LPN Programs in Philadelphia: Online and On-Campus
In as few as 12 months, LPN programs in Philadelphia can prepare you for a fulfilling nursing career. Find top schools and learn more about what to expect in this guide.
One of the best ways to quickly get into a good-paying nursing job is through a licensed practical nurse program. LPN programs in Philadelphia equip you with the hands-on skills and knowledge you need to get your license and prepare for a rewarding career – one in which you can have a positive impact on patients on a daily basis. And with flexible options such as evening and weekend classes and partially online programs, getting your LPN education has never been easier.
This guide contains everything you need to know about LPN programs in Philadelphia. You’ll find a list of top schools to get you started on your program search along with answers to questions about coursework, costs, financial aid, and more. Plus, you’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to become an LPN in Philadelphia and info on how much you can expect to earn after graduation.
2024’s Best LPN Programs in Philadelphia
These college spotlights offer a look at some of the very best state-approved LPN programs in Philadelphia available today. They were selected based on a number of key factors, including affordability, quality of student support services, and study flexibility. Remember that any nursing program you select should have both state board of nursing approval and proper accreditation. That way you’re ensured that you’ll receive a quality education while meeting the requirements for Pennsylvania licensure.
Prism Career Institute (PCI)
PCI offers a state-approved LPN program in Philadelphia. The two-year, private, for-profit institution serves about 300 undergraduate students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 30-to-1.
Students can complete this in-person program in as few as 15 months. Upon completion of coursework and a passing score on the NCLEX-PN exam, PCI graduates can pursue entry-level positions as LPNs.
Students in the LPN program complete a total of 1,560 clock hours of instruction that include both traditional coursework and hands-on practical training. Examples of required course subjects include pharmacology, body structure and function, English composition, and foundations of practical nursing.
Admission into the program is open to applicants 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED. Applicants undergo an admissions interview and receive a recommendation from an admissions representative to sit for the entrance exam. Students with satisfactory exam scores will be admitted.
Health & Technology Training Institute (HTTI)
HTTI features an in-person LPN program in Philadelphia designed for working adults who need a flexible study schedule. Students complete the LPN requirements in 22 months as part-time learners by taking classes in the evenings and on weekends.
The current estimated total cost for this LPN program is approximately $22,000. Special tuition assistance may be available to District 199C Members and other community residents. More information on funding and assistance is provided during the required information sessions.
Prospective students must attend an information session before they can apply. The application requires interested learners to submit an application fee and complete the TEAS entrance exam. After passing the exam, HTTI will contact students for an interview. Those who pass the interview receive an acceptance letter.
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (PIT)
PIT is a private junior college just west of downtown Philadelphia. Established in 1953, the school offers a practical nursing program in both on-campus and hybrid formats. The school is small, with only about 550 students enrolled per year.
Students in the 50-credit LPN program in Philadelphia complete nine classes. Along with hands-on clinicals, required classes include an introduction to nursing practice, intravenous therapy, and pharmacology. Full-time learners can complete this program in 12 months.
Prospective students must be 17 years of age or older with a GED or high school diploma. Incoming students must also complete five credits of anatomy and physiology prerequisite coursework with a “C” grade or higher. These credits can be earned at PIT or another school accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Applicants must submit official transcripts, pass a background check and physical exam, and take a drug test. The TEAS exam is not required.
FAQs About LPN Programs in Philadelphia
What skills do you learn in LPN programs in Philadelphia?
The knowledge and skills you’ll gain in an LPN program will help you handle the responsibilities of daily nursing life. As described by Delaware County Technical School near Philadelphia, students learn core nursing skills, such as how to take vital signs, collect samples for lab testing, and bathe patients. You’ll also learn how to develop a positive rapport with patients, including how to cultivate a supportive and comforting bedside manner.
PCI also highlights the need for LPNs to be prepared for laboratory and administrative duties. In labs, LPNs may assist with diagnostic testing, administer vaccinations, and deliver test results. The administrative responsibilities of practical nurses often include data entry, billing, helping patients with insurance paperwork, and updating health records.
How much do LPN programs cost in Philadelphia?
The cost of LPN programs varies from program to program. At some programs you pay by the credit or semester, while others charge a flat fee for the whole program. Whatever the case, schools offer a variety of payment options and plans to help you cover the cost of your training.
Health & Technology Training Institute
Total Credits: N/A
Full Program Tuition: $22,000
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
Total Credits: 50
Estimated Total Cost: $24,600
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in Philadelphia?
In addition to payment plans or program-specific payment options that schools offer, there are several other financial aid sources out there to help you offset the cost of your LPN training. Common funding types include scholarships, grants, and loans. The most desired types of aid for LPNs are scholarships and grants, as they provide “free money” for school that does not need to be repaid.
Other available funding sources include Pennsylvania and nursing scholarships offered through the Philadelphia Foundation and Pennsylvania State Nurses Association. Additionally, many schools offer military benefits and tuition assistance programs. PITC highlights all the programs in this category that benefit LPN students.
For more information on funding and making wise financial decisions in school, check out EduMed’s own LPN scholarships guide and financial aid guide.
How long do LPN programs in Philadelphia take to finish?
The completion time for your LPN program in Philadelphia will depend on the specific program you choose. Full-time students in LPN programs in Philadelphia may be able to finish their certificate programs more quickly than they realize. For example, programs like those at Bucks County Community College and Delaware County Technical School can be completed in as few as 12 months.
Part-time learners can expect to spend about twice as long completing their programs. For example, students enrolled in the part-time LPN programs at the Health & Technology Training Institute and in the District 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund Program will take 22 months to complete all program requirements.
Inside Look at Online LPN Programs in Philadelphia
When it comes to online learning in LPN programs, students can get the same quality of education as traditional on-campus learners. Since nursing training often involves hands-on components, many schools offer a combination of online and in-person classes.
Online and hybrid programs offer a level of study convenience and flexibility that traditional on-campus programs simply can’t match. Moreover, online and hybrid students often save money by avoiding costly commutes to and from campus. Depending on your specific LPN program in Philadelphia, you might find that tuition rates for online learners are lower than for on-campus students as well.
While online options are available, most LPN programs in Philadelphia will still require significant in-person attendance, often in the form of traditional weekend or evening classes. The flexible hybrid LPN program at PIT, for example, features academic courses online, with in-person clinicals and labs to supplement them.
LPN Licensing Information and Requirements in Philadelphia
To work as an LPN in Philadelphia, you’ll need to complete a series of steps to gain licensure. The Pennsylvania Department of State requires you meet the following initial requirements:
- Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent
- Complete a state-approved practical nursing certificate or degree program with no less than 1,500 hours of clinical training within 12 months
After completing a PA-approved LPN program in Philadelphia, you’ll take either the NCLEX-PN exam or the State Board Test Pool Exam (SBTPE) as a requirement for licensure. You’ll need to:
- Register online and pay the registration fee
- Wait for approval to test from the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing
- Schedule a time to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam or SBTPE
- Earn a passing score
Check out EduMed’s LPN Programs in Pennsylvania guide for information on licensure requirements, NCLEX-PN prep materials, and more.
How Much You Can Earn as an LPN in the Philadelphia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates of LPN programs in Philadelphia earn a good living. As an example, LPNs working in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area earn a median salary of $57,970, which is about $10,000 more than the average LPN earnings in the U.S. overall. The lowest 10% of earners working as LPNs in Philadelphia still make an average of $11,000 more per year than the lowest-earning LPNs across the country.
Annual Earnings for Licensed Practical Nurses in Philadelphia
| 10th Percentile | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $45,960 | $57,970 | $67,260 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,170 | $49,890 | $63,900 |
| United States | $34,560 | $47,480 | $63,360 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020
