Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Jobs in Central Pennsylvania

The health care institution you choose can affect your well-being and career satisfaction, so you must evaluate employers to align with your needs. Where can you find quality LPN jobs in Central Pennsylvania? Here is what you need to know.

Where to Find LPN Positions in Central Pennsylvania

LPN positions pay an average of $62,340 per year, and the job outlook is expected to increase by 3% through 2034. Central Pennsylvania has numerous health care employers, whether you work in State College or Harrisburg, where you can find employment. Here are 12 of the best employers for LPNs in the Keystone State.

1. Messiah Lifeways

Messiah Lifeways is a nonprofit in Mechanicsburg and is excellent for LPNs. The organization has existed since 1896 and has made its name by serving older adults. Medical professionals can work at this purposeful and zestful residential community that emphasizes independent senior living. The nonprofit group values internal growth and professional development for team members.

Working at Messiah Lifeways includes benefits and perks, such as comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits. You also get retirement savings with employer contributions through a 403(b), a tax-sheltered retirement plan. If you are in school, you can get tuition assistance through employment. Tertiary benefits include an employee assistance program with emotional and financial support.

Key features:

• Rising Leaders Academy for professional development
• Tuition assistance
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee assistance program

2. UPMC Central PA

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) has LPN positions in central Pennsylvania at seven acute care hospitals. These health facilities employ over 11,000 people in the region. UPMC started as Presbyterian Hospital in 1893 before expanding to a 29-county health system. LPNs in the state benefit from proximity to job opportunities.

LPNs should consider UPMC due to its recognition from ANCC Magnet and U.S. News and World Report. In 2024, the health system placed No. 42 on the top workplaces in North America, attributing positive employee experiences and sense of belonging. UPMC employees benefit from reduced medical insurance costs, tuition assistance programs, and backup child and elder care.

Key features:

• Tuition discounts and student loan assistance
• Child and elder care
• Nationally recognized employment experience
• 40 hospitals and 100,000 employees statewide

3. Geisinger Health System

Geisinger Health System serves 1.2 million people across central and northeastern Pennsylvania, making it one of the state's largest organizations. It has prioritized health care in small towns for over a century, regardless of the area. You can find locations in central Pennsylvania cities like Lewistown and State College.

Geisinger Health's website lists openings, and LPNs can find positions based on their desired location and career path. Working at its facilities includes comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities, such as clinical and academic research. Employees can access professional development and educational programs across the system. Its military-friendly environment caters to veterans and honors their service.

Key features:

• Forbes America's Best-in-State Employers 2022
• Military-friendly environment for veterans
• Comprehensive benefits for employees
• Career growth opportunities across the Geisinger system

4. WellSpan Health

WellSpan Health has facilities from Chambersburg to New Holland that provide care to commonwealth residents. The health organization has over 23,000 employees across Pennsylvania and Maryland, making it a large regional employer. While its team is expansive, WellSpan prioritizes working as a cohesive unit with cutting-edge technologies and processes.

WellSpan Health is among the most attractive for LPN positions in central Pennsylvania due to its expansive benefits. The company offers medical insurance, retirement savings plans and health savings accounts. As an employee, you can access the credit union, discounted tickets and educational assistance programs. WellSpan Health may pay for tuition and expenses if you pursue higher education.

Key features:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
• Collaboration, mentorship and clinical ladder
• PTO starting on the first day of employment
• Support solutions for caregivers

5. Country Meadows Retirement Communities

Country Meadows Retirement Communities is an option if you live in Hershey and want to work in senior living. This location has prioritized seniors and their families for over 50 years, earning recognition from U.S. News and World Report at its campuses. LPNs can work full time at Country Meadows based on their preferred shift, increasing autonomy.

Country Meadows has over 350 employees at its locations, and these workers benefit from health, vision and dental insurance. You and your co-workers can work today and get paid tomorrow through PayActiv's on-demand pay. If you save your PTO, you can carry it over these days through next year. The organization also offers career paths and interest-free loans through Helping Hand.

Key features:

• Career paths for LPNs
• Free dental insurance
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match
• Helping Hand interest-free loans

6. Penn State Health

Penn State Health is an integrated academic health system representing 15 central Pennsylvania counties. Nearly 2,500 physicians and direct care providers work at its 186 outpatient practices. LPNs can find open positions from Hershey to Camp Hill to further their careers. You can also work at its joint ventures, such as the Hershey Endoscopy Center or the Penn State Health Rehabilitation Center.

Penn State Health helps its employees secure their financial futures with 401(k) and 403(b) plans and 5% employer contributions. If you pursue further education, you can get up to $5,520 in financial assistance for degree programs and certifications. Comprehensive coverage plans include HSA accounts, dental and vision care, and exclusive travel discounts.

Key features:

• 24/7 access to the virtual benefits center
• 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans
• Flexible leave options for family needs and personal well-being
• Up to 10 cost-free counseling sessions for mental health support

7. Mount Nittany Health

Mount Nittany Health serves six counties and includes 220 health care providers in Pennsylvania. Its primary location is Mount Nittany Medical Center, featuring medical, surgical and diagnostic services. The community-focused organization has expanded its facilities by adding staff and patient services across its 30 specialties. Its focus is on making people healthier and growing stronger communities.

Mount Nittany emphasizes an employee-centric benefits package with a 403(b) retirement plan, medical coverage and basic life insurance. You get a discount at Mount Nittany Medical Center if you need health services. LPNs can enjoy free parking at its facilities, thus easing some commuting costs. Further education becomes more accessible through Mount Nittany's education reimbursement.

Key features:

• Day-one benefits
• Education reimbursement
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage
• Free parking

8. The Middletown Home

The Middletown Home is another nonprofit with LPN positions in central Pennsylvania. This health care organization focuses on wellness, rehabilitation and lifelong learning for the community. Its campus is off the Harrisburg Pike, making it accessible for Middletown commuters. Leadership teams encourage engaging activities, personalized patient care and unlimited caregiver potential.

The Middletown Home emphasizes servant leadership and vibrant communities with rewarding career opportunities. LPNs can use personal and professional development to further their careers and get the most from their time. Working here full time includes three weekly shifts and comprehensive benefits. You may receive premium pay, depending on your shift.

Key features:

• Three days for full-time shifts
• Professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits
• Premium pay shifts

9. Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine is among America's oldest health systems, founding the first U.S. hospital in 1751. Since Benjamin Franklin's time, the organization has grown to nearly 50,000 team members. It is an academic medical center dedicated to biomedical research and patient care. CAR T-cell therapy, mRNA vaccines and gene therapy have brought recognition.

Penn Medicine has health care facilities across the commonwealth, including Lancaster General Health. Regardless of location, you can find environments fostering professional development for LPNs and other medical professionals. The organization offers competitive compensation and benefits, including retirement and a 403(b) matching plan. Its professional development is stellar, promoting collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to improve your technique.

Key features:

• Employee wellness resources
• Retirement contribution and a 403(b) matching plan
• Tuition assistance, academic advising and professional development programs
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary approach

10. Aveanna Healthcare

Aveanna Healthcare has connected LPNs to career opportunities for over 40 years. The medical system spans 38 states and 300 branch offices, including locations in Pennsylvania. You can find facilities dedicated to quality care from State College to Williamsport. Aveanna prides itself on employee retention, with some caregivers calling it home for over 30 years.

The company invests in LPNs and other full-time employees with medical insurance. You can benefit from company matching if you participate in a retirement plan. Other financial opportunities include a stock purchase plan and a relief fund. Aveanna Healthcare helps employees advance their careers through tuition reimbursement and discounts.

Key features:

• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Stock purchase plan
• Tuition reimbursement and discounts
• Locations across central Pennsylvania

11. BAYADA Home Health

BAYADA Home Health has provided home health care for 50 years, enabling safe and comfortable living. It hires highly specialized nurses and caregivers and has thousands of dedicated employees nationwide. The company has LPN positions in central Pennsylvania, whether you live in Hershey or Harrisburg. Working with BAYADA means delivering compassionate care and earning growth opportunities.

BAYADA LPNs administer medication and treatment, monitor vital signs and complete other necessary tasks. A typical day may include tending to wounds and communicating with families about care plans. Full- and part-time roles are available with flexible scheduling. You get comprehensive benefits, PTO and paid comprehensive training. BAYADA lets you train in the office and benefit from hands-on shadowing sessions.

Key features:

• Comprehensive benefits
• Career development opportunities through online courses and simulation labs
• 24/7 clinical support by phone
• Flexible scheduling with full-time, part-time and per-diem opportunities

12. Brookdale Grandon Farms

Brookdale Grandon Farms offers memory care and senior living in Mechanicsburg. The organization has job opportunities through day and night shifts to help with resident emergencies. Brookdale has senior living communities nationwide, serving over 60,000 older adults. The company prioritizes a welcoming culture and a growth mindset for associates.

LPNs receive competitive compensation and a benefits package while working at Brookdale Grandon Farms. The company offers insurance plans, FSA and HSA accounts, and supplemental medical plans. You can get extra insurance for hospital indemnity and critical illness if needed. Employees can participate in well-being initiatives like coaching and the Associate Assistance Program.

Key features:

• Auto insurance discount and commuter benefits
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Associate fund for financial assistance
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities

Methodology for Determining the Best Jobs for LPNs

Finding the best fit for LPN jobs in central Pennsylvania is essential for those in the medical field. Here are eight criteria used to determine which facilities are the best in the commonwealth.

• Reputation: Check the company's reputation by speaking with current and former employees. How did LPNs enjoy working there?
• Accreditation: Highly touted organizations may accredit top-ranked hospitals and senior living communities. Some groups include the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program and The Joint Commission.
• Career advancement: LPNs should evaluate their career advancement opportunities, on-site or on their own time. Organizations may offer tuition assistance or paid certifications.
• Patient-care philosophy: Read the company's philosophy to ensure the health system aligns with your values.
• Recognition: Search for awards and recognition from health journals and white papers, including Forbes and U.S. News and World Report.
• Company resources: Prospective employees should evaluate the resources and technologies, including electronic health records and updated medical equipment.
• Location: Location matters with medical facilities, so prioritize those close to home or public transportation options.
• Work-life balance: Evaluate the employer for scheduling flexibility, PTO and work-life integration.

How Much Do LPN Positions Pay in Pennsylvania?

LPN wages depend on your city and experience, though the range is predictable. These medical professionals earn an average of $27 per hour in Pennsylvania, with a median salary of $57,181. The 10th percentile of LPNs earn $51,235, whereas the 90th percentile reaches $63,470. Employees may earn wage increases through certifications and professional development.

Hourly and annual wages are other critical considerations for medical professionals. Your pay should meet the cost-of-living demand in central Pennsylvania, which can differ by region. Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports adults need to make at least $22 to meet the living wage in Dauphin County. Meanwhile, the Centre County standard is $24.38.

Navigating LPN Positions in Central Pennsylvania

LPNs can find jobs at large health systems, academic medical centers and community-based organizations. Finding the best workplace is essential to your goals and career satisfaction as a medical professional. Prioritize job opportunities aligning with your values and wellness needs. A thoughtful and criteria-based approach may help you find a rewarding position.

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