The August 2024 cohort is full and accepting waitlist candidates only. The next Practical Nursing program is scheduled to begin in fall 2025.
The mission of the Penn State Berks Practical Nursing Program is to provide a high-quality non-credit certificate program, delivered through an 18-month part-time, evening, and weekend curriculum, to prepare individuals with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes essential for practical nursing practice and the knowledge necessary to pass the NCLEX-PN.
- Upon completion of the Practical Nursing program, a graduate will:
- Have met the educational requirements to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
- Utilize, under supervision, scientific knowledge and skills necessary to plan and provide safe and comprehensive client-centered nursing care in all settings where nursing takes place
- Perform nursing care that reflects accurate assessments of the client's growth and development
- Apply the nursing processes in meeting the client's needs
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
- Perform in a legal and ethical manner
- Administer medications in the healthcare setting with accuracy
- Participate with members of the healthcare team in providing instruction for identified client healthcare needs