essential Functional Abilities evaluation signed by a health professional stating that they are able to perform as Practical Nurses in clinical settings. However, it is the student’s responsibility to document that they meet the physical/mental/legal requirements for state certification.
Before starting classes, students must complete medical clearances, blood titers, a 2-step PPD or chest x-ray, and a flu vaccine, as well as a drug screen, PA criminal background check, FBI background check, and PA Child Abuse Clearance. Clinical agencies may also require random drug tests. It’s important to note that students are required to repeat some of these checks and vaccinations at the start of Year Two.
Clinical experience is an important component of the program, and all students must complete the clinical requirements for each level. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from participating facilities and must adhere to published clinical facility policies. It’s recommended that students carry accident and personal health insurance due to the inherent risks of exposure to disease during clinical experience.
Overall, the HTTI Practical Nursing Program provides a rigorous and comprehensive training experience for aspiring LPNs while offering flexible schedules for those looking to take classes on a part time basis.
Admission Requirements
- Official high school transcript or GED.
- Pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with overall score of 59 and minimum scores in the Reading, Math, Science, and English categories.
- Physical & cognitive requirements
- One or more references.
- CPR certification.
- Background checks.
- Interview with program director.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $22,000 |
| Program Duration | 22 months |
| Class Schedule | Part-time, class hours vary according to schedule |
| Website | https://www.httiphila.org/practical-nursing.html |
| Location | 100 South Broad Street, 9th Floor, Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19102 |
| Phone | 215-568-2220 |
| [email protected] |
LPN Salaries in Philadelphia
Let’s explore the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and delve into LPN salaries in the region. We’ll refer to the data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to see how LPN salaries in Philadelphia compare to the national and state averages.
According to the table, Philadelphia is home to approximately 14,170 LPNs. That’s quite a bustling community of compassionate healthcare professionals! Now, let’s talk numbers. LPNs in Philadelphia earn an average hourly wage of $28.52, which translates to an annual salary of $59,320. That’s a solid earning potential!
But how does this compare to the national and state averages? Let’s dig into the details. Across the entire United States, there are about 135,500 LPNs, and on average, they earn an hourly wage of $19.51, resulting in an annual salary of $40,580. Now, let’s shift our focus to the great state of Pennsylvania. In the entire state, there are approximately 32,950 LPNs, and their average hourly wage is $26.21, with an annual salary of $54,520.
When we compare LPN salaries in Philadelphia to the national average, it’s clear that LPNs in the city are earning higher wages. They enjoy an hourly wage that’s around $9.01 higher and an annual salary that’s approximately $18,740 higher. That’s certainly a notable difference!
Now, let’s discuss how LPN salaries in Philadelphia fare against the state average in Pennsylvania. LPNs in the city earn slightly higher hourly wages, around $2.31 more, and their annual salary is approximately $4,800 higher than the state average. It’s important to note that regional factors, cost of living, and demand for healthcare professionals can influence these slight variances in salaries.
| # of LPNs | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | |
| United States | 135,500 | $ 19.51 | $ 40,580 |
| Pennsylvania | 32,950 | $ 26.21 | $ 54,520 |
| Philadelphia | 14,170 | $ 28.52 | $ 59,320 |
Influences on LPN Salaries in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, several factors influence LPN salaries. Here are the top three influences to consider:
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Philadelphia compared to other areas can impact LPN salaries. If the cost of housing, transportation, and other expenses in Philadelphia is higher than the national or state average, employers may offer higher salaries to LPNs to ensure they can maintain a reasonable standard of living in the city. Offering higher pay helps attract and retain qualified LPNs despite the higher cost of living.
- Local Market Demand: The demand for LPNs in Philadelphia plays a significant role in determining salaries. Philadelphia has a large population and a robust healthcare sector, with numerous hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. The higher demand for healthcare services in the city can create a need for skilled LPNs, leading to increased competition among employers. To attract and retain top talent, employers may offer higher salaries to remain competitive in the job market.
- Education and Experience: LPNs in Philadelphia with higher levels of education and experience often earn higher salaries. LPNs who pursue additional certifications, advanced degrees, or gain specialized skills may be in higher demand and qualify for more competitive positions, leading to increased compensation. Employers often value the expertise and knowledge gained through education and experience and are willing to offer higher salaries to attract and retain skilled LPNs.