Practical nursing program helps power healthcare in the Lehigh Valley

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Mandi Erney joined the practical nursing program because, she said, of the possibilities that would open to her after completion.

“I have two young kids at home, I’m married and I work a full-time job, so I wanted to advance my career as quickly as possible,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to be a Penn Stater.”

Erney joined 19 other graduates at the practical nursing commencement ceremony in December 2025 as she and her classmates celebrated their hard work and prepared to explore the exciting career possibilities shaping the economic landscape in the Lehigh Valley.

The program is one of the largest at Penn State Lehigh Valley because of the opportunities available to students after graduation.

“Practical nurses are on the front lines of the patient experience,” said Steph Schleef, interim program coordinator for the practical nursing program. “From taking vital signs to administering medication, caring for wounds and providing comfort, it is often a practical nurse who spends the most time with a patient.”

About the program

The 18-month practical nursing program at Penn State Lehigh Valley prepares students for careers in the healthcare industry and meets the educational requirements to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Students earn their certificate through a part-time, evening and weekend course structure that maximizes learning opportunities while providing flexibility for those who are working while completing the program.

After graduation, practical nurses can pursue careers in a variety of settings, including nursing and residential facilities, hospitals, home health care services and physicians’ offices.

“The practical nursing program gives graduates the chance to expand their careers into multiple areas in the healthcare space,” said Education Program Specialist Sara Roth. “Demand for practical nurses continues to grow. Completing a practical nursing program prepares graduates for expanded responsibilities, enhanced clinical expertise and improved earning potential.”

Healthcare careers dominate the Lehigh Valley

According to Becky Bradley, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, in an interview for the Morning Call, “At the height of its power, Bethlehem Steel employed 31,000 people at its flagship Bethlehem plant. Right now, 64,000 people are employed in the healthcare field across the Lehigh Valley.”

The industry continues to grow and expand. Lehigh Valley Health Network, now part of Jefferson Health, includes 15 hospital campuses, along with urgent care locations, primary care offices, pharmacies, imaging centers, home care services, community clinics and laboratory testing facilities.

St. Luke’s University Health Network is the largest employer in the greater Lehigh Valley, with 16 campuses, 350 outpatient facilities and more than 23,000 employees.

Industry expertise meets personalized learning

With industry leaders and nursing instructors who bring decades of experience, students benefit from real-world experts who challenge them to succeed.

Small cohorts complete coursework, clinical rotations and hands-on learning experiences together, fostering a culture of professionalism and support.

“Professors — they’re right there with you,” said Erney. “They always want you to become that amazing nurse they know you can become.”

About Penn State Lehigh Valley

Founded in 1912, Penn State Lehigh Valley brings together more than a century of academic excellence with personalized instruction delivered by industry-connected faculty. The campus serves students from Bucks County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and surrounding regions, as well as students from across the country and around the world. Penn State Lehigh Valley offers 12 bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed entirely on campus and provides pathways into more than 275 Penn State majors through the University’s 2+2 program.