DCIU Practical Nursing Program Moves to New Facility to Accommodate Growing Enrollment

The new year brings more than new opportunities for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) Practical Nursing Program, it also brings a new home. The program has moved into a custom-built facility at the Marple Education Center in Broomall, designed to meet rising enrollment and the growing demand for licensed practical nurses (LPN) by adding more classrooms, enhancing hands-on training and providing advanced simulation labs that prepare students for today’s ever-changing workforce.

Since 2024, the program has seated 50 students and maintained waitlists exceeding 30. The new building will allow the program to accommodate future cohorts while providing career-focused instruction in modern, advanced learning spaces.

“This state-of-the-art space allows us to serve more students without compromising the quality of instruction,” said Stacy Delaney, RN, MSN-Ed, Practical Nursing Program supervisor. “With more classrooms and upgraded simulation resources, we can continue delivering the high-quality, hands-on instruction that prepares our students to succeed in the nursing workforce.”

The transition into the building coincides with additional updates within the Practical Nursing Program, including the recent introduction of a redesigned logo. The program has also enhanced its simulation lab with the addition of advanced labor and delivery mannequins. The modern equipment allows students to practice realistic clinical scenarios, helping them build essential skills and confidence.

“This is such an exciting time for our program,” said Delaney. “We are proud of how the program continues to grow and evolve, and we look forward to welcoming more students as they begin their pathway toward becoming LPNs.”

About the DCIU Practical Nursing Program

The Practical Nursing Program is a rigorous, 12-month program designed to prepare students for entry into the LPN profession. The 1,500-hour curriculum prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and includes instruction in anatomy, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics and maternal health.

Students benefit from hands-on training in clinical facilities and simulation labs across Delaware County and Philadelphia, along with instruction from experienced nursing faculty. Since 2025, the program has maintained a 100% job placement rate for its graduates.

LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes and schools, providing vital patient care such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications and assisting with patient communication. The program is consistently ranked among the top in Pennsylvania by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.

For more information about the Practical Nursing Program or to begin the enrollment process, visit www.dciu.org/lpn.