If you are thinking about becoming an LPN which is otherwise known as Licensed Practical Nurse, you can either settle for the traditional way of earning a degree or opt for the quickened LPN programs with certificates in a short time as 6 months.
By taking an accelerated LPN course online, you conserve the energy that would have been needed to drive you to school for things that are more relevant. Yet, have your certificate of completion at the end of your program.
The provision of the table of contents below is to help you have a clearer understanding of the topics that will be discussed in this article.
Who Is A Licensed Practical Nurse?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN), is a nurse who cares for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled. Usually, LPN’s work under the direction of physicians, and registered nurses.
Also, LPN’s work independently similar to the registered nurse in providing care and are responsible for their individual actions and practice. Hence, their other name as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN).
In some parts of Canada, they are however referred to as registered practical nurses.
Read This: Ongoing Thanatology Free Online Courses
What Does An LPN Do?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) cares for a patient by monitoring their blood pressure and other vital signs and providing the person with the demands of primary comforts like bathing or other medical needs.
LPN’s work in a variety of health care systems ranging from clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, recovery centers, extended care facilities, and even clinics.
How To Become An LPN
If you want to know how you should become a licensed practical nurse, first of, you must complete a coursework in an accredited LPN programs.
The duration could vary though. Most states have dozens of accredited colleges, technical schools, and hospitals that offer LPN programs.
For instance, California has more than 170 state-approved LPN programs, while Texas has over 100 established programs at community colleges, technical centers, and private nursing schools.
No matter where you live, you should carefully research and weigh the pros and cons of each school in your state to decide which program is right for you.
After satisfying the LPN program coursework and grade requirements laid out by your state’s Board of Nursing, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN or the National Council Licensure Examination.
How Long Does It Take To Become An LPN?
A licensed practical nurse is required to complete an accredited collegiate program that normally takes 1 year in order to obtain a diploma or certificate. Programs are available in community colleges and business schools. Every program would give supervised clinical experience.
After receiving a certificate, an LPN will need to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) in order to get permission to work. The exam is five hours long.
It is expedient that you go for LPN schools with a high licensure exam pass rate when looking for LPN programs. Some programs may list their exam pass rate on the school’s website. Also, don’t forget to make sure the program is accredited and officially recognized by the boards of nursing.
The essence of making sure of its accreditation is to enable you to sit for the exam as you cannot register for the NCLEX-PN exam if the program isn’t accredited.
By the way, working as an LPN can also walk you through the path of becoming a registered nurse (RN). Many schools offer what’s called a ‘bridge’ programs. These programs take into record your LPN education and work experience and make it easier for you to transition to become an RN.
Read Also: 45 Free Online Courses With Printable Certificates
How to Choose an LPN/LVN Program
Before deciding which LPN program to go for, there are several factors to put into consideration. Here are just a few essential items to consider.
- Student Pass Rate for the NCLEX-PN
- Accreditation of School
- Time Frame of Course
- Value
- Areas of Clinical Rotations
What Are The Requirements For Becoming An LPN?
Just like every other career, there are certain things you must possess before embarking on the journey of becoming a licensed practising nurse. They are however listed below.
- You must possess a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Excellent communication skills, to correctly report to other medical team members as well as communicating with the patient and family members.
- Empathy for people in difficult situations.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, as you will need to be in the operative mode most of the time, searching for underlying health problems.
- You must pay attention to even the minutest detail. You will need to be very accurate on medication dosages as well as learning about the patient’s history.
Schools That Offer LPN Programs With Certificates In 2022
Various schools around the world offer online LPN programs with certificates in 2022. Here are some of the schools.
- Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester
- Salem Community College
- Union County College
- Greenfield Community College
- Jersey College
- North Shore Community College, Danvers
- Lincoln Technical Institute
- Eastwick College – Hackensack
- Holy Name Medical Center – Teaneck
- Universal Training Institute
- Lake Superior College
6 Months LPN Programs With Certificates
The 6 months LPN program is otherwise called LPN accelerated program. Normal classes take 12 months. Although many LPN schools offer 6 months, 8 months, 10 months LPN program.
However, choosing the right program requires careful investigation, but once you complete your LPN training, you are sure to have a career with great job opportunities.
The method of teaching used for the course include lecture, online case studies, and simulation. Technology is mostly used for these types of fast-track programs, and you are bound to enjoy the studies if you have a personal computer.
- Medical Terminology
- Human Anatomy
- Documentation
- Physiology
- Legal Issues
- Patient Ethics
- Nutrition
- Patient Safety
- Infection Control
FAQ’s On LPN Programs
The road to becoming an LPN has many routes. Some schools offer fast-track LPN programs that you can complete in as little as six months.
You cannot work as a licensed practical nurse, or LPN, without proper licensing.
The basic requirement for admission into an LPN program is a high school diploma with a GPA of at least, 2.0.
Conclusion
I hope this piece of information is helpful through your decision making process.
Best wishes!!!
References
Recommendations
- https://worldscholarshipforum.com/private-nursing-schools-california/
- https://worldscholarshipforum.com/10-popular-courses-uk-study-abroad-students/
- 15 free Online Nursing Courses with Certificates
Does this article meet your immediate needs? If yes, leave us with a 5-star rating in the Review Box below. However, if no, leave a comment on the comment box to express your concern or ask the question and we will get back to you as soon as possible.