New Practical Nursing Education Facility Opens In Delco

BROOMALL, PA — A new nursing facility for students has opened in Delaware County, providing advanced simulation labs that prepare students for today’s evolving healthcare workforce.

The Delaware County Intermediate Unit announced the opening of its new Practical Nursing Program facility at the Marple Education Center in Broomall.

The custom-built space was designed to accommodate rising enrollment and the growing demand for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) by expanding classroom capacity, enhancing hands-on training
opportunities.

The new facility features enhanced simulation labs, including advanced labor and delivery mannequins that allow students to practice realistic clinical scenarios.

These upgrades help students build essential skills, clinical competence, and confidence before entering the workforce.

"This state-of-the-art space allows us to serve more students while continuing to provide high-quality instruction," Stacy Delaney, RN, MSN-Ed, supervisor of the Practical Nursing Program, said. "With larger classrooms and upgraded simulation resources, we can continue delivering the hands-on learning experiences that prepare our students for success in the nursing profession."

The DCIU Practical Nursing Program was founded in 1990 and since has trained thousands of nurses for careers in healthcare. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for
Education in Nursing and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. It also
boasts a 100 percent job placement rate for its 2025 graduates.

Fifty new students will begin the program in February, with a waitlist of more than 30 applicants.

The new facility will allow the program to accommodate future cohorts while maintaining career-focused instruction in a modern, advanced learning environment.

"This is an exciting time for our program," Delaney said. "We are proud of how it continues to
grow and evolve, and we look forward to welcoming even more students as they begin their
pathway toward becoming licensed practical nurses."

The DCIU Practical Nursing Program is a 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 and includes coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and maternal health.

Students benefit from hands-on training in clinical facilities and simulation labs throughout
Delaware County and Philadelphia, along with instruction from experienced nursing faculty.

Licensed practical nurses work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians in
hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, and schools. They provide vital patient care, including
monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with patient communication.