The Nursing Schools Almanac ranked the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s (CCIU) Practical Nursing Program (PNP) as one of the best nursing schools in Pennsylvania for the second year in a row.
In 2022, data was collected from approximately 3,000 nursing schools and campuses nationwide. Of the schools surveyed, only 40% made the list, which included the CCIU’s Practical Nursing Program. The CCIU’s PNP was mentioned in two categories, placing 77th among the best nursing schools in PA overall and 22nd among the best nursing schools in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. In 2021, the program was ranked sixth out of 52 Licensed Practical Nursing programs in Pennsylvania based on an exceptional 95.5% first-time National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate.
Beth Ann Puckett, CCIU’s PNP director, attributes program excellence to the PNP staff and faculty. “The CCIU Practical Nursing Program is great because we care about our students’ success and support our students while they strive towards pursuing their nursing degree,” said Puckett. “Our program offers great staff-to-student ratios and provides each student with the attention needed to be successful. We offer a variety of clinical rotations that help students gain vast experiences and prepare them for the nursing career world,” added Puckett.
The CCIU’s PNP is an accredited post-secondary program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Students enrolled in the CCIU’s Practical Nursing Program acquire 750 hours of clinical and lab experience, covering topics such as maternity, mental health, gerontology and more, while also focusing on communication skills, team effort and ethical standards. Students have the option of attending classes at campuses in Downingtown, Phoenixville or West Grove where they can complete the curriculum in as little as 15 months or earn their degree at their own pace with full-or part-time enrollment options.
To learn more about the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s Practical Nursing Program, visit www.cciu.org/pnp.
