What's Your Goal?

If your goal is to make a difference in the lives of others by promoting health, preventing disease, and helping to ensure healthier communities, then the Practical Nurse Program is a great place to start.

We Help You Get There With...

• Highly qualified faculty who are responsive to the educational needs of the students
• Clinical rotations at multiple health care agencies that provide quality learning experiences
• Access to several resources to facilitate learning such as the electronic Kaplan Integrated Teaching System, computer labs, simulated clinical practice, various observation activities, counseling and tutoring services
• Professional development planning toward an associate and a baccalaureate education in nursing
• Pre-employment guidance and assistance with resume and job interview preparation

Program Description

The Practical Nurse Program is a one year, full-time day certification program. LPNs practice under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, licensed physician or licensed dentist. The Practical Nurse Program prepares the student to provide direct nursing care with a holistic approach. Career options for Licensed Practical Nurses include positions in long-term care and assisted living facilities, doctors offices, schools, industry, home health, rehabilitation, insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Coursework will aid students in preparing to take the State Board of Nursing National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

What You Will Learn

• Pediatric and Obstetric - Practical Nursing Care
• Adult Medical/Surgical Practical Nursing Care
• Geriatric Practical Nursing Care
• Medication Administration
• Nursing Skills

Career Outlook

• Flexible schedules can often be arranged to fit your lifestyle. Salary range from $40,000 - $50,000.
• Opportunities for advancement can be found in leadership/management positions, registered nursing and advanced nursing specialist roles.
• View the Occupational Handbook for Licensed Practical Nurses.

Transfer Opportunities

• An Advanced Placement pathway to transition into the Associate Degree Nursing Program at RACC to become a registered nurse.
• Graduates seeking a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) are advised to complete the required general education courses and are directed toward specific baccalaureate schools of nursing for more information.

Clinical Affiliates

The College maintains affiliations with local hospitals and nursing homes so that students are able to benefit from real-world clinical experiences and observations including: Child development observation, Clinical lab practice, Maternity nursing, Medical nursing, Medication administration, Mental health nursing, Pediatric nursing, Surgical nursing.

• Berks Heim Nursing and Rehabilitation
• Laurel Center Genesis HealthCare
• Phoebe Berks Healthcare Center
• PennState Health St. Joseph
• Reading Health System

Clinical Observation Affiliates

• Berks Community Health Center
• Berks Visiting Nurse Association
• Maxim Healthcare Services - Reading Homecare
• PennState Health St. Joseph
• Reading Health System
• Reading Pediatrics

Admission Requirements

• Be a graduate of an approved secondary school or hold a high school equivalency diploma (GED).
• Complete and submit the RACC application for admission.
• Follow the Selective Admissions Process as noted in the current Student Catalog for the Practical Nursing Program.
• Prerequisite coursework must be completed before application to clinical program.
• Please thoroughly review the information about ACT 53 of 2020 on the PA Professional Licensing website to determine your eligibility for the program.
• Prior to application to their clinical program, students should be in the appropriate Health Sciences degree program.
• Practical Nursing Petition Instructions
• TEAS Information Booklet
• Practical Nursing Program Map (Check Sheet)

Want To Learn More?

• View the Practical Nursing Credit Certificate curriculum in the catalog.
• Contact an enrollment specialist at admissions@racc.edu, 610.607.6224 or 800.626.1665.
• Stop by the Welcome Center in the Berks Hall lobby.
• View the estimated program costs for this program.
• Get financial aid help at financialaid@racc.edu or 610.607.6225.
• Provisional approval by the PA State Board of Nursing, located at P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649. Phone: 717.783.7142
• Continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, located at 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000. http://www.acenursing.org.

Program Outcomes

Employment Trends and Salaries