Leffler Academy at the University of Saint Francis is proud to announce it has received approval from the Indiana State Board of Nursing to offer its Practical Nursing program at the university’s Fort Wayne campus.
The approval marks a significant step forward in expanding access to nursing education and addressing the growing healthcare workforce needs across Indiana. Saint Francis is accepting applications for the inaugural fall 2026 cohort of students entering the 12-month Practical Nursing program at the Fort Wayne campus. The program was already available at the university’s site in Gas City, Indiana.
“This represents an exciting milestone for Leffler Academy at the University of Saint Francis as we continue to expand educational opportunities that directly support workforce development and healthcare excellence,” Saint Francis Vice President for Workforce Development Dr. Amanda Leffler said. “As the demand for skilled nursing professionals continues to grow, this program will help create stronger pathways for students seeking meaningful careers in healthcare while serving the critical needs of our communities.”
The Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare students with the foundational clinical knowledge, hands-on experience and patient-centered training needed to pursue careers as licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Through focused coursework, real-world clinical opportunities and a supportive educational environment, students will be equipped to enter the healthcare field prepared to make an immediate impact in hospitals, long-term care facilities, physician practices and other healthcare settings.
The addition of the Practical Nursing program at the Fort Wayne campus reflects Leffler Academy at Saint Francis’ continued commitment to innovative, accessible and workforce-focused education. The program also supports students seeking entry into nursing while creating opportunities for future academic and professional advancement in healthcare.
Prospective students interested in pursuing the 12-month program beginning this fall can learn more and apply today. For more information about Saint Francis healthcare education and other academic opportunities, visit sf.edu.
Leffler Academy at the University of Saint Francis is dedicated to preparing students for high-demand careers through innovative, career-focused education that supports workforce needs and community impact. Through accessible pathways and hands-on learning opportunities, Leffler Academy at Saint Francis empowers students to lead and serve with excellence in healthcare and beyond.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at Saint Francis offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Business and Leadership: Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, Saint Francis has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.