Practical Nursing is a rapidly expanding field of technical nursing within the nursing profession. There are many employment opportunities for practical nurses in Bradford County, Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Licensed Practical Nurses may be employed in physicians' and dentist offices, hospitals, nursing homes and clinics and as private duty nurses.

The Practical Nursing Program is a post-secondary educational extension of the Northern Tier Career Center. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Graduates meet the educational requirements to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing. A person involved in a legal dispute involving alcohol or substance abuse, a misdemeanor, or a felonious act may be denied licensure by law.

The program is given in one calendar year. It is approximately 224 days long, divided into three semesters of instruction totaling 1575 hours. Clinical experience is given concurrently with classroom work and will give the student an opportunity to work at several area hospitals, extended care facilities and other local health care agencies.

Admission Requirements

1. Graduate of an accredited high school or GED equivalency.

2. Certification of good physical and mental health.

3. Satisfactory performance on pre-entrance examination.

4. Satisfactory personal interview with Program Coordinator.

5. Good academic and character references.

6. Access to reliable transportation.

7. Satisfactory criminal background check.

Admission Procedure

1. Submit application request form with application fee or obtain application package from school (application fee is non-refundable)

2. Return completed application to school.

3. Request high school or educational institution to submit official grade transcript or GED scores to school.

4. Submit personal reference forms.

5. Take pre-entrance examination.

6. Have personal interview when scheduled.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing will be granted to an individual who has education and clinical experience comparable to Semester I, Semester II, and/or Semester III.  A current college course of C or better is required.  In lieu of college course, testing will be required to determine whether the prospective student’s knowledge is in accordance with the standards of this program.  An administrative fee of $100.00 will be charged

Acceptance to School

Prospective students will receive written notification as soon as possible regarding their acceptance to the school. Students will be selected on a competitive basis.

After acceptance to the school, but prior to registration, students must submit completed physical examination form including an immunization record. Students are responsible for the cost of physical, immunizations and laboratory work.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Northern Tier Career Center and the Practical Nursing Program fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Upon request students are provided accommodations in compliance with the ADA.  We work with students sponsored by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and offer assistance to graduates in requesting appropriate accommodations for their licensing examination.

Program Costs

Tuition is based on a calculated per student/per day cost for the number of instructional days.

A $100 non-refundable tuition deposit is due within two weeks after notification of acceptance. This deposit is applied to the tuition fee. The balance is due one ( 1 ) week prior to the final examinations at the end of each semester.

In addition to tuition, students are responsible for all other costs including uniforms, liability insurance, books and graduation fees.

All fees are subject to change. Students may be billed for additional costs during the year.

The Northern Tier Career Center Practical Nursing Program accepts students who meet the admission requirements without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or handicap.

For further information including application packet, tuition, fee schedules and financial aid, contact:

Student Activities

During the program students participate in various activities within the community.  Students are involved in different Health Fairs, Prenatal Classes, and Senior Expo assisting with assorted nursing related activities such as blood pressure screening.

Career Placement Services

Students have the opportunity to meet perspective employers and college representatives at the Career Development Day as well as explore career opportunities during a Personal Choice Day.  After graduation career opportunities are e-mailed to graduates as the program becomes aware of them.