If you’re exploring a healthcare career that allows you to work closely with patients while entering the workforce in a relatively short time, practical nursing may be the right path. For students in Penn Township and the Export, PA area, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) offers a clear, structured way to begin a nursing career without committing to a four-year degree.
At Laurel Technical Institute, students can complete Practical Nursing training at the Penn Township campus, which serves learners throughout Export, Westmoreland County, and surrounding western Pennsylvania communities. This guide explains the steps to becoming an LPN and how local training can make the journey more accessible.
Step 1: Learn What an LPN Does
Licensed Practical Nurses are essential members of the healthcare team. Working under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and physicians, LPNs provide hands-on care to patients in a variety of settings.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Taking and monitoring vital signs
- Assisting patients with daily care needs
- Administering medications as permitted by state regulations
- Observing and reporting changes in patient condition
- Supporting patients and families with compassionate care
For many students in the Penn Township and Export area, practical nursing is appealing because it combines personal interaction with technical skill, offering meaningful work in healthcare.
Step 2: Meet Admission Requirements for Practical Nursing
To enroll in a Practical Nursing program, students generally need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- To meet admissions and assessment requirements
- The ability to meet physical and clinical demands of nursing
At Laurel Technical Institute’s Penn Township campus, admissions teams work with students to help them understand requirements and prepare for enrollment.
Step 3: Enroll in a Practical Nursing Program at Laurel Technical Institute
The most important step toward becoming an LPN is completing a state-approved Practical Nursing program. At Laurel Technical Institute, the Practical Nursing program offered at the Penn Township (Export) campus is designed to prepare students for both clinical practice and licensure.
Coursework typically includes:
- Nursing fundamentals
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology basics
- Patient care techniques
- Infection control and safety
- Professional nursing responsibilities
Students benefit from a blend of classroom instruction, lab practice, and hands-on training that builds confidence over time.
Step 4: Complete Supervised Clinical Training
Clinical training is a critical part of practical nursing education. During this phase, students apply what they’ve learned in real healthcare environments under professional supervision.
Clinical experiences help students:
- Develop bedside skills
- Understand healthcare workflows
- Gain confidence working with patients
- Prepare for real-world nursing responsibilities
Training locally through Laurel’s Penn Township campus allows students to gain experience within the western Pennsylvania healthcare community.
Step 5: Prepare for the NCLEX-PN Exam
Graduates of a Practical Nursing program must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed. Laurel Technical Institute structures its Practical Nursing curriculum to align with licensure expectations, helping students build both knowledge and test readiness.
Preparation typically includes:
- Reviewing nursing concepts
- Practicing clinical decision-making questions
- Developing effective test-taking strategies
Step 6: Become Licensed as an LPN in Pennsylvania
After passing the NCLEX-PN, graduates apply for licensure through the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Once licensed, individuals are eligible to work as Licensed Practical Nurses throughout the state.
This step officially marks the transition from nursing student to nursing professional.
Step 7: Begin Your Nursing Career in Westmoreland County
Graduates from Laurel Technical Institute’s Practical Nursing program may find opportunities in:
- Long-term care and skilled nursing facilities
- Hospitals and outpatient clinics
- Physician offices
- Rehabilitation and assisted living centers
Healthcare remains one of the most stable employment sectors, and practical nursing offers opportunities for long-term growth and advancement.
Why Choose Laurel Technical Institute in Penn Township (Export), PA?
Students choose Laurel’s Penn Township campus because it offers:
- Local, accessible nursing education
- Hands-on clinical preparation
- Experienced instructors
- A supportive learning environment
- Strong ties to the regional healthcare community
Start Your Path Toward Practical Nursing
If you’re ready to begin a healthcare career, the Practical Nursing program at Laurel Technical Institute’s Penn Township (Export) campus provides a clear and supportive pathway. With structured training, clinical experience, and licensure preparation, practical nursing can be your entry point into a rewarding healthcare profession.