Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Pennsylvania isn’t as difficult as you might assume. With a little bit of determination and hard work, you can spearhead a successful and financially rewarding career as an LPN in PA. Here’s how to do it.
The completion of a practical nursing training and education program is the most direct route to becoming an LPN in PA. The state’s PN program can be completed in as little as 1,500 hours or 12 months. Obtaining the credential necessary to work as an LPN hinges on your ability to pass the required NCLEX-PN exam. If you apply yourself during your PN training program, you should be able to pass this exam on the first try. The state’s NCLEX-PN exam pass rate for 2020 was nearly 86%.
Training to become an LPN includes guidance provided in a clinical setting along with comparably formal academic instruction in the classroom. Select the right PN training program and you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patients with both long-term and short-term care. Your studies will cover technical topics ranging from venipuncture to the use of IVs and patient care.
Pennsylvania’s licensing requirements to become an LPN are not as extensive as most candidates assume. A PA resident intent on becoming an LPN must hold either a high school diploma or a GED. Furthermore, the candidate is required to complete a nursing program that is board approved. The completion of this course sets the stage for the graduate to complete the state’s required TPP application submitted to the Board of Nursing. The submission of this application is necessary to take the NCLEX exam referred to above.
Once the PN candidate passes the NCLEX exam and the application is accepted, a criminal background check will be performed. If the PN candidate passes the criminal background check and meets all the other requirements for becoming an LPN in PA, he or she will receive licensure to officially work as an LPN.
To continue working as an LPN in Pennsylvania, the individual is required to renew his or her license by the last day of June in even-numbered years. However, as of 2021, there are no other additional ongoing education requirements to renew one’s license to work as an LPN in PA.
If you have worked as an LPN in another state, there is a chance you will be able to work as an LPN in PA after applying for licensure through endorsement. Reciprocity might be available for LPNs who provide proof of out-of-state licensure. However, if the out-of-state LPN program does not have the same educational equivalent to the program in PA, a PN program in PA must be completed in accordance with the state’s nuanced standards. Furthermore, if you are moving to PA from another state and your license has lapsed beyond five years, you must complete a PA PN program.
Our medical programs will have you on the LPN career path in surprisingly little time. We intentionally limit barriers to training programs entry to ensure everyone willing to work hard has a chance at living the American dream. If you are interested in working as an LPN, a Phlebotomy Technician, or a Medical Assistant in PA, reach out to us today to find out more about our programs. You can contact Penn Commercial through our convenient online contact form or by phone at (724) 222-5330.