Practical Nursing

Practical Nursing Certificate. 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!

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.

Reasons to Attend at 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!

P.I.T. is an open admissions college for most of our programs. Admission requirements vary according to majors. At a minimum, all applicants must be graduates of an accredited high school; hold a diploma issued by the PADOE or have a recognized equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED). High School diplomas/transcripts from other countries are acceptable as long as they are equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma, as determined by an evaluation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Although enrollment is open to high school graduates or those with a GED, all new students must meet minimum academic skill levels. Applications for admission are accepted throughout the year, and acceptance is offered on a rolling basis.

Admission into the PN, DMS, and NDT programs is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The selection process includes a formal application window with a rubric-based evaluation of applicants. 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.

Format: Traditional F2F. Scheduling: Full-Time. All classes take place in person at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology. Classes and clinicals are held Monday through Friday; classroom days run 8:15 am - 4:00 pm and clinical days 6:45 am - 2:45 pm (start and end times may vary). While the program is primarily during the day, evening clinical assignments are possible. Cohorts begin in January and July each year.

The next start date is January 11, 2027. Cohorts begin in January and July each year. Applications for the January 2027 cohort closed October 16, 2026; applications for the July 2027 cohort open February 28, 2027 and close April 16, 2027.

Tuition. Tuition is $505 per credit hour for 26/27. A full-time student is enrolled for 9 credits or more per term; part-time students enroll in 5-8 credits per term. A Technology Fee ($50 per credit) is assessed to cover the costs of P.I.T.’s online learning platform, classroom laboratory equipment, software, and related technology.

Program and course fees.

• NUR 152 – medical surgical textbook for Levels 2 and 4: $81
• NUR 140 – simulation software for medical documentation and clinical practice: $90
• NUR 140 – liability insurance for clinical participation: $15
• NUR 175 – processing and payment for NCLEX and licensure application: $317
• NUR 140 – computer software for curriculum and testing (clinical and NCLEX preparation): $600
• NUR 140 – clinical tote (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, penlight, bandage scissors): $124
• NUR 140 – disposable lab and simulation supplies: $273

Other fees. Graduation Fee $100 (caps and gowns, degree or certificate, and commencement expenses); Transfer Credit Fee $150 per evaluation; Assessment of Experiential Learning Fee $150 plus $25 per credit; Return Check Fee and Stop Payment Fee $35 each (non-refundable).

2026-2027 Cost of Attendance (full-time undergraduate, estimated). Direct costs: tuition $13,635 and technology fees $1,350 (subtotal $14,985). Estimated indirect costs: books, course materials, supplies and equipment $1,316; transportation $5,455; living expenses off campus (housing and food) $18,216 or with parent $5,089; personal expenses $1,641; loan fees $149. Students are billed separately for each term, so the annual amounts may be divided by three to estimate a single term. Some programs may charge additional course fees when applicable.

Textbooks. Students may purchase the required textbooks through any bookseller of their choice; for some programs and courses, the college may supply books or online resources. Students whose funding includes a book allowance may request a stipend through the Business Office.

Paying for college. Full payment of tuition and fees is expected before each term begins; students must pay the balance in full or be approved for a College-acceptable payment plan. P.I.T. participates in the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Direct Loan, and Federal Work-Study programs, and eligible Pennsylvania residents may receive the PHEAA State Grant. Most programs at P.I.T. are approved for VA benefits. P.I.T. also offers scholarships, lists alternative private lenders through ElmSelect, and accepts employer tuition reimbursement.

FAFSA. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and add P.I.T.’s federal school code: 010998. Estimate your costs with P.I.T.’s Net Price Calculator.

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Program Student Outcomes (2024-2025). On-time completion rate 38.52%; NCLEX pass rate 86.84%; job placement 85.71%.

NCLEX-PN first-time test-takers (Pennsylvania data posted by P.I.T.). October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024: 122 tested, 112 passed (91.80%).

Institution-wide outcomes (P.I.T. consumer disclosures). Job placement rates: 25% (1/2020–12/2020), 51% (1/2021–12/2021), 65% (1/2022–12/2022), 60% (1/2023–12/2023). Graduation rate within 150% of normal time: 19.5% for the Fall 2019 cohort (2025-26 reporting year).

Job Placement Services offer job search coaching, résumé and cover letter assistance, interview techniques and mock interviews; lifelong job placement services are available free to all degree graduates.