RN Programs in Lewistown, Pennsylvania

Get your RN degree in Lewistown, Pennsylvania - online & campus-based options available.

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Lewistown, Pennsylvania

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Lewistown, Pennsylvania? You’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your journey, from understanding what an RN does to finding the perfect RN program for you. Let’s dive in!

Why Become an RN in Lewistown?

Lewistown, nestled in the beautiful Juniata Valley, offers a charming small-town atmosphere combined with the opportunity for a fulfilling nursing career. With its rich history and close-knit community, Lewistown is a fantastic place to start your RN journey. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for RNs in Pennsylvania is around $76,000 per year, and the job market is expected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029. Check out the full job outlook here.

For more about Lewistown, visit the official Lewistown website.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before you can enroll in an RN program, you’ll need to meet some common prerequisites. These usually include:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Passing scores on entrance exams (such as the TEAS)
• Background checks and drug screenings

Make sure to check the specific requirements of each school you’re interested in.

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Core Courses: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Pharmacology
• Nursing Courses: Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Psychiatric Nursing
• Clinical Training: Real-world experience in hospitals and healthcare settings to apply what you’ve learned

RN Training Programs in Lewistown, Pennsylvania

Here are some RN programs available near Lewistown:

1. Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing
   • Address: 400 Highland Ave, Lewistown, PA 17044
   • Program: Offers a comprehensive RN program with a focus on practical and theoretical training.
   • Website: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing
2. Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)
   • Address: One HACC Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17110 (approx. 45 miles from Lewistown)
   • Program: HACC provides an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with both day and evening classes.
   • Website: HACC Nursing Programs
3. Pennsylvania State University – College of Nursing
   • Address: 201 Nursing Sciences Building, University Park, PA 16802 (approx. 30 miles from Lewistown)
   • Program: Offers both BSN and accelerated BSN programs with extensive clinical rotations.
   • Website: Penn State College of Nursing

RN Employment Opportunities in Lewistown

Once you complete your RN program, you’ll find several healthcare facilities in Lewistown eager to hire qualified nurses:

1. Geisinger Lewistown Hospital
   • Address: 400 Highland Ave, Lewistown, PA 17044
   • Description: A full-service hospital offering a wide range of medical services.
   • Website: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital Careers
2. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley
   • Address: 550 W College Ave, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 (approx. 25 miles from Lewistown)
   • Description: Specializes in rehabilitative care for patients recovering from serious illnesses or injuries.
   • Website: HealthSouth Nittany Valley Careers
3. J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital
   • Address: 1225 Warm Springs Ave, Huntingdon, PA 16652 (approx. 30 miles from Lewistown)
   • Description: Provides a wide array of healthcare services, including emergency care and surgical services.
   • Website: J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital Careers

RN Certification Requirements

To practice as an RN in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to:

• Graduate from an accredited nursing program
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Obtain licensure from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

Visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for more details on certification requirements.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs can vary significantly. On average, you might expect to pay between $10,000 and $40,000 depending on the type of program and institution. Financial aid options are available, including:

• Federal and state grants
• Scholarships from schools and professional organizations
• Student loans
• Work-study programs

Check with each school’s financial aid office for specific opportunities.

Licensure Reciprocity

If you’re an RN moving to Pennsylvania from another state, you’re in luck! Pennsylvania is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs to practice in other NLC states without obtaining additional licensure. However, you will need to meet Pennsylvania’s continuing education requirements. Learn more at the Nurse Licensure Compact website.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as an RN in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, is a fantastic choice. The community, educational opportunities, and employment prospects make it an ideal place to start your nursing journey. Contact a local school today to begin your path towards becoming a Registered Nurse!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Lewistown RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Lewistown?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Pennsylvania. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Pennsylvania. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Pennsylvania.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.