Current Students

The Practical Nursing Program is a 1,500-hour program.

Good attendance is required to graduate, keep financial aid, and succeed in this fast-paced program.

General Expectations

• Be present and on time for all classes, labs, and clinicals.
• Notify lpn@dciu.org and your instructor by email at least 30 minutes before start time if you'll be absent (always) or late (for clinical).
• If you can't email, call 484-423-7003.
• If you'll miss more than 2 consecutive days, contact the Program Supervisor.
• Students missing more than 3 consecutive days with no notice will be dismissed.

Students wear pewter gray scrubs every day.

• When in school, students can wear pewter gray scrubs from any retailer.
• The clinical uniform with the program logo must be purchased from Logo Wearhouse 
• Black shoes (sneakers or clogs) without holes must be worn to clinical.
• More information about uniforms and required items will be shared in acceptance email.

• Level 1: 
  • Human Body in Health & Illness (8th Edition, Herlihy) ISBN: 978-0443124440
  • Math for Nurses (10th Edition, Mary Jo Boyer) ISBN: 978-1975100926
• Levels 2-4: 
  • Williams’ Basic Nutrition (17th Edition, Nix) ISBN: 978-0443123641
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (10th Edition, Videback) ISBN: 978-1975239152
  • Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing (7th Ed.)

Financial Aid Options

Our program is eligible for:

• Federal Student Aid grants and loans
• PA Forward Loan
• Veterans Administration benefits
• PHEAA PA TIP Grant (for eligible Pennsylvania students)
• Scholarships & tuition reimbursement from some healthcare employers

How to Apply for Federal Financial Aid

1. Create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov (student and, if applicable, parent).
2. Complete the FAFSA - use school code 031284. 
3. If borrowing loans, complete your Loan Agreement (MPN) online.
4. Complete Entrance Counseling (required for federal loan borrowers).

Our Financial Aid Consultant, Jeanne Cavalieri-Grover, is available on campus one day per week or via email at jgrover@dciu.org.

At the Practical Nursing Program, we encourage open and respectful communication. Most concerns can be resolved through informal discussion and conflict resolution before becoming formal grievances.

Step 1: Conflict Resolution

Students who experience a conflict or concern, whether with another student, a nurse educator, or related to academic fairness, are encouraged to first address the issue directly and respectfully. A private meeting in a safe and confidential place may be arranged within five (5) school days of the concern arising. Any nurse educator may assist in this informal resolution process.

Note: If the issue involves harassment or sexual harassment, please refer to DCIU Policy 103 (Sexual Harassment) as outlined in the PNP Student Handbook.

Step 2: Formal Grievance

If the issue is not resolved informally, a student may file a formal grievance within five (5) school days of the incident.

• The grievance must be submitted in writing to the PNP Supervisor and include a detailed description of the incident, the impact on the student, and the desired resolution.
• The PNP Supervisor will convene a Grievance Committee to review the matter. The student and any involved parties will have an opportunity to present their perspectives. Group grievances should be presented to the PNP Supervisor by one appointed representative of the group who may also appoint a consultant to appear with him/her.
• Following the meeting with the student and involved parties, the Grievance Committee will meet among themselves to discuss the matter and render a decision. A written decision will be provided within one week of the meeting, and committee decisions are final at this level and will be immediately enforced. 

Step 3: Appeal

If a student is not satisfied with the Grievance Committee's decision, they may submit a written appeal to the Director of Career and Technical Education within five (5) school days of receiving the decision. The appeal should include a detailed description of how the PNP Supervisor's decision violated a student's rights or detracts from the best interests of the student.

The director's determination will be binding.

Note: The grievance/complaint process is conducted outside of class hours (during lunch breaks or after school). 

For full details, including the incident form and specific procedures, please refer to the PNP Student Handbook.