Practical Nursing

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Nursing student

About this program

You set your sights on a career in nursing. You’re motivated to give back. And driven to care for others. At Penn College, you’ll meet your passion head-on with our comprehensive practical nursing program. Delivered by dedicated masters-prepared faculty, coursework includes 900+ hours of hands-on training in labs, classrooms, and clinical experiences. When you’re done, you’ll be well-prepared to take the Practical Nursing licensing exam (NCLEX-PN).

Special Admissions Requirements

A limited number of seats are available in this program. That’s why we rely on selective admission criteria to select applicants with the highest potential for success. Entry into the program is competitive. There are a number of pathways to earn your seat including, but not limited to, TEAS, SAT, or ACT scores. Read more about the selection criteria →

Cohort size may vary based on clinical site availability and alignment with accreditation requirements. Students who are not selected into their desired program may be eligible for selection into another Nursing & Health Sciences program depending on seat availability. For additional information, please contact the appropriate program director.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

On November 4, 2021, an emergency regulation was issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requiring the COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers. Individuals considering applying to this program should be aware that the COVID-19 vaccination will be required to participate in clinical experiences for Spring 2022 and beyond. For the most up-to-date information about our clinical partners’ vaccination requirements, please contact the program office.

3

Semesters of Nursing Coursework

900+

Hours of Hands-On Learning

90%

NCLEX-PN Performance Exam First-Time Pass Rate

Careers

  • Extended-care facilities
  • Home health agencies
  • Private duty nursing
  • Physician/dentist offices
  • Hospital acute care settings

License/Certification Disclosure Information →

Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Medical Terminology Survey (MTR100)
  • Fundamentals of Practical Nursing (NUR156)
  • Adult Health Nursing I (NUR158)
  • Adult Health Nursing II (NUR168)
  • Maternal/Newborn Nursing (NUR177)
  • Child Health Nursing Concepts (NUR179)
  • Adult Health Nursing III (NUR178)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO115)
  • General Psychology (PSY111)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO125)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Math Elective (MTH123 or Higher) (MNA)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • English Composition II (ENL121) or
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201) or
  • Speech Elective (SPC)
View Goals & Course List
Lab Tour
Facilities

Lab Tour

Take a look inside one of the largest programs on campus. Check out the specialized learning labs, the family of high-fidelity manikins, and everything this program has to offer.

Advanced Learning Labs
Facilities

Advanced Learning Labs

Gain valuable hands-on skills working in six different nursing labs outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment including a series of high fidelity patient simulators: Nursing Anne, SimBaby™, SimJunior®, SimMan® 3G, SimMan® ALS, and SimMom®.

Maker Profiles
Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about. Academic Tours allow you to explore labs and get to the core of your future program. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into your academic area of interest, opt for a Self-Scheduled Personal Tour. Comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols are in place.

Jul 23

Open House

Saturday, July 238:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)

Register

Jul 29

Open House

Friday, July 298:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)

Register

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

If you can't attend any of these dates Contact Admissions at 570.320.2400

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

UPMC Susquehanna
Geisinger
Evangelical Community Hospital
Daisy Foundation logo
Related Programs

Follow your passion

Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Student Nurses’ Association (SNA)

Student Nurses’ Association (SNA)

The SNA’s mission is to explore professional growth, promote mutual respect in collaboration between the different levels of nursing, and serve as a channel for the exchange of ideas to promote holistic health and provide for both patient and student education.

Learn more
Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Get Involved
News

Nursing

06.09.2022

Bidlespacher named to nursing leadership role at Penn College

Kelly T. Bidlespacher has been named director of nursing, bachelor’s and graduate degrees, at Pennsylvania College of Technology ...

Read more

Nursing

06.01.2022

Dean of nursing, health sciences named at Penn College

Valerie A. Myers has been appointed dean of nursing and health sciences at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Myers, who has ...

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Nursing

06.01.2022

Kattau, Martin receive DAISY Awards at Penn College

Pennsylvania College of Technology awarded its first DAISY Awards in May to nursing student Britney S. Kattau, of Ephrata, and ...

Read more

View all
Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

Explore the field of nursing beyond the classroom with international learning experiences to Guatemala and Belarus.

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Clinical Experience

Your knowledge in practice

Get career defining exposure to diverse specialties through clinical experiences at all types of healthcare facilities within a one-hour radius of campus. As a Practical Nursing student, you’ll further define your specialization with a preceptorship experience at a facility of your choice.

Dual Degree

Take two

Dual Degree

Dual Degree

Students have the option of enrolling in a dual degree in the Pre-Nursing, LPN to RN (A.A.S.) program once they are accepted into the Practical Nursing (A.A.S.) major.

 

 

Learn more

Student Experience

The community as their classroom

Nursing students host cancer fundraiser

Nursing students host cancer fundraiser

The Student Nurses’ Association teamed up with six other campus organizations and Student Activities to raise about $1,800 at Tuesday’s “Penn College for a Cure” cancer benefit walk. 

Learn more

Accreditation

The practical nursing program at Pennsylvania College of Technology located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the practical nursing program is continuing accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm.

More Information

The practical nursing program at Pennsylvania College of Technology located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania is fully approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the practical nursing program is continuing accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

Student Achievement Outcome Data

5-year NCLEX Practical Nursing Pass Rates

Anyone desiring entrance into this major must first gain admission to Penn College. Acceptance into this selective admission major is based upon additional requirements beyond College admission. Details are available on the Selective Admission Criteria and Process webpage.

All students offered a seat in this major are required to maintain a math/science grade calculation of 2.0 or greater and a cumulative graduation GPA of 2.25 or greater prior to entering the first nursing course. If a student does not maintain the required grade calculations, the student will relinquish his/her seat and be placed into the pre-nursing major. Re-selection into the major will be required during the next selection period and will follow the current selective admission criteria. In addition, all students must earn a “C” (2.0) or greater in all NUR and BIO courses; if a lower grade is earned in any of these courses, the course must be repeated.

The following grading system is applied to all nursing courses in this major. There is no rounding of grades: 

A = 90-100
B = 80-89.99
C = 75-79.99
F = 74.99 and below

Child abuse clearances and criminal background checks are required for this major as established by clinical affiliation agreements. Agencies can prohibit students from participating in clinical experiences at their sites if a criminal record exists or a positive drug test is noted. By virtue of contract for Pennsylvania College of Technology students to be at clinical sites, agencies have the right to ask for random drug testing. Inability to complete clinical, fieldwork, or intern educational experiences will result in the inability to meet program and course outcomes. For additional clarification, students can speak with their program director.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing advises that a drug-related conviction and/or conviction of a felonious act or two misdemeanors might result in denial and/or revocation of a license to practice nursing. In accordance with the Professional Nurse Law, Act of 1951, P.L. 317, No. 69, as amended, the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing shall not issue a license to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the Act known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act" or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country unless at least 10 years have elapsed from the date of the conviction.

Penn College complies with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Pursuant to this Act, all forms of marijuana, including medical marijuana, are classified as prohibited controlled substances. Additionally, alcohol, illegal drugs, and legal drugs obtained without a prescription, or which may impair a student’s ability to perform his/her educational responsibilities are strictly prohibited. Students are subject to drug screening at various phases of the program. Please note that a positive drug screening for marijuana will be deemed a positive test and will result in a student being dismissed from the program, even if the student has been lawfully certified to use medical marijuana and/or possesses a valid medical marijuana identification card issued in accordance with applicable state law.

Transfer standards established by the College require a minimum of a “C” in transfer courses. Official transcripts must be sent to the Penn College Admissions office. The College may also request official high school transcripts or an official GED score report. For fall acceptance, transcripts need to be received by June 1. Students transferring from other Colleges will have their nursing credits evaluated by Penn College nursing officials after acceptance into the major.

View general transfer information

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

Students in this major are expected to purchase a dual head stethoscope, a custom nursing kit (must be purchased at the College Store), uniforms, malpractice insurance, medical insurance, clearances, certifications, and various smaller items. Refer to equipment and estimated cost list.

Technical Requirements

Laptop Computer Required (Windows 7 or higher, MAC OSX 10.4 or higher recommended) 

  • Intel Core i5 or i7 (generation 5 or higher) processor (recommended)
  • 4+ GB RAM (recommended)
  • 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended)
  • Webcam and microphone
  • Internet Connection (cable or DSL highly recommended)
  • Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services - Student Help Desk available for assistance)

*Chromebooks and other devices running ChromeOS are prohibited 

Operating Systems:
P.L.A.T.O. (Platform for Learning and Teaching Online) is Penn College's implementation of Desire2Learn/Brightspace LMS. It is a Web-based course management system that allows instructors to post course materials online, facilitate course communication, gauge student progress, and extend learning beyond the classroom. 

Browsers:
The fully supported browsers for PLATO are: Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari

Some items are available for purchase through The College Store.

  • Program Review Executive Summary

  • Students must meet Essential Functions for Nursing established by the Nursing Program, as well as health and safety requirements including, but not limited to, immunizations (MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, annual influenza vaccination, PPD), medical examination, 10 panel drug screen, CPR certification, and background clearances as established by clinical affiliation agreements.

The health arts: practical nursing emphasis program at Pennsylvania College of Technology meets the state education requirements for a practical nursing license in the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania College of Technology has not determined if the health arts: practical nursing emphasis program at Pennsylvania College of Technology meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has resources that may be helpful.

  • Ms. Sharon Adams, RN, BSN, Manager, Patient Care ED & M/S Unit, UPMC Susquehanna
  • Ms. Lori A Berger, RN, BSN, '89, Director of Nursing Education, Evangelical Community Hospital
  • Ms. Cinde L Bower-Stout, RN, '94, Level 1 Heart Attack Nurse Coordinator, Geisinger Medical Center
  • Ms. Jennifer K Flick, MSN, RN, PCCN, '09, Adjunct Clinical Instructor, Pennsylvania College of Technology
  • Ms. Kathy Harris, RN, BSN, MHA, '00, '13, Manager of Compliance/Quality Outcomes, UPMC Susquehanna
  • Ms. Susan Kemmerer, BSN, RN, '92, '00, Infection Control Nurse, Embassy of Loyalsock
  • Mr. Gerald A Kriner, '80, Executive Assistant, Senate of Pennsylvania
  • Ms. Kerri S Kubalak, Career Coordinator, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, WATCH Project
  • Ms. Tammy E Lucas-Coleman, RN, CNDLTC, '04, Clinical Reimbursement Coordinator, Affinity Health Services
  • Mr. Jonah Milliken, Associate Director, Bayada Pediatrics
  • Ms. Tamara F Persing, MS, BSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, VP Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer, Evangelical Community Hospital
  • Ms. Heather Stafford, MHA, BSN, CIC, Clinical Director of Nursing Education & Infection Prev. & Control, UPMC Susquehanna
  • Ms. Jane Thompson, Health, Nutrition, Fitness Coordinator, Step Office of Aging
Contact

Admissions Office

The future needs you

If you put more into today, could you get more out of tomorrow? If you create your future at Pennsylvania College of Technology, the answer is yes.

With open and rolling admission, applying is easy.

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