Bridging the Nursing Gap:Carlow University’s LPN Program

Workforce-Ready Nurses

The United States is facing a critical nursing shortage, and Western Pennsylvania is no exception. Healthcare systems are struggling to meet the growing demand for skilled nurses, particularly in long-term care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings.

Thanks to generous funding from Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and the Eden Hall Foundation, Carlow University launched its Practical Nursing Certificate Program, a 12-month, full-time program designed to expedite entry into the workforce and bridge critical gaps in patient care. Unlike traditional multi-year nursing programs, LPN programs produce workforce-ready nurses in a fraction of the time, making them a potent solution to the ongoing shortage.

Since launch, the program has already made an outsize impact, with its success attracting attention from local press—most notably with a featured interview on WPXI’s “4 the Record.”

The Challenge: A Faster Solution to the Nursing Shortage

The U.S. healthcare system is at a crossroads, with a rapidly aging population and increasing patient care demands. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities struggle to maintain safe nurse-to-patient ratios, leading to burnout, higher turnover, and compromised patient care.

Why LPNs Are a Key Part of the Solution

LPNs can perform many of the same hands-on patient care duties as RNs, including:

Administering medications and treatments
Monitoring patient vital signs and symptoms
Assisting with daily patient care, including mobility and hygiene
Communicating with patients and families about care plans
Collaborating with RNs and physicians to ensure quality treatment

With a shorter training period than RNs, LPN programs allow qualified candidates to enter the workforce more quickly, ensuring that hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities can fill staffing gaps without waiting years for new RN graduates.

Why LPNs Are a Key Part of the Solution

14% of nursing positions remain unfilled according to a recent survey by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is expected to face a shortage of 20,000 nurses by 2026

Carlow University recognized an urgent need to strengthen the LPN pipeline, ensuring that patients continue to receive high-quality care despite workforce shortages. However, launching a program of this scale required significant investment in faculty, clinical partnerships, and student support resources—a challenge that was overcome through philanthropic collaboration.

The Solution: Carlow University’s Practical Nursing Program

Strategic Investment from AHN & the Eden Hall Foundation

With funding from AHN and the Eden Hall Foundation, Carlow University was able to:

Develop a cutting-edge curriculum tailored to real-world healthcare demands.
Provide financial support for students through scholarships and tuition assistance.
Expand clinical training opportunities by partnering with Pittsburgh-area healthcare providers.
Increase accessibility by creating a fast, direct path into the workforce.

“This funding is more than just financial support—it’s an investment in the future of healthcare in Western Pennsylvania, allowing Carlow to remove barriers for students who may not have otherwise pursued a nursing career.” — Eden Foundation press release, 12/18/24

A Program Built for Speed & Impact

With the local healthcare system calling out for a solution, Carlow leadership was able to quickly provide one. The 12-month LPN program is designed to get students trained, licensed, and employed as quickly as possible—a crucial advantage in a field experiencing widespread shortages. Graduates leave with:

High-demand clinical skills that prepare them for immediate employment
Hands-on training from top healthcare partners in the Pittsburgh region
A direct pathway to advanced nursing roles, including RN bridge programs

By offering an accelerated, workforce-focused education, Carlow ensures that hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient centers gain skilled professionals when they need them most—right now.

Impact & Early Results

Our First Pinning Ceremony was held in December of 2024, marking a new milestone for Carlow’s nursing legacy. The success of the program is already visible:

Beyond the numbers, Carlow’s LPN graduates are making an immediate impact—stepping into positions that might otherwise remain unfilled, easing the burden on overworked RNs, and helping ensure patients continue to receive high-quality care.

“We are committed to preparing skilled nurses who are ready to meet the needs of our healthcare system today—not years from now. This program is a direct response to the workforce crisis, creating opportunities for students while strengthening our community.” — Dr Kathy Humphrey, Carlow President

Voices of Change: Stories from the Field

“I’m grateful to Carlow that they gave everyone this opportunity to get where we want to go… That shows hope” — Patricia Garland, LPN Certificate Program Class of 2024

“Carlow’s LPN graduates are stepping in where we need them most—on the front lines of patient care. This program is a game-changer.” — Dr. Angela Simmons, Founding Director, LPN Program

More Than an Academic Initiative

The Carlow Practical Nursing Certificate Program is more than an academic initiative—it’s a fast, effective workforce solution. In addition to academic instruction, additional services provided to students include:

Scholarships & Emergency Financial Aid
Childcare Assistance
Food & Housing Security Initiatives
Hands-On Job Placement Services & Career Development
Flexible Learning & Curriculum Support
Program Coordination & Student Support Services
Financial Literacy Workshops

Thanks to strategic funding and forward-thinking partnerships, Carlow is reducing barriers to nursing education while helping healthcare employers address staffing shortages now—not years from now.