Program Highlights

Credential: Practical Nursing Certificate
Program Length: 12 Months- 1510 Hours
Program Start: Fall 2026
Clinical Experience: Required

Erie County Community College Practical Nursing Program has been granted Initial Approval by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. 

Why Choose EC3 for Practical Nursing?

Students in the EC3 Practical Nursing Program benefit from:

• Affordable, workforce-focused nursing education in Erie County
• Concept-based nursing curriculum designed for real-world practice
• Hands-on training in labs, simulation, and clinical settings
• Small class sizes with personalized faculty support
• Strong preparation for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination
• Career pathways into hospitals, long-term care, and other healthcare settings

The program focuses on developing nurses who demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and compassionate patient care.

Background Checks, Clinical Eligibility, and Licensure

Students in health science programs must complete background checks and other clearances before going to clinical sites. Each clinical site reviews these results and decides if a student can attend.

Some criminal records may prevent a student from being accepted. If a student is denied, they may not be able to complete the required clinical hours. Since clinical hours are required to graduate, EC3 cannot guarantee placement. The college is not responsible for decisions made by clinical sites.

For Practical Nursing students, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing also reviews criminal history. Some convictions may prevent a graduate from getting a nursing license.

Students should review all requirements before enrolling. Being accepted into a program does not guarantee clinical placement or licensure.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Practical Nursing Certificate prepares students for entry-level careers in practical nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the licensing examination for licensed practical nurses (NCLEX-PN). Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Safeguard patient well-being by delivering safe, evidence-based, and ethical care that reflects the highest standards of nursing practice.
2. Demonstrate readiness for continued professional growth and contribute to the ongoing improvement of nursing education and practice.
3. benefit from a program that is affordable, inclusive, and responsive to advances in healthcare. They will be prepared to care for patients from diverse backgrounds and adapt to the evolving healthcare environment.
4. Meet all requirements necessary for eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN, ensuring safe entry into professional practice.
5. Equipped with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to pursue licensure and employment opportunities within Pennsylvania and other jurisdictions.

Program Structure

The Practical Nursing Program includes multiple learning environments to prepare students for real healthcare practice.

Students will participate in:

• Classroom instruction
• Laboratory skills training
• Structured simulation experiences
• Supervised clinical practice at healthcare facilities

Clinical experiences provide hands-on learning opportunities while students apply nursing concepts with real patients under faculty supervision.

Program Sequencing (See the College Catalog for course descriptions)

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Career Opportunities

Licensed Practical Nurses work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Outpatient clinics
• Community healthcare settings

Practical nurses play an essential role in delivering patient care, supporting healthcare teams, and promoting patient safety.

Pathways After Graduation

Graduates may pursue:

• Immediate employment as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Advancement into Registered Nursing (RN) programs
• Additional healthcare certifications and specialization
• Continuing education and professional development

Requirements for Admission Consideration in the Practical Nursing Program

The Complio Health & Safety System is used by the EC3 Practical Nursing Program to ensure maintenance of clearances and health requirements. See the Student User Guide for assistance in creating your account and purchasing the Practical Nursing Package.

Done by Student and Uploaded in Complio Health & Safety Tracking System:

• Physical stating “No Restrictions”
• Proof of negative Tuberculosis testing (2 step PPD, Chest Xray, or QF Gold)
• Titers: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, and Hepatitis B
• Proof of Immunizations: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B and TDAP (must be less than 10 years ago), and Flu shots.

Ordered and performed by Complio Health & Safety Tracking System:

• FBI Fingerprinting
• Child Abuse Background Check (Act 33/34)
• Criminal History Record Check (PA State Police)
• Negative 10 Panel Drug Screen +oxycodone

Completed within Program:

• American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification

Apply to the Practical Nursing Program

Admission to the Practical Nursing Program includes a selective admission process. You must complete the following items to be considered:

• Fill out the Practical Nursing Information Session Registration Form
  • Attend a Practical Nursing Virtual Information Session (held every Monday at 3pm online)
• ATI TEAs Test: minimum 58.7% (proficient)
  • Send transcripts to registrar@ec3pa.org
• EdReady Critical Reading Placement of 90 or higher
  • Key: CRA
• EdReady Math Score of 55 or higher
  • Key: KAmath
• EdReady Writing score of 60 or higher
  • Key: KAenglish
• Minimum GPA of 2.7 (B) on prior transcripts (high school or college)

Apply in Workday under the PRE-PN Program of Study

Documents to be signed and uploaded into Workday:

• Physical Attestation
• Criminal Background Declaration

Deadline for all items to be completed and uploaded (if applicable) is July 15^th  at 5:30pm. Students who have completed all items by this deadline will be invited to an interview prior to determination of enrollment. Set up an appointment at advising@ec3pa.org if you have any questions.

Apply Now!

Questions?

Contact: Health Sciences Division – Healthcare@ec3pa.org