Walter R. Garrison College of Nursing
Practical Nursing Certificate
The practical nursing certificate program is designed to prepare you for a successful Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) career in the dynamic healthcare field.
The 12-month, full-time nursing certificate program provides an exceptional education consisting of integrated lectures, laboratory, and clinical experiences. Studying in highly personalized classes led by expert nursing professionals, you will receive the in-depth instruction and training you need to successfully pass the NCLEX and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Continue your education in our Allied Health program and you can complete your associate degree in Allied Health – Practical Nursing.
Start Earning Your Nursing Certificate at P.I.T.
Our competitive program does not require students to complete TEAS testing for admission! Please view our Admissions Packet for more detailed admissions requirements.
As the population ages, the need for skilled LPNs increases, with a 5% job growth projected from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the ongoing need for knowledgeable LPNs in the healthcare industry, we encourage you to complete your practical nursing certificate in just one year and begin an exciting and rewarding nursing career. Now is the perfect time to enroll at P.I.T. and start your educational adventure!
Reasons to Attend P.I.T.
P.I.T. is your destination for earning a nursing certificate because we offer unwavering faculty support to our students. Our classrooms have a 15-1 student-to-faculty ratio to provide all students with a hands-on learning approach. We also supplement classroom work with free tutoring, job placement, and college transfer advisement because we want all of our students to meet their education and career goals.
Additionally, our campus is close to Philadelphia and surrounding cities, making it a prime location for students who want to experience life downtown while obtaining their certificate. So, what are you waiting for? Discover the endless career opportunities at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology today!
Apply to Our Practical Nursing Certificate Program!
P.I.T. is the perfect place to earn your degree to launch your nursing career. Our dedicated faculty members are committed to student success, and our small class sizes help to create the best learning environment for our students.
Be sure to apply to our nursing certificate program today!
Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Effective June 6, 2024, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on June 6, 2026.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000
http://www.acenursing.com/candidates/candidacy.asp
Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NUR175 | Practical Nursing Capstone | 3.00 |
| NUR170 | Acute and Complex Care of Adults | 11.00 |
| NUR167 | Clinical Concepts of Pharmacology | 2.00 |
| NUR162 | Intravenous Therapy | 1.50 |
| NUR155 | Principles of Pharmacology | 2.00 |
| NUR152 | Nursing Care of Adults | 10.00 |
| NUR145 | Role Development of the Practical Nurse | 1.00 |
| NUR140 | Nursing Fundamentals | 11.00 |
| NUR165 | Nursing Practice Specialties | 8.50 |
To qualify for admission into our nursing certificate program, students must complete 5 credits of Anatomy and Physiology (or the equivalent of Anatomy & Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology II) and achieve a grade of C or higher. These requirements can be completed at P.I.T. or transferred from a Middle States accredited institution.
Additionally, to be admitted to the practical nursing certificate program, an applicant must:
- Be at least 17 years of age.
- Have an official high school transcript or GED diploma with scores; or, if a high school graduate from a foreign country, or someone with an out-of-state GED, must obtain a Certificate of Preliminary Education (CPE) from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. A CPE is not required with evidence (an official transcript) of satisfactory completion of post-secondary work in an approved educational institution.
- To qualify for admission into the Practical Nursing program, students must complete (5) credits of Anatomy and Physiology (or the equivalent of Anatomy & Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology II) and achieve a grade of C or higher, which can be completed at P.I.T. or transferred from a Middle States Accredited institution.
- Complete AHT180 TEAS Smartprep course with a grade of C or higher.
- Submit official college or post-secondary education transcripts, if applicable.
- Provide a satisfactory background check for criminal and child abuse history. An FBI background check is also required.
- Undergo a satisfactory physical examination, showing evidence of good mental and physical health and documenting immunization and tuberculosis screening.
- Present results from a satisfactory drug screening (i.e., one indicating no evidence of drug use).
*The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires the program to inform applicants that a person involved in a legal issue involving alcohol or substance abuse, or one convicted of a misdemeanor or a felonious act, may be denied licensure or the privilege of sitting for the licensure exam.
Board of Nursing Professional Licensure Requirements
Upon successful completion of our nursing certificate program, graduates should be able to:
- Develop clinical judgment through the use of physiological and psychosocial concepts to provide quality, safe, client-centered care.
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professional identity required of the professional nurse, by modeling ethical, moral, and legal standards.
- Practice therapeutic communication and collaboration with culturally diverse client families, and the interprofessional healthcare team, while assessing their needs through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure client-centered care.
- Utilize evidence-based practice, information literacy, and skill competency to facilitate the delivery of quality healthcare by ensuring promotion and maintenance of a safe environment.
- Demonstrate leadership principles in clinical practice by effectively organizing client care and demonstrating the skill to delegate tasks appropriately to the healthcare team based on individual client needs and scope of practice.
Corey Dennis
Assistant Dean of Nursing
Programs