In just 18 short months, you can earn your certificate from Penn State Berks Practical Nursing Program and be on your way to an in-demand and satisfying career that offers sustainable wages and the opportunity to further your education in the future.

About the Program

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

Program Schedule

  • Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings from 4:30 - 9:30 pm
  • Alternate weekends, both Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Note: Alternate remote assignments could be assigned for clock hour credit

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition for the 2021/22 cohort is $17,325 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 610-396-6070.

Meet the Program Coordinator

Louise S. Frantz, MHA Ed., BSN, RN