The Delaware County Technical Schools Practical Nursing Program in Broomall is highly respected for its job placement record and exam passing rate.
Now this outstanding program is gearing up for its next class of students in early 2022.
Come learn more about how to become a Licensed Practical Nurse at a virtual Open House Nov. 17 at 5 p.m.
Participants will get a full program overview as well as a review of the current demand for LPN’s both locally and nationally.
The open house will include video profiles of current and former students and a live Q&A session with industry professionals.
About the Practical Nursing Program
The Delaware County Technical Schools Practical Nursing Program offers students hands-on learning opportunities, including nursing clinical rotations in facilities across Delaware County.
The one-year program will take students through four 12-week levels, where they will be exposed to a wide range of subjects surrounding a practical nursing career, including:
- The Fundamentals of Nursing
- Medical Surgical Nursing/Pharmacology for Nursing/Mental Health & Nutrition
- Pediatric Nursing/Obstetrical Nursing
- Gerontological nursing
With a 90% job placement rate post-graduation, many students are hired in their desired setting within weeks of graduation.
The one-year program gives students the jumpstart in their career as an LPN, and prepares them to sit for the NCLEX-PN Licensure Exam.
Recently, the program achieved an 88% Passing Rate for first-time test takers, above the national average of 79%.
In a 2020 study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, DCTS’ Practical Nursing Program was identified as the top Pennsylvania higher education program for your money based on a 10-year net value.
A Need for Practical Nurses
“The need for Practical Nurses has never been greater, especially in Delco,” said Nursing Supervisor Kate McNamara. “Our 12-month program allows students to gain experience in the workplace while they complete their classes. We offer the best value for nursing education, and it pays off for all of our graduates.”
The average annual base pay for a Licensed Practical Nurse in Philadelphia is $60,684, according to glassdoor.com.
Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocation nurses is projected to grow 9 percent through 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
As the baby-boom population ages, the need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs and LVNs will be needed to care for older patients in residential care facilities, home health care and long-term care centers.
LPNs and LVNs will also be needed to care for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity, which have become more prevalent.
There will also be an LPN demand in other settings like outpatient care centers as more hospital procedures are being done outside of hospitals.
Former EMT Finds Pathway to a Desirable Career Choice as an LPN
For some, the Practical Nursing Program can be a gateway to help them switch careers.
For Anton Miller, 32, the only possible career that mattered to him was one that focused on helping others.
After his daughter was born prematurely, he fell in love with the healthcare field.
Starting his career as a Home Health Aide for Bayada Home Healthcare in New Jersey, he found fulfilment in helping older adults by dressing them, keeping them company, and improving their mobility.
“Being an advocate for my patients was one of my favorite parts of the job,” Miller said. “They might have family members that don’t reach out, or just can’t understand their diagnosis. I love being able to translate the information to them when the doctors don’t explain something clearly.”
After spending a few years working with older adults, he made the transition to become an EMT.
“The adrenaline rush of going to a scene is like nothing else. I love helping people out. You never knew what kind of situation you were walking into.”
After 8 years as an EMT, Miller saw colleagues lose interest in providing compassionate patient care, but for him, that compassion never dissipated. He even stayed on as a volunteer EMT before moving out of the area.
Then, his eyes were opened to the career path of nursing.
“My fiancée was attending a nursing program at a community college, and watching her succeed was inspiring,” said Miller. “The Practical Nursing Program at DCTS was close to home and extremely affordable, and ultimately I will be able to apply everything I’ve learned in the program when I go on to earn my BSN.”
“The type of patient care as a nurse will be a better match for me than that I provided as an EMT. As I move through the PN Program, I’m excited to learn about the different medications, and learn the ‘why’ behind a diagnosis,” Miller said.
“I’m hoping to continue working with older adults in a nursing home setting after graduating from the program and passing my licensing exams,” Miller said. “In a nursing home, you get to see patients make progress, and that’s a really great feeling.”
“Students in our program come from all different backgrounds,” said McNamara. “Some are single parents, recent high school graduates, and healthcare professionals looking for a change in pace. Our program offers a place for everyone to succeed, no matter what their long-term goals are.”
Learn more about the Practical Nursing Program, and register for the November 17 Virtual Open House.
Check out the video about the program with Practical Nursing Program Supervisor Kathleen McNamara.
