Practical Nursing (PN)
Prepare for a successful Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) career at Orleans Technical College.
The 52-week, full-time practical nursing program provides an exceptional education, with classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.
Course Details
- Day program (52 weeks)
- Learn in a classroom setting, medical skills lab, and medical facilities.
- Graduates earn a certificate and will be eligible to apply to the PA State Board of Nursing to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN).
To be considered for admission, you must meet the following practical nursing program requirements:
Practical Nursing Admissions Requirements
The Practical Nursing (PN) Program offered by Orleans Technical College can help prepare you for a rewarding healthcare career. Before you apply online ensure you meet all the PN program requirements for admission.
PN Program General Admission Requirements
Here are the requirements to apply for the Orleans Technical College PN program:
- Applicants must be 18+ years of age
- Applicants must have high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate from an institution recognized by the United States Department of Education
- Applicants must take the TEAS entrance exam and score at least 48. Contact a member of the admissions team at [email protected] to learn more and sign up to take the exam.
- Tip: prepare for the TEAS exam! Visit the ATI TEAS test prep website to download the app and create a student account. Then use the app to prepare for your entrance exam!
Ready to apply?
Courses begin September 2025
Background Clearances
It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain all clearances listed below, at their own expense, and provide the results to Orleans Technical College’s Admissions Department. Admission to the program depends on the results of these clearances. Additional clearances may be required for Non-Pennsylvania (PA) residents. If you are not a PA resident, please contact the admissions office for support.
1. FBI Fingerprint-based background check (for PA residents)
- Conducted through Identogo, Cost: $23.25
- Go to Identogo.com. Click “Get Fingerprinted”. Select “Digital Fingerprinting”. Enter Service Code 1KG6ZJ.
You must bring a state-issued ID or driver’s license and payment to your appointment.
2. PA State Criminal Background Check
- Conducted through epatch.pa.gov. Cost: $22
- Visit epatch.pa.gov. Click Submit a New Record Check.
- Complete application and submit.
IMPORTANT! You must keep a record of your Control # to retrieve your results.
- You will receive an email from [email protected] informing you that your results are ready. Click the link in the email. Enter your control number and submit. Download certification form.
3. PA Child Abuse History Certification
- Conducted through PA Compass. Cost: Free (Once every 57 months)
- Go compass.state.pa.us. Click ‘Create Individual Account’.
- Select volunteer option.
- Complete application and submit.
- You will be notified via email when your clearance is ready.
Disclaimer: Additional clearances may be required depending on our clinical partners’ policies.
Pre-Admissions Process (Optional)
To learn more about our PN program requirements, contact Debbie Bello, Director of Admissions, at 215-728-4700 or [email protected]. If you meet these requirements and are ready to begin your studies, apply online now.
Classes begin September 2024.
Career Outlook
LPN jobs are expected to grow over the next decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.). Complete your practical nursing certificate in one year at Orleans Technical College.
Practical Nurses duties include:
- Clinical duties: collect medical histories, take vital signs, administer medications, and more.
- Laboratory duties: assist with diagnostic testing, phlebotomy and administer vaccinations and other injections.
- Personal care duties: assist with bathing, dressing, hygiene, feeding, mobility concerns, and memory loss conditions.
- Administrative duties: include admitting patients, data entry, billing, and more.