DuBOIS, Pa. — For experienced nurses, one of the greatest opportunities to improve patient care begins long before patients ever enter a hospital room. It begins by educating the next generation of nurses.
Penn State DuBois Continuing Education is inviting experienced nurses to help educate the next generation of healthcare professionals by serving as part-time clinical and classroom instructors in its Practical Nursing program. The program prepares students for careers as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) through evening coursework, hands-on laboratory instruction and supervised clinical experiences, providing experienced nursing professionals with the opportunity to shape the next generation of nurses while helping strengthen the region's healthcare workforce.
"The best part of teaching is watching students grow into confident, compassionate nurses," said Lori Wills Gray, interim Practical Nursing program coordinator. "Every nurse can point to an instructor who challenged them, encouraged them and helped build the confidence they needed to succeed. Teaching offers experienced nurses the opportunity to pass along not only their clinical knowledge, but also the compassion, professionalism and critical thinking that define exceptional patient care. The impact they make extends far beyond the classroom."
Offered through Penn State DuBois Continuing Education, the 18-month non-credit Practical Nursing program combines classroom instruction with clinical experiences at regional healthcare facilities. Students attend evening classes and complete weekend clinical experiences, providing flexibility for those balancing work, family and other commitments. Instruction also includes hands-on learning in the program's simulation laboratory, where students develop the skills and confidence needed to provide high-quality patient care. Graduates are prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), the examination required for licensure as an LPN.
Penn State is seeking experienced nursing professionals interested in sharing their expertise with adult learners while helping prepare future nurses for successful careers in healthcare. Part-time instructional opportunities are designed to complement professional practice, allowing many instructors to continue working in healthcare while teaching future nurses. Candidates should possess at least a bachelor's degree in nursing and relevant clinical experience, while teaching experience with adult learners and a Master of Science in Nursing are preferred.
"Healthcare education creates a ripple effect that extends throughout our communities," said John Brennan, director of Continuing Education at Penn State DuBois and Penn State Altoona. "Every instructor helps prepare students who will go on to care for patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, physicians' offices and other healthcare settings across our region. By investing their knowledge and experience in future nurses, our instructors help strengthen healthcare for countless patients and families. Every class we teach today helps improve patient care tomorrow."
As the Practical Nursing program continues to grow, so do opportunities for experienced nurses to help educate future healthcare professionals. Since welcoming its inaugural cohort in 2025, the program has continued to expand. A second cohort will begin this fall, and applications for a third cohort will open soon, with that cohort scheduled to begin in 2027. As new cohorts begin while others continue through the 18-month program, multiple cohorts will often be progressing simultaneously, making dedicated instructors an essential part of ensuring students receive the personalized instruction, mentorship and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for successful careers in healthcare.
Individuals interested in becoming an instructor in the Practical Nursing program are encouraged to contact Lori Wills Gray, interim Practical Nursing program coordinator, at llg70@psu.edu or 814-375-4716 to learn more about available teaching opportunities and the application process.