Licensed practical nurses work under the supervision of a registered nurse to bring caring support and comfort to patients and their families. If you’re currently practicing as a certified nursing assistant, you can enroll in a practical nursing program and build on your knowledge and skills to become a practical nurse. CNA to LPN bridge programs let nurse aides continue their education to the practical nursing certificate. As an applicant, you may possibly receive credit for basic nursing skills. Some standalone practical nursing program may not have an advanced placement pathway for nurse aides but may award CNAs a leg up in the competitive admissions process. After completing the practical nursing program, you must apply to take the NCLEX-PN to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Pittsburgh Technical College
The practical nursing program at Pittsburgh Technical College is open to certified nursing assistants seeking to advance their careers by becoming a practical nurse. The program includes lectures in the classroom, practical sessions in the skills lab, and a clinical externship designed for the application of the theoretical concepts covered in the classroom. Course topics include microbiology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology applications in nursing, foundations of nursing, nursing practice, medical surgical nursing, psychosocial and psychiatric issues, maternity nursing, pediatric nursing, gerontology and nursing practice, and transition into nursing. Clinical experience begins in the Simulation Center and continues during scheduled rotations at medical partners in the areas of long-term care, hospice, rehabilitation, pediatric specialty care, interim care, and independent living facilities. Some of the facilities include UPMC, Lifecare Hospitals, Asbury Heights, Green Briar Treatment Center, Country Meadows, Ohio Valley Hospital, Baptist Home and others.
Admission criteria:
- Must take and pass the ATI TEAS with score of 50% or higher – taken within the past two years, OR
- SAT scores – Math 450 or higher, Reading/Writing 450 or higher – taken within the past five years, OR
- ACT score – 19 or higher taken within the past 5 years
- High school or GED equivalent
- Must be 18 years old prior to the class start date
- Applicants educated in another country must meet additional education requirements
- Must obtain clearance on the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check, and FBI Criminal Background Check
- Must complete Health Screenings
- Must complete Drug Screenings
- Must have current CPR Certification
- Must pay the Nursing Tuition Deposit and complete financial aid requirements
The total estimated direct cost of the program is $23,955. It includes tuition, fees, books and materials.
- Website: https://ptcollege.edu/
- Address: 1111 McKee Road, Oakdale PA, 15071
- Phone: (412) 809-5100
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:56%
Penn Commercial
The Practical Nursing program at Penn Commercial is open for certified nursing assistants to advance their education to become a practical nurse. The program includes theoretical coursework, hands-on training, skills training to prepare to produce well-rounded health professionals. CNAs will receive training that will prepare them to work in a variety of medical facilities providing care for patients of all ages. Students will learn how to administer medication, observe and report symptoms and perform therapeutic procedures. Areas of study include concepts of nursing practice, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, and medical-surgical nursing. Students will participate in a clinical practicum under the direct supervision of medical professionals, facing real-life situations. Some of the clinical partners include AHN Canonsburg General Hospital, Washington Health System, Southmont of Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, Townview Health and Rehabilitation Center, Transitions Healthcare, McMurray Hills Manor, North Strabane Rehab and Wellness, Premier Washington Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, and many others. Graduates will be eligible to take the through the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-PN). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The duration of the program is 12 months. Class and clinical sessions take place Monday through Friday. Class sessions are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Clinical rotations can begin as early as 7:30 am.
Admission criteria:
- Must attend a personal interview and campus tour
- Must submit a completed application for admission and a $25 application fee
- Must have a high school diploma, transcript, GED or other acceptable proof of graduation
- Must complete an entrance assessment
- Must sign an acknowledgement of receipt of all consumer information
- Must pass a state background checks and a drug test – to include
- Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (for PA residents) OR West Virginia Criminal Background Check
- (CIB) (for WV residents) OR other current state of residency background check
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
- FBI Criminal Background Clearance
- Must complete a Health Clearance/Physical Form
- Must be current on the following vaccines/titers for communicable diseases prior to entering the clinical component of the program – Hepatitis B Titer, Varicella Titer, MMR Titer, T-Spot Testing for Tuberculosis, TDAP vaccination, Flu shot
The program cost of $26,996 includes tuition, registration fee, and books and materials.
- Website: https://penncommercial.edu/
- Address: 242 Oak Spring Rd., Washington, PA 15301
- Phone: (724) 222-5330
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:22%
Western Area CTC
Certified nursing assistants may enroll in the practical nursing program at Western Area CTC to acquire the knowledge and skills to function in the role of a practical nurse. The curriculum will cover 1500 hours of theory and hands-training. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, basic nursing skills, medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child health, nutrition, leadership and transitions, mental health, and pediatric nursing. Students will participate in a clinical experience where they will obtain real-world experience under the supervision of a registered nurse. Some of the clinical partners include Presbyterian Senior Care, Washington Hospital, Friendship Village of South Hills, Davita, Trinity Schools, Penn Highlands, McMurray Hills Manor, and others. Graduates will be eligible to sit the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. They will be capable of providing competent, safe, and effective care to patients and will strive to provide quality care to individuals at all levels of the health care continuum. The duration of the program is 14 months full-time and 24 months part-time.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma, GED, or Home School Equivalent certificate
- Must be 17 years of age or older
- Must take the Kaplan Entrance Exam and achieve a score of 55% or higher on the exam
- Must complete and submit an application for admission on the day scheduled for the Kaplan Entrance Exam
- Must attend an interview with the Program Administrator before acceptance to the program
- Must pay the admission fee of $200
- Must submit two recommendations
- Submit a completed physical form with immunization history including TB or T-spot, COVID, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, influenza
- Complete the Hepatitis B declination form
- Submit original Child Abuse History Certification
- Submit original Criminal Background Check
- Submit original FBI clearance
- Submit a statement of verification
- Complete a 12-panel drug screen
- Submit emergency contact forms and FERPA form
The program cost of $20,030 includes tuition, activity fee, lab kit, books, liability insurance, technology fee, graduation fee, clinical laboratory fee, and assessment and review program.
- Website: https://www.wactc.net/
- Address: 688 Western Avenue, Canonsburg, PA 15317
- Phone: 724-746-2890
- Fax: 724-746-6966
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:82%
Somerset County Technology Center
The Somerset County Technology Center practical nursing program consists of four levels to prepare certified nursing assistants and persons with no experience in healthcare for a entry-level employment as a practical nurse. The program includes theory, hands-on lab, and clinical experiences at local health care facilities. During the clinical experience, students will have a variety of clinical opportunities in settings designed to enhance the material presented in the classroom. They will practice in facilities with older adult populations and acute care facilities. Course topics include body structure and function, fundamentals of nursing, basic nutrition, nutrition throughout the life cycle, basic math skills, maternal child nursing, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, mental health concepts, leadership in the role of the practical nurse, and professionalism. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The program provide total proficient nursing care to assigned patients, promote health and healing in all aspects of nursing care, produce a clinical pathway that is thorough, complete, and comprehensive, and function as an effective member of the healthcare team. The duration of the program is 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age – provide driver’s license or birth certificate
- Must submit proof of U.S. citizenship or green card
- Must be a graduate of an accredited high school or possess a GED – transcript or certificate required
- Must take and pass the TEAS with a benchmark of 40.7
- Submit a one-page narrative “What Nursing Means to Me.”
- Submit three professional reference forms that are included with the application
- Submit the application fee of $100
- Attend an interview with the Director of SCTC Nursing program and review the test results
- Complete physical and titers upon acceptance to the program
- Complete FBI, Child Abuse, Department of Aging clearance
- Attend a mandatory orientation
The program is eligible for financial aid.
- Website: https://sctc.net/
- Address: 281 Technology Drive, Somerset, PA 15501
- Phone: 814-443-3651
- Fax: 814-445-6716
- Email: info@sctc.net
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:62%
All-State Career School – Essington Campus
Certified nursing assistants may enroll in the practical nursing program at All-State Career School to build on the knowledge and skills and prepare for a career as a practical nurse. The curriculum will provide the theory, laboratory, and clinical experiences to prepare students for entry-level employment. During the clinical portion of the program, students will gain hands-on experience in the provision of nursing care to diverse patient populations in hospitals and pther health care agencies. The program covers 1500 clock hours or 92 quarter credit hours. Coursework includes math for medical professionals, basic nursing skills, anatomy and physiology, emergency care, pediatric nursing, obstetric nursing, nutrition, medical surgical nursing, pharmacology, intravenous therapy, gerontological nursing, introduction to informatics, mental health, transition to PN practice, and nutrition. Graduates must apply to tale the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain licensure as a practical nurse. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for 60 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must be a high school graduate or possess the recognized equivalent
- Must be 17 years of age of older at the start of the program
- Must complete an applicant information form
- Must interview with an admissions advisor
- Must take and pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam with a score of 19 or above
- Must meet all financial obligations
- Must agree to and sign he All-State Career Enrolment Agreement
- Must submit to and have a negative result on a drug screening test
- Must submit to and pass a criminal background check prior to starting the program
- Must provide a valid form of identification with a picture, name and address
- Must have Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification by the American Heart Association – must remain valid while the student is enrolled in the program
- Must submit a signed Allied Health and Nursing Program insurance waiver
The program cost of $27,057 includes tuition, administrate fees, student kit, uniforms, textbooks, background check, drug test, and licensure exam fee.
- Website: https://www.allstatecareer.edu/
- Address: 50 W. Powhattan Avenue Essington, PA 19029
- Phone: 610.362.1124
- NCLEX–PN Pass Rate: 78%
South College
The Certificate Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program is designed to provide nurse aides with academic and clinical practice opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills essential for the delivery of safe and competent nursing care. The challenging curriculum is designed to cultivate students’ successful learning and the ability to apply knowledge, think critically, and communicate effectively. Students will learn proper procedures to collect and organize healthcare data, coordinate with other nurses and healthcare providers to provide patient care, contribute to the care plan, and identify and understand common health problems in patients. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the LPN licensure examination (NCLEX-PN).
Admission criteria:
- Must be a high school graduate or possess the recognized equivalent
- Must be 17 years of age of older at the start of the program
- Must submit a School of Nursing applicant for the applicable deadline
- Must achieve a minimum ATI TEAS Assessment score at the academic preparedness level of BASIC
- Must successful complete prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C
- Must interview with an admissions advisor
- Must submit to and have a negative result on a drug screening test
- Must submit to and pass a criminal background check prior to starting the program
- Must have Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification by the American Heart Association – must remain valid while the student is enrolled in the program
- Must attend the nursing orientation on the scheduled date in its entirety
- Submit a health history and physical exam certifying ability to function in the required capacity
- Must have common communicable disease immunization or immunity – MMR, Varicella, influenza, Hepatitis B, TB
- Must obtain an acceptable drug screen
- Must provide proof of health insurance coverage throughout the entire nursing program
- Must complete annual training on blood-borne pathogens
Tuition costs $5,500 per quarter.
- Website: https://www.south.edu/
- Address: 3000 Westinghouse Dr, Suite 200, Cranberry Township, PA 16066
- Phone: (724) 720-9500
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
Crystal G
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.