Program Overview

Practical Nursing Program

The Penn State Practical Nursing Program is a multicampus program that strives to improve the well-being and health of individuals and communities by educating, engaging, empowering, and inspiring adult learners to become entry-level healthcare providers. This is achieved by providing a quality, student-centered, evidence-based curriculum that integrates interdisciplinary collaboration through teaching and service.

Program Description

In just 18 months, you can train to earn a Practical Nursing certificate from globally respected Penn State, while preparing to test for licensure. Upon completion of the Practical Nursing program, a graduate will:

• Have met the educational requirements to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
• Utilize, under supervision, scientific knowledge and skills necessary to plan and provide safe and comprehensive client-centered nursing care in all settings where nursing takes place
• Perform nursing care that reflects accurate assessments of the client's growth and development
• Apply the nursing processes to meet the client's needs
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
• Perform in a legal and ethical manner
• Administer medications in the healthcare setting with accuracy
• Participate with members of the healthcare team in providing instruction for identified client healthcare needs.

Program Details

The noncredit Practical Nursing certificate program is conveniently located in the Hazleton area, with clinical experiences offered at nearby locations.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to:

• Sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
• Provide safe and comprehensive client-centered nursing care
• Apply the nursing processes to meet the client's needs
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
• Perform in a legal and ethical manner

Program Contacts

• Dr. Heather Assise: Practical Nursing Program Coordinator
• Sara Roth: Program Coordinator Community Outreach

Program Location

The program is located at Penn State Hazleton, a residential campus offering 13 bachelor's degrees, five associate degrees, and the first two years of more than 275 Penn State majors. The campus is located near Interstates 80 and 81 in northeastern Pennsylvania.