Sector pathway
Healthcare Career Ladder (CNA → LPN → RN)
A stepwise clinical pathway for Lehigh County residents entering the region's two largest health systems, with each rung funded and scheduled around work and family.
- Duration
- 4–8 weeks (CNA), 12–18 months (LPN), 2+ years (RN bridge)
- Format
- Cohort classroom plus supervised clinical hours
- Location
- LCCC health sciences, plus clinical sites across Allentown and Bethlehem
- Cost
- ITA-funded for eligible residents; employer tuition support common at the LPN and RN rungs
Services included
- CNA training with state certification exam preparation
- LPN and RN bridge advising with prerequisite sequencing
- Clinical placement coordination with local health systems
- Childcare and transportation support services during clinicals
- AI counselor tracks prerequisites, deadlines, and license renewals
Who qualifies in Lehigh Valley
- Age 18 or older; high school diploma or GED required for LPN and RN rungs
- Pennsylvania criminal history and child abuse clearances required for clinical placement
- Immunization and health screening per clinical site policy
- Applicants with older records are screened case by case — a record is not an automatic bar in Lehigh County clinical settings
Eligibility summaries cover the Lehigh Valley workforce area, including Lehigh and Northampton counties. Final funding and enrollment decisions are made by each provider or PA CareerLink career specialist; Careerpath365 offers guidance and does not approve benefits. Named organizations are local resources and potential referral destinations, not an endorsement or confirmed partnership.