Mission

The mission of the Penn State Lehigh Valley Practical Nursing Program is to provide a high-quality non-credit certificate program, delivered through an 18-month part-time evening/weekend curriculum, to prepare individuals with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes essential for practical nursing practice and the knowledge to pass the NCLEX-PN.

This 18-month evening and weekend program consists of the following classroom and clinical curriculum, with all programming done under the supervision of qualified nursing instructors:

  • Structure and function of the human body
  • Fundamentals of practical nursing
  • Concepts of basic medical-surgical nursing care
  • Nursing care of adults and children
  • Nursing care of the adult

Upon completion of the Practical Nursing program, the graduate will:

  • Utilize, under supervision, scientific knowledge and skills necessary to plan and provide safe and comprehensive client-centered nursing care in all settings where nursing takes place
  • Perform nursing care that reflects accurate assessments of the client's growth and development
  • Apply the nursing processes in meeting the client's needs
  • Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Perform in a legal and ethical manner
  • Administer medications in the healthcare setting with accuracy
  • Participate with members of the healthcare team in providing instruction for identified client healthcare needs
  • Utilize information technology in providing basic care

NOTE: Students who graduate from the Practical Nursing program meet the educational requirements to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Program Costs

The program tuition covers instruction, books, uniforms and basic nursing and lab supplies. Student are responsible for additional fees pertaining to the program requirements: CPR certification, pre-entrance physical and immunizations, drug testing, clearances, malpractice insurance, and state licensure and graduation fees. Student financial aid is available for those who qualify. Students interested in financial aid can submit a free online application on the fafsa website. (PSU school code 003329). Students enrolled in the practical nursing program will be reviewed for both federal Pell Grant, as well as federal Direct Stafford loan eligibility. The program also qualifies for Veteran Education Benefits. For more information, contact the Office of Student Aid at 610-285-5033.

Qualifications:

  • Perform satisfactorily on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) pre-entrance exam
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Present as a qualified candidate in a personal interview
  • Present a clear criminal background check, FBI clearance, PA child abuse clearance, and a clear 9-panel drug screen
  • Present current immunization records
  • Obtain CPR for the health care professional certification
  • Must be 18 years of age at the time of the NCLEX Exam