The Delaware County Technical School Practical Nursing Program is a one year nursing program designed to prepare the adult student to pursue a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  This program, approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of  Nursing and accredited by the National  League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, serves individuals wishing to pursue a nursing education while also serving area health care facilities by providing hospitals, nursing homes and home bound members of the community with well educated and caring staff members.

Each year, the program admits approximately 100 students and graduates approximately 70. Courses are conducted both in the Folcroft classroom, where theories are learned and discussed, and at various health care facilities where students apply those theories in clinical. The LPN program consists of four levels of study:

·        Level I: Students are taught basic skills necessary to care for a patient. They also learn Math (for medication administration) as well as Anatomy & Physiology.

·        Level II: Students learn basic Nutrition, the skills of administering medication, and begin to learn Medical Surgical Nursing.  They are also introduced to the Concepts of Mental Health.

·        Level III: This level focuses on Obstetrical & Pediatric Nursing and Medical Surgical Nursing as well. 

·        Level IV: Students continue with Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing, Psychiatric and Mental Retardation Nursing as well as Gerontological Nursing.  

The clinical experience for each level relates to the theory being introduced in the classroom.  Students are also able to attend nursing conferences offered at hospitals on topics such as burns and forensic nursing.  Guest speakers are often invited to the classroom speak on various topics.  

Recently, the Practical Nursing Program joined with the Girl Scouts of America to provide teaching opportunities and leadership activities for both nursing students and girl scouts.  Twice a year, under the guidance of a nurse educator, nursing students provide badge nights where Girl Scouts can attend and earn a merit badge. The students are also required to do a community service project during the Winter Holidays.  Last year they planned programs for the residents of Fair Acres. Also, during the pediatric rotation, nursing students assist the staff and students at Pennington School during the spring fair.