Prepare for a rewarding career in healthcare with United Career Institute’s (UCI) Online/Hybrid Practical Nursing (PN) program. It is designed for individuals looking to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)* in Pennsylvania. This program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, providing some flexibility and a comprehensive pathway to a practical nursing career.
Continue reading this blog to learn more about how UCI’s practical nursing training program is designed, the requirements for admission, key features of the program, and how to get started.
Program Overview
United Career Institute’s online/hybrid Practical Nursing program is based in Irwin, PA. By the end of the program, students will be prepared and eligible to sit for the Pennsylvania State Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN*) exam. In just 12 months, students earn their diplomas and are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a practical nurse.
The curriculum covers essential nursing fundamentals, including patient care, pharmacology, IV therapy, medical-surgical, wound care, medical records management, critical thinking, effective communication, technology integration, and ethical practice. Students solidify their knowledge and gain experience by participating in labs at the UCI campus and in clinical rotations at regional healthcare facilities.
Admissions and Graduation Requirements
The first step to enrolling in the program is to speak with an admissions team member and learn about the program during a virtual campus visit. Next, potential students will schedule and sit for the TEAS exam. Once passing scores are achieved in all sections, it’s time to submit the Practical Nursing application and complete an academic interview. A UCI admissions team member will be there to walk them through each step!
Upon acceptance into the program, the admissions team member will schedule a financial aid^ appointment where you’ll learn about the total investment and all funding options. UCI offers direct admission! This means once students are accepted, they begin their nursing coursework immediately. There is no need for additional general education classes.
To qualify for graduation, students must pass all required courses with a grade of 75% or better. If any course is completed with a grade lower than 75%, the student will be dismissed from the program and will be required to reapply. Students must also satisfactorily complete all lab skills and clinical requirements. Lastly, students must complete all ATI testing with a proficiency level of 2 or 3, with the exception of one ATI exam.
Key Features
A significant feature of UCI’s online/hybrid Practical Nursing program is that it allows students to complete lectures and coursework at their own pace online. This allows students to balance their schoolwork with personal and professional responsibilities. This program is designed around a 6-week course format, so every six weeks, one class ends and another begins.
Students are also required to participate in hands-on labs and clinical experiences. This enables students to apply theory in practice and gain hands-on experience. Labs and clinicals will be completed in person, Friday through Sunday, for the majority of the 12 months. Some of the clinical locations include Allegheny Health Network, St. Anne Home, Angels of Care, Maxim, and Bayada.
This training program emphasizes practical skills and critical thinking, preparing students for a wide range of healthcare settings. Graduates leave the program ready to contribute meaningfully to collaborative healthcare teams, bringing both practical competence and strong critical thinking to patient care.
Get Started with UCI!
Begin your practical nursing journey and join United Career Institute’s supportive community. We are there to support you from your first inquiry about the program through to graduation day. We strive to assist you in any way we can and want to see you succeed.
Take the first step toward your healthcare career dream and request information today!
*Passing the NCLEX-PN exam is required to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
^For those who qualify.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to United Career Institute in any manner.