North Campus Prepares to Launch Practical-Nursing Program
Published 11.25.2003
An initial class of 15 students has enrolled at Pennsylvania College of Technology's North Campus near Wellsboro to pursue training for careers in Practical Nursing.
The 12-month vocational program will launch officially on Jan. 5, and plans call for subsequent classes of at least 15 students to be enrolled each January. The training effort addresses the critical nursing shortage in Pennsylvania's Northern Tier counties.
Clinical experiences will be offered through Laurel Health System. Students who complete the program will be eligible to take the Practical Nursing National Council Licensure Exam for full licensure as LPNs.
Natalie O. DeLeonardis of Wellsboro has been named coordinator of Practical Nursing at the North Campus, effective Dec. 1. She will be responsible for providing oversight, direction and instruction for the program.
DeLeonardis has 30 years' clinical experience in a variety of roles at Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital, Guthrie Clinic and Wellsboro Family Practice, Wellsboro; Mercy Hospital, Altoona; and Hamilton Arms Nursing Home, Lancaster. Previously, she taught Practical Nursing at the North Campus from 1983-99. In 1995, she received a Part-time Teaching Excellence Award from the College for her service as a part-time educator.
DeLeonardis, a Registered Nurse, is a graduate of Geisinger Medical Center School of Nursing. She also earned a bachelor's degree in education from Millersville University and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Excelsior College.
The North Campus' Practical Nursing program costs approximately $10,000 and is open to high-school graduates who meet the admission requirements, which include satisfactory performance on the pre-entrance exam, evidence of good mental and physical health, two letters of reference, a satisfactory criminal-background check and an interview with the program coordinator.
For more information about the Practical Nursing program at Penn College's North Campus, call (570) 724-7703.