Pennsylvania College of Technology has received approval from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing to expand its Workforce Development practical nursing program to the college’s Williamsport campus. This strategic move aims to enhance access to quality nursing education and address the nursing shortage at both state and national levels.
The program, originally based at Penn College’s Wellsboro campus, will now extend to the college’s main campus in Williamsport. Students enrolled in the Williamsport program will benefit from online lectures originating from Wellsboro, hands-on training in nursing labs on main campus and clinical experiences at Williamsport-area health care facilities.
“The demand for nursing professionals continues to rise, highlighting the importance of expanding our reach and providing innovative and accessible nursing education programs,” said Alison A. Diehl, vice president for workforce development. A Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania survey cites that Pennsylvania’s nursing workforce shortages are among the most severe in the country. It is estimated that Pennsylvania will need an additional 20,000 nurses by 2026.
Students enrolled in the Workforce Development practical nursing program at Pennsylvania College of Technology participate in basic life support training as part of their curricula. The program, originally based at Penn College’s Wellsboro campus, is expanding to the college’s main campus in Williamsport. The first class at the Williamsport site will begin on Sept. 2, 2025.
The one-year program prepares students to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam to become a licensed practical nurse. The first class at the Williamsport site will commence on Sept. 2, 2025. The program is 32 hours per week. Graduation is set for Aug. 24, 2026.
Workforce Development also offers a part-time LPN program. Enrollment is open for both options. An online application can be completed by visiting the Penn College Workforce Development practical nursing site. Applicants will then be scheduled to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills; a minimum passing score on the TEAS is required for entry into the program.
Excellent career opportunities for LPNs exist in area hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, personal care facilities and human service organizations.
Among financial aid options, students are potentially eligible for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans and PA Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP) awards.
A number of pathways exist for graduates interested in continuing their nursing education, including earning a Penn College Associate of Applied Science or Bachelor of Science degree.
Graduates of the LPN Workforce Development training program who have earned their LPN license and want to enter Penn College’s RN program are eligible for a $1,500 Pathways Scholarship for a maximum of two FAFSA years.
For more information, email Penn College Workforce Development or call 570-724-7703.
Workforce Development at Penn College trains nearly 4,500 participants and serves over 600 unique companies and organizations annually in building performance, business and leadership, health sciences, plastics, transportation, and custom workforce solutions.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development.
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