Learn more about the Practical Nursing Program
Are you ready to start a rewarding career in nursing? The Practical Nursing Certificate Program at Penn State Berks offers comprehensive training to prepare you for a career in the healthcare field. Learn about our curriculum, the TEAS exam, how to apply, and the program success rate that sets our program apart. Join us and take the first step towards a fulfilling nursing career!
What Classes Will I Take?
Students will complete 1,500 hours of training, 610 classroom theory and 890 clinical practice, in five classes over four consecutive semesters as part of the practical nursing curriculum.
Quantitative grades are awarded for classroom instruction and the clinical/lab practicum portion grades are awarded on a pass/fail basis. Students must maintain a minimum of a 75% average for classroom instruction, a passing grade for clinical practice, and meet clock-hour requirements to progress.
Classes are delivered part-time in the evenings and on weekends as shown in the sample schedule below. Thus, making it easy to work and/or care for a family while pursuing your career goals.
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | -- | 4:30-9:30pm | 4:30-9:30pm | 4:30-9:30pm | - | 6:30am-4:30pm | |
| Week 2 | 6:30am-4:30pm | - | 4:30-9:30pm | 4:30-9:30pm | 4:30-9:30pm | - | - |
Note: Alternate remote assignments may be possible to meet required hours for program
How Much Does the Program Cost?
Program tuition cost is $18,900 and includes four semesters of academic theory and clinical instruction, textbooks and online resource access, clinical uniforms and basic clinical nursing supplies. Tuition is assessed at the time of registration in each of the four semesters as follows:
| Term | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Fall 1 | $4,725 |
| Spring | $4,725 |
| Summer | $4,725 |
| Fall 2 | $4,725 |
Students are responsible for additional fees including the TEAS exam registration fee, application fee, fees associated with obtaining clinical site requirements (BLS for the Provider Certification, pre-entrance physical and immunizations, drug testing, state and federal clearances, and student nursing malpractice insurance), and state testing and licensure fees.
Is Financial Aid Available?
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. Additionally, the program qualifies for Veteran Education Benefits. The program is ineligible for Pennsylvania 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 610-396-6070.
How Do I Enroll?
Acceptance into the program is competitive. Admission is application based. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED. Candidates are scored based on TEAS exam scores, personal essay, and letters of professional reference. High school course work and college credits earned may enhance academic capacity scores.
Step 1 - Complete the TEAS 7 Exam
Step 2 - Submit Application Requirements
Early admission offers will be made on December 16, 2024. Second round admission offers will be made April 14, 2025. Remaining open seats in the program will be filled on a rolling basis, thereafter.
What Prerequisites Are Required?
We do not require students to complete prerequisite classes to be considered for admission.
Can I Transfer Credits Earned Elsewhere?
Our program is a NON-CREDIT, clock hour program. Students follow a prescribed curriculum of progression required to earn a Certificate in Practical Nursing, which makes them eligible for consideration to sit for the State Licensure Examination.
Students with college credits earned are encouraged to submit copies of college level education transcripts for evaluation of continuing education credit to cxp57@psu.edu.
