Transitioning from a Certified Nursing Assistant to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a notable step in the nursing career path and is quite achievable, though it does require additional education and training.
As a CNA, you already have a foundational understanding of patient care, which can be beneficial when moving to the more advanced role of an LPN. CNAs typically assist with basic patient care under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and LPNs, while LPNs have a broader scope of responsibilities. These include administering medications, starting intravenous (IV) drips, assisting with minor procedures, performing advanced patient assessments, and caring for advanced wounds. This expanded scope of practice as an LPN is due to the additional training and education they receive.
To become an LPN, you’ll need to enroll in an accredited LPN program, which can be found at vocational schools, community colleges, and nursing schools. These programs usually last between 9 months to 2 years, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training. The specific curriculum typically includes subjects like Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and more.
CNA to LPN Programs in Philadelphia
[ArchWidg]
Prism Career Institute
The Practical Nursing Program offered by Prism Career Institute in New Jersey and Pennsylvania is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in the healthcare field. This program is ideal for those looking to launch a new career in healthcare or seeking a change in their current career path. Here’s a brief overview of the program:
Campus Locations: Prism Career Institute has campuses in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Egg Harbor Township, NJ, providing convenient access to training for aspiring Practical Nurses.
Duration: The Practical Nursing program can be completed in as little as 15 months, offering a relatively short path to becoming an LPN. There are options for both day and weekend/evening classes, with the day class program taking approximately 63 weeks and the weekend/evening program taking approximately 70 weeks.
Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in healthcare settings. These include hospitals, medical clinics, doctor’s offices, outpatient care centers, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, government agencies, and more. With experience, LPNs can also advance into supervisory and management positions.
Program Requirements: To be considered for admission, prospective students must meet certain requirements, including being at least 18 years of age, holding a high school diploma or equivalent, completing an interview with a Prism Career Institute Admissions Representative, and achieving specific scores on an entrance exam.
Licensure: Upon program completion, graduates may be eligible to apply to the PA or NJ State Board of Nursing to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN), which is a necessary step to become a licensed LPN.
Accreditation: Prism Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) at all three of its locations. The practical nursing program in Philadelphia has been designated with provisional status by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, and the practical nursing programs are certified by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Financial Aid: The institute offers financial aid services to qualifying students to help them secure grants, loans, and other types of financial assistance. Prospective students can refer to Gainful Employment Disclosures for important information regarding educational debt, earnings, and completion rates.
Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz: Prism Career Institute provides an online “Prism Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz” to help individuals identify their strengths, social style, and the training and positions that best suit them.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as an LPN in Philadelphia and are looking for a reputable institution with accredited programs, Prism Career Institute offers a comprehensive Practical Nursing Program to help you achieve your goals. For more information, prospective students can contact an Admissions Representative at 888-966-8146 or apply online to get started on their healthcare journey.
PITC Institute
PITC Institute is a well-established career school located in Wyncote, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offering an accredited Practical Nursing program. This specialized program allows students to earn a PN Associate in Skilled Technology Degree (AST) and become eligible for the PN-NCLEX examination, leading to licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Program Options: PITC Institute provides both a full-time day program and a part-time evening program to accommodate students’ schedules.
Experience and Legacy: With a history dating back to 1998, PITC Institute is one of the oldest schools in the region to offer a PN program. Over the years, hundreds of graduates have gone on to practice as LPNs in long-term care facilities and hospitals in the greater Philadelphia area.
Comprehensive Education: The PN AST program at PITC Institute offers a well-rounded education that includes not only nursing skills but also a variety of General Education courses such as Biology, Psychology, Sociology, and others. This comprehensive curriculum enhances graduates’ desirability to employers and contributes to their advancement in the nursing field.
Partnerships for Further Education: PITC Institute has partnerships with universities that can offer graduates opportunities to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing and other degree-seeking programs after completing the PNAST program.
Financial Aid: The institute is approved by the US Department of Education to offer Title IV Pell grants and is also approved to offer the PA Department of Education’s PHEAA grant to qualified students. Additionally, PITC Institute provides tuition scholarships and has partnerships with institutions that offer assistance to students during their studies.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: PITC Institute boasts state-of-the-art simulation facilities and labs that prepare students for their nursing careers. The program also includes clinical agreements with long-term care facilities, providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences.
Accreditation and Licensing: PITC Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), licensed by the PA Department of Education, and approved by the PA Board of Nursing, ensuring a high-quality education.
High Pass Rate: Graduates of PITC Institute’s Practical Nursing program have a track record of success on the PN-NCLEX examination, increasing their potential for higher salaries in the field.
Job Placement Assistance: PITC Institute provides job placement assistance, making graduates more marketable and desirable for positions beyond entry-level roles.
Hands-On Classes: The program emphasizes critical thinking and analysis skills, equipping students with the ability to think on their feet, a valuable skill in nursing.
Convenient Schedule: PITC Institute offers networking opportunities and flexible scheduling options to support students in their pursuit of future career options.
Benefits of Earning a Degree: Earning a PN AST degree typically takes about two years and includes general education courses, providing a well-rounded education that can lead to better job benefits, career advancement, and increased earning potential.
PITC Institute’s Practical Nursing program is a valuable opportunity for those looking to enter the in-demand field of nursing, offering a comprehensive education, financial aid options, and a strong track record of success in preparing students for rewarding careers as Licensed Practical Nurses. Interested individuals can apply online and learn more about the program’s details, costs, and payment options.
Health & Technology Training Institute
The Health & Technology Training Institute (HTTI) offers a Practical Nursing Program designed to accommodate working adults. Here’s a brief overview of the program:
Program Structure:
- The HTTI Practical Nursing Program is a part-time, 22-month program that includes evening and weekend classes. This flexible schedule is designed to cater to the needs of working adults.
Career Opportunities:
- The program prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), who play a crucial role in patient care in various healthcare settings. LPNs have the opportunity to advance their careers and can use this program as a stepping stone toward becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
Admission Requirements:
- To gain admission into the program, applicants must meet specific requirements, including providing an official high school transcript or GED, CPR certification, background clearances, satisfactory interview results, passing scores on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), and references.
Admission Process:
- The program offers information sessions for prospective students and is currently accepting applications for the next class starting in January 2024.
Accreditation:
- The HTTI Practical Nursing Program holds full approval from the State Board of Nursing.
Clinical Experience:
- Students enrolled in the program are required to complete clinical requirements at affiliated clinical agencies. Proper uniform adherence and compliance with facility policies are expected. Students are also encouraged to carry accident and personal health insurance.
Additional Program Policies:
- Students must maintain an 80% or better grade in all Practical Nursing curriculum courses. They must also pass a drug dosage/calculation test and a medication proficiency skills test before administering medication in clinical settings. Students must meet Essential Functional Abilities and provide necessary health clearances, background checks, and vaccinations.
For more detailed information about the HTTI Practical Nursing Program, including policies, handbooks, and admission procedures, prospective students can contact Shona Murphy or Jo Ann Miller for further guidance.
This program is designed to provide a comprehensive and flexible pathway for individuals looking to pursue a career in nursing, particularly those who are currently working and need a part-time schedule to accommodate their studies.
Lincoln Tech
The “Practical Nursing” program at Lincoln Tech is a comprehensive training course designed to prepare students for a career as Licensed Practical Nurses. The program emphasizes the importance of LPNs in the healthcare industry, highlighting their role in promoting, maintaining, and restoring health, as well as their compassionate interaction with patients.
Key highlights of the program include:
- Hands-on practice in simulated medical and nursing labs.
- Instruction from experienced instructors and Certified Nursing Educators (CNEs).
- Development of essential nursing skills such as vital sign measurement, immobilizing injured limbs, infection control, wound dressing, and medication administration.
- Training in data collection, drug and IV therapy, and special considerations for working with diverse patient groups.
- Participation in community health events like health fairs and blood drives.
- Preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
The program also features an interview with Lincoln Tech CEO Scott Shaw, discussing the benefits of blended learning in the allied health industry. The interview, conducted by Shiv Gaglani, CEO of Osmosis, explores how Lincoln Tech’s blended learning curriculum efficiently trains health technicians.
Students can expect to gain real-life experience relevant to the nursing field, aiding their transition into the workforce. The program also includes assistance in job placement through Lincoln Tech’s Career Services department.
The Practical Nursing program in Allentown offers a diploma (LPN130D) with a course duration of approximately 52 weeks for day programs and 104 weeks for evening programs. It’s designed for adult learners aiming to enter the nursing field, focusing on the hands-on aspects of nursing care. The program aims to prepare students to work under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed physicians, with a focus on nursing care, data collection, diagnosis, planning, and implementation.
Courses cover a wide range of topics, including human anatomy, nursing fundamentals, professional awareness, clinical skills, pharmacology, life span growth and development, mental health nursing, maternal pediatric nursing, and medical surgical nursing, among others.
The program aligns with the needs of the community for qualified LPNs and aims to equip graduates with the skills needed for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings.
LPN vs. CNA Pay in Philadelphia
One of the key motivators for many CNAs to pursue their LPN certification is the pay. While there are only roughly half as many LPN positions in the greater Philadelphia area, the pay on average is almost $18,000 per year higher. So, even if the initial price tag of a CNA to LPN program might be a little scary, once you land a job you should be able to make your money back relatively quickly.
| Avg. Hourly | Avg. Annually | CNAs in Metro Area | |
| CNA | $18.17 | $37,780 | 32,440 |
| LPN | $26.75 | $55,640 | 15,970 |
How Much Do CNA to LPN Programs in Philadelphia Cost?
Every LPN program is going to vary in costs, but here are some estimated tuition and fees as of 2023/2024 published by the programs listed earlier in this post.
| PITC | $21,900 |
| Prism Career Institute | $24,990 |