The Practical Nursing Program of the Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational-Technical School is a full-time day program, Monday through Friday, which prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses. The Program is fully approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and The National League for Nursing. The Program spans fifteen (15) months – twelve (12) months of academic instruction, with a three (3) month summer recess.

The Practical Nursing Program consists of two (2) enrollments per year, one (1) in September and the second in March. The Program consists of four (4) Levels. If enrolled in the September class, you will complete Levels I, II, and III between September and June. Classes resume in late August, after summer recess, and Level IV is completed between August and December. Graduation is conducted in December.

When enrolled in the March class, Level I is completed between March and June. Classes resume in late August, after summer recess, and Levels II, III, and IV are completed between August and May. Graduation is conducted in May.

Supervised theory, laboratory and clinical experiences are provided by our nursing faculty. Theory classes are held at the school and clinical experiences are scheduled at local health care facilities.

The basic requirement for acceptance into the Practical Nursing Program is that you are a high school graduate, or have a G.E.D. Diploma. In addition, there is a Pre-Entrance Examination and satisfactory scores must be achieved. After successful completion of the Pre-Entrance Examination, an Interview is conducted by the Practical Nursing Coordinator or Practical Nursing Instructor.

The application process, as described below, must be completed and required records must be on file, including the specific State Police/Child Abuse Clearances by the designated date.

Tuition and fees are charged for each of the four (4) levels of the Practical Nursing Program.

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

The Practical Nursing Program will prepare you to be job-ready for a new career in the health care field, where there is a great shortage of Licensed Practical Nurses.