🎓 Find Accredited LPN Schools Near You
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Pennsylvania
HACC (Harrisburg), career technology centers, Fortis Institute (Scranton/Erie), All-State Career School (Pittsburgh/Philly suburbs), and Lancaster County CTC serve the state's major regions. Programs must meet the 1,440-hour standard set by the PA State Board of Nursing — roughly 240 hours more than the average state.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Philadelphia | Philadelphia | Community College | 12 months | $7,200 |
| Bucks County Community College | Newtown | Community College | 12 months | $7,800 |
| HACC – Central Pennsylvania's Community College | Harrisburg | Community College | 12 months | $7,400 |
| Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County | Scranton | Technical Center | 12 months | $9,200 |
| Delaware County Community College | Media | Community College | 12 months | $7,600 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Pennsylvania
No Pennsylvania LPN program is fully online — the 1,440-hour requirement includes extensive clinical training. HACC offers evening cohorts and some community colleges provide hybrid coursework options. The high clinical hour requirement means in-person attendance is a larger time commitment in PA than in most states.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Pennsylvania residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Pennsylvania LPN Program
Pennsylvania's above-average hour requirement means admission is committing to a longer program than most states. TEAS or HESI scores, background check, and health screening are standard. Pennsylvania is an NLC compact state with license portability to neighboring NJ, DE, WV, and beyond.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Pennsylvania
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
🎓 Compare LPN Programs Accepting Students Now
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Pennsylvania
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Pennsylvania earn an average of $62,550 per year ($30.07/hour). This places Pennsylvania near the national average the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Pennsylvania typically range from $46,600 for entry-level positions to $77,800 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Pennsylvania
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $66,200 |
| Pittsburgh | $63,800 |
| Allentown | $62,400 |
| Harrisburg | $61,200 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Pennsylvania is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 3,400 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Pennsylvania
The majority of LPNs in Pennsylvania work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Pennsylvania is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
🎓 Find LPN Programs Near You
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Pennsylvania
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Pennsylvania LPNs are regulated by the PA State Board of Nursing. Pennsylvania is an NLC state — fully implemented July 7, 2025. This was a major expansion for compact nursing in the Northeast.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved course
- Must work under direction of an RN or physician
- Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
Pennsylvania LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Philadelphia | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in Philadelphia |
| CCAC (Community College of Allegheny County) | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Pittsburgh area |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Pennsylvania Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: dos.pa.gov — Nursing
- Phone: (717) 783-7142
- Address: P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →