Penn College opens LPN to RN program to paramedics, surgical technologists

Williamsport, Pa. — Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College) is opening its LPN to RN associate degree program to paramedics and surgical technologists, allowing them to earn an associate degree in nursing in as few as three semesters.

The newly named RN Bridge Program will be available to students applying for the Fall 2028 semester, the college said. It previously admitted only licensed practical nurses.

Amber L. Morgan, director of nursing: associate degrees, said the change “aims to create pathways for non-nurse healthcare professionals who wish to become RNs by allowing them to build on their existing knowledge, skills and experience rather than requiring them to enter a traditional RN program designed for students with little to no healthcare background.”

“This change is so important because it creates a more efficient pathway into the nursing profession at a time when healthcare organizations continue to face significant nursing workforce shortages,” Morgan said. “Surgical technologists, paramedics and licensed practical nurses already possess extensive medical knowledge, clinical experience and patient care skills that align with many of the foundational concepts taught in nursing education.”

The nursing coursework follows a Friday-Saturday schedule, with one day of synchronous online instruction and the other of hands-on learning in laboratory and clinical settings.

Prerequisites are not changing, but a first-semester transition course will be adapted to bridge the gap between LPNs, surgical technologists and paramedics, Morgan said.

To learn more, call the School of Nursing & Health Sciences at 570-327-4525 or visit pct.edu/nhs.