Convenient 18-month Certificate
Nursing is one of the most in-demand careers in the country!
Right now, area healthcare facilities are offering sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement and more to fill the critical need for these skilled professionals. In just 18 months, you can earn your Practical Nursing certificate from globally respected Penn State University, while preparing to test for licensure (required by many states to practice nursing).
The program is conveniently located in the Lehigh Valley and delivered part-time in the evenings and on weekends to make it easy to work and/or care for kids while reaching your goals.
Apply now to begin in August of 2025!
Highlights:
- High-quality non-credit certificate program
- Prepares students to work as a nurse and sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) -- the test required by states to work in the field.
- Complete part-time in 18 months:
- Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Alternate weekends, both Saturday and Sunday, from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Alternate remote assignments may be possible to meet required hours for program
Acceptance into the program is based on TEAS exam score, personal essay, letters of professional reference and interview. High school transcripts and college credits earned may enhance academic capacity scores.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition for the 2024/25 cohort is $18,900 and includes all four semesters of academic theory and clinical instruction, all textbooks, uniforms and basic nursing supplies. Tuition is assessed at the time of registration in each of the four semesters.
Students are responsible for additional fees including the application fee, state licensure and testing fees, graduation fees, and clinical site requirements (CPR certification, pre-entrance physical and immunizations, drug testing, clearances, and malpractice insurance).
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Students should submit the online application for Federal Student Aid using school code 003329.
Students enrolled in the practical nursing program will be reviewed for federal Pell Grant and federal Direct Stafford loan eligibility. The program qualifies for Veteran Education Benefits. The program does not qualify for PA State funding.
For more information about financial aid applications, loan fees and repayment, student aid timelines, or alternative funding options, visit the Penn State Office of Student Aid, or call 610-285-5033
(All returned checking and savings payments are subject to a $25 returned item fee.)
The Cost of attendance (COA) is a budget for billable and non-billable expenses to attend Penn State for one academic year. Your COA is one determining factor of your financial aid eligibility.
In addition to tuition, fees, books and supplies detailed above, below are the other COA elements.
For First-Year students beginning the program in August 2025 (prices may change):
|
|
On Campus Without Dependents (per term) |
On Campus With Dependents (per term) |
Off-Campus (per term)
|
With Parent (per term) |
|
Food |
$3,846 |
$3,846 |
$3,846 |
$3,846 |
|
Housing |
$5,200 |
$7,431 |
$5,700 |
$4,585 |
|
Transportation |
$1,307 |
$1,307 |
$1,307 |
$1,307 |
|
Miscellaneous |
$1,830 |
$1,830 |
$1,830 |
$1,830 |
For Second-Year students beginning the program in August 2025 (prices may change):
|
|
On Campus Without Dependents (per term) |
On Campus With Dependents (per term) |
Off-Campus (per term)
|
With Parent (per term) |
|
Food |
$2,692 |
$2,692 |
$2,692 |
$2,692 |
|
Housing |
$3,640 |
$5,202 |
$3,990 |
$3,210 |
|
Transportation |
$915 |
$915 |
$915 |
$915 |
|
Miscellaneous |
$1,281 |
$1,281 |
$1,281 |
$1,281 |
|
Professional Licensure |
$295 |
$295 |
$295 |
$295 |
Section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended, includes these additional allowable costs for qualifying students.
- Dependent care costs*
- Costs for study abroad programs
- Disability-related expenses*
- Cooperative education program employment costs*
- Fees for federal student loans
An asterisk (*) indicates the need for the student to contact the Office of Student Aid to inquire about the additional cost allowance.
