Pathway to becoming an LPN to be Highlighted on June 2 DCIU Zoom

Broomall– While Pennsylvania grapples with an anticipated shortage of nurses by 2030, the Delaware County Intermediate Unit has launched a proactive effort to recruit students into its one-year Delaware County Technical Schools (DCTS) Practical Nursing Program.

A virtual open house, slated for June 2 at 5 P.M., will provide an overview on the program, highlight past and present students, and emphasize the advantages and opportunities associated with pursuing the LPN pathway into the nursing field. The virtual Open House will also include a presentation by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, which recently recognized the LPN Program as the top higher-education program in Pennsylvania based on a ten-year net value – a noteworthy statewide accolade for the Broomall-based program.

Registration for the Virtual Open House is being held at www.dciu.org/lpn.

Why Now is the Right Time to Become an LPN

Pennsylvania is among 30 states that are expecting a shortage of LPNs in less than 10 years, due to its rapidly aging population and dramatic shift to home health care.

In just under one year, LPN students learn nursing skills, complete various clinical rotations and prepare to take their state nursing board exams. Long term care facilities, outpatient centers, physician’s offices, mental health facilities, pediatric care and urgent care centers are just a few of the settings licensed practical nurses are needed.

No one knows the advantages of becoming an LPN like Brittany Ashley. Feeling stuck after spending 8 years as a medical assistant in a hospital, she turned to the DCTS LPN Program to continue her education.

“I decided there was no more room for me to grow as a medical assistant,” Ashley, a graduate of the DCTS LPN Program said. “I’m excited to bring my skills I have learned in the program to a new healthcare setting. It feels like a fresh start.”

The DCTS Advantage

“The DCTS LPN Program offers the ACEN Nursing Accreditation that not many other LPN programs do,” said LPN Program director, Kate McNamara. “Students graduate from our program prepared for their future and seamlessly find jobs in their desired healthcare setting.”

Students enrolled in the LPN program receive guidance from practicing registered nurses and hands-on learning experiences to prepare them for any position they take once they receive their license. Graduates of the program also have the option to continue their education, and many have moved on to receive their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.

Recognizing the unique advantage of the DCTS LPN Program, the Delaware County Intermediate Unit is promoting it via targeted residential mailings, an updated website page, student and graduate video profiles and outreach to area high schools.

To RSVP for the virtual open house and for additional program information, visit www.dciu.org/lpn.

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