Licensed Practical Nursing Programs
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs provide a fast way for individuals to start working in the field of nursing. They can often complete a program in 12 – 15 months and become a working licensed nurse soon after. LPN's have very similar job opportunities and job responsibilities as their Registered Nurse (RN) coworkers, although their earnings reflect their shorter education program. In some states, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) designation is used instead of the LPN designation but is otherwise equivalent in educational and licensing requirements. To earn an LPN or LVN designation, individuals must complete an LPN/LVN program and then pass the national licensing exam administered by their state.
Job prospects for LPNs are excellent as the U.S. population ages and as trends towards preventative and recuperative care at home increase. To gain increases in salary and job opportunities, LPNs often continue school and become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) or with a Master's degree, as an Advanced Practice Nurse.
Programs Overview
LPN programs are typically 12-15 month focused programs that result in a nursing diploma and eligibility to take the national LPN licensing exam. Unlike degree programs in nursing, students do not have to complete general education courses and focus only on topics they will use directly in their profession.
Schools
LPN programs are offered at community colleges, career and vocational schools and specialized nursing schools. Since up to 50 percent of the hours spent in an LPN program are spent in clinical settings, online programs are rare. To work as an LPN, one must complete an accredited program and then pass a national licensing examination which is administered by each state.
Coursework
LPN program students will complete significant supervised clinical practice as well courses such as the following:
- Medical Terminology - Students learn to spell, use and pronounce medical terminology including abbreviations. Terminology for all body systems and diagnosis and treatment language are covered.
- Microbiology – This course examines microorganisms as related to disease. Topics include classification of bacteria, parasitic life cycles, infection transmission and drug treatment.
- Anatomy and Physiology – This course covers the development, structure and functions of all major body systems.
- Foundations of Nursing Care – Students learn the basics of nursing care including history taking, physical examination, health assessment and therapeutic communication, among other topics.
- Adult Health Nursing – This course advances nursing skills in the care of adults in hospital settings. Topics care planning, pain management and team collaboration.
- Pharmacology – The focus of this course is to educate students about the safe administration of medications. Medication effects on various body systems are studied along with dosage calculation, administration options, side effects and monitoring.
Note that some programs require the completion of Anatomy and Microbiology courses as prerequisites.
Admission Requirements
Each LPN program has its own admission requirements which vary considerably. In some cases, only a high-school diploma is needed whereas in other cases, a number of pre-requisite college-level courses are required. Some other typical requirements include: CPR certification, criminal background check, drug screening, physical exam, entrance exam, proof of immunization and admissions interview.
Career Options
LPNs can work in a number of health-care settings where they will work under the supervision of Registered Nurses or physicians. They may work in hospitals, nursing homes, community health clinics, mental health institutions and patient homes. Their responsibilities can include taking vital signs, giving injections, dressing wounds and administering medications. Many LPNs continue with their education while working and earn an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing and a Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Related Nursing Degrees
Other types of nursing degree programs are described below:
- Associate's of Science in Nursing (ASN) RN program – This two-year associate's degree program will result in an RN license.
- Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) RN Program – These programs are typically four years in length and result in an RN license.
- Masters of Science in Nursing Program – These are Advanced Practice Nursing programs that result in licensing as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Clinical Nurse Midwife(CNM) or Clinical Nurse Anesthetist (CNA).
There are variations of each of these programs that allow a nurse with prior nursing education and licensing to earn their degree in less time than someone with no prior nursing education.
How to Evaluate Licensed Practical Nursing Programs
Depending on a person's short-term priorities and long-term goals, some programs offer advantages over others. Below are some factors to consider:
- Admission Requirements - Prerequisites vary by program so prospective students should weigh how important it is to complete a program quickly versus attending the best possible program, regardless of time required.
- Quality and Reputation - There are many LPN programs that focus on alllowing students to start working in as short a time period as possible. However, students need to make sure they are not sacrificing quality and reputation which could then affect job opportunities and options for future nursing education.
- Accreditation - The program should be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC). If it is not, a graduate may have to retake coursework if they continue with their nursing education.
Resources
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
National Student Nurses Association
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc. (NAPNES)
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