Convenient 18-month Certificate

Nursing is one of the most in-demand careers in the country!

Right now, area healthcare facilities are offering sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement and more to fill the critical need for these skilled professionals. In just 18 months, you can earn your Licensed Practical Nursing certificate from globally respected Penn State University, while preparing to test for licensure (required by many states to practice nursing).

The program is delivered part-time in the evenings and on weekends to make it easy to work and/or care for kids while reaching your goals.

Highlights:

• High-quality non-credit certificate program

• Prepares students to work as a nurse and sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) -- the test required by states to work in the field.
• Complete part-time in 18 months
• Alternate remote assignments may be possible to meet required hours for program

How Do I Enroll?

Acceptance into the program is competitive. Admission is application based. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED. Candidates are scored based on TEAS exam scores, personal essay, and letters of professional reference. High school course work and college credits earned may enhance academic capacity scores.

Step 1 - Complete the TEAS 7 Exam
Step 2 - Submit Application Requirements

Curriculum and Costs

The Practical Nursing program is a noncredit, clock-hour certificate program. Students will complete 1,500 hours of training: 610 classroom theory and 890 clinical practice, in five classes over four consecutive semesters as part of the practical nursing curriculum. The curriculum is divided into four modules offered over four semesters that can be completed in 18 months on an evening and weekend schedule.'

Program tuition cost is $23,900 and includes four semesters of academic theory and clinical instruction, textbooks and/or online resource access, clinical uniforms and clinical lab supplies. Tuition is assessed at the time of registration in each of the four semester. Students are responsible for additional fees including the TEAS exam registration fee, application fee, fees associated with obtaining clinical site requirements (BLS for the Provider Certification, pre-entrance physical and immunizations, drug testing, state and federal clearances, and student nursing malpractice insurance), and state testing and licensure fees. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Students should submit the online application for Federal Student Aid using school code 003329.

• Module 1 ($5,975)
  • HSSCI 6000 - Structure and Function of the Human Body - 90 Classroom hours
    Introduction to human anatomy and physiology as it relates to the body in health and disease. The relationship between the structure and function in each body system is emphasized. Students explore the interrelationships among all body systems for the maintenance of homeostasis.
  • HSSCI 6001 - Fundamentals of Nursing - 115 Classroom hours, 180 Clinical hours
    The course offers an introduction to the Scope of Practice and the responsibilities of being a Licensed Practical Nurse. Communication skills, legal, and ethical aspects for nursing are presented. The nursing process will be taught with an emphasis on the basic needs of clients of all ages including physical hygiene, comfort, rest, nutrition, mobility, safety, developmental needs and concepts of asepsis and sepsis. In addition, training in skills common to all areas of nursing practice takes place.

• Module 2 ($5,975)
  • HSSCI 6002 - Medical Surgical Nursing - 155 Classroom hours, 230 Clinical hours
    This course introduces the principles of medical-surgical nursing including pharmacology, intravenous therapy, perioperative care, cancers, chronic illness and disease, immune system, gastrointestinal system, urinary system, respiratory system and cardiac system and their disorders.
    Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSSCI 6001

• Module 3 ($5,975)
  • HSSCI 6003 - Reproductive and Pediatric Nursing Care - 120 Classroom hours, 230 Clinical hours
    This course continues to build upon the principles of Medical-Surgical nursing with the study of the reproductive system and its disorders. Concepts of maternal, pediatrics, and family-centered nursing are studied across the lifespan.
    Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSCCI 6001, HSSCI 6002
• Module 4 ($5,975)
  • HSSCI 6004 - Medical-Surgical, Mental Health, Management - 130 Classroom hours, 250 Clinical hours
    The course continues to build on the principles of medical-surgical nursing. Systems and disorders studied include endocrine, musculoskeletal, neurological, sensory, and integumentary. Mental health and illness concepts are studied. Students are transitioned to the role of a practical nurse through the discussion of nursing issues and trends, nursing organizations, job-seeking skills, and the role of the licensed practical nurse in society along with nursing management skills. NCLEX-PN preparation completes the course content.
    Prerequisites: HSSCI 6000, HSSCI 6001, HSSCI 6002, HSSCI 6003

Sample Schedule

Class days: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Clinical weekend: Every other Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location Offerings:

Penn State Berks
For more program and registration information, please contact Cathleen Phillips.

Penn State DuBois

For more program and registration information, please contact John Brennan.

Penn State Hazleton
For more program and registration information, please contact Jo Ann Durdan.

Penn State Lehigh Valley
For more program and registration information, please contact Steph Schleef.