Licensed practical nurse (LPN) training programs are offered by state approved training centers such as technical schools, high schools, junior colleges, community colleges, vocational schools and hospitals. Most of the LPN programs are classroom oriented and the students need to undergo clinical practices under supervision. After the successful completion of LPN training, students can appear for National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) for getting license. Depending on the programs you select, the duration of LPN training varies. The minimum duration of this training is nine months. However, you may come across with lots of advertisements, which offer fast completion of LPN training. Before joining in such courses, you should check the accreditation of such schools. LPN courses offer entry level training and during this period, students need to learn lots of fundamental medical concepts and acquire practical knowledge.
Curriculum of LPN Programs
The curricula of LPN training vary depending on the program you select. However, some common subjects in the curricula of LPN programs are:
- Fundamentals of nursing,
- Contemporary health issues and vocational adjustments,
- Anatomy/physiology,
- Nutrition and diet therapy,
- Maternal child health,
- Medical surgical nursing,
- Psychiatric nursing,
- Introduction to pharmacology,
- Growth and development, etc.
Besides, LPN training programs also cover subjects such as chemistry, biology, physical education, first aid and emergency medical technology.
LPN paramedics and certified nurses can use LPN programs to grow further in their career. It is also essential for getting LPN to RN and LPN to BSN qualifications. LPN programs also enable students to do specialized nursing degrees in:
- Nursing Masters (BSN),
- Nursing MSN (RN),
- PhD Phil Nursing,
- PhD in Administration,
- Nursing education certificates in post masters,
- Nursing practitioner (NP),
- Clinical specialist nurse,
- Anesthetist certified and registered (CRNA),
- Midwife certification, and
- Advanced nursing practice.
Students can also enroll in various online LPN programs for getting training. There are lots of accredited schools and colleges offer online LPN training programs to students.
Admission Requirements
In order to become a licensed practical nurse, you must have completed 18 years of age and must attend a nine months training program or more. For admitting in LPN programs, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also appear for a basic academic skill test for admitting in LPN programs. This is commonly known as LPN entrance examination.
LPN Courses
Prerequisite Courses
If you want to work as LPN, you need to take a prerequisite course before entering in a nursing program. This course comprises of basic nursing education, anatomy, physiology, English and psychology.
Practical Nursing Courses
Besides classroom instructions, LPN students need to undergo clinical practices in nursing facilities such as medical and surgical hospitals, rehabilitation centers, birthing units and extended care facilities. Practical nursing courses teach students regarding wellness and illness patterns, ethical and legal issues, basic nutrition and duties of LPNs.
Pharmacology course focuses on the administration of various medications and intravenous substances. Students will also get knowledge in side effects and toxic influence of medicines and their legal implications.
LPN Certificate Program
Community colleges, technical and vocational schools, etc are conducting LPN certificate programs. During this training program, students need to practice in health care settings under the supervision of physicians or registered nurses. You can earn an LPN licensure if you are graduates of certified programs.
LPN Degree Programs
In order to be eligible for getting a licensure, you can also seek an associate degree in practical nursing. The courses of degree programs include nursing management, adult health issues, psychiatric nursing, health assessment, etc.
Duties and Responsibilities of LPNs
In order to succeed in career path, you must be a compassionate and caring person with good communication skills. You need to work along with registered nurses and medical doctors. You need to monitor the conditions of patients more closely than physicians and registered nurses. Besides patient care, you must also undertake responsibilities such as collection of patients’ health history, collection of samples for laboratory testing, performing simple laboratory tests, measure and record vital signs of patients such as weight, height, blood pressure, temperature, respiration and pulse, etc. LPNs should also prepare and give enemas and injections, dress wounds, monitor catheters, provide alcohol rubs and massages, etc. Cleaning and monitoring medical equipment are also coming under the responsibilities of LPNs.
LPNs can work in various healthcare facilities such as hospitals, public health facilities, dentists’ offices, community clinics, residential homes, institutions for mental health, etc. Chances of getting radiation, infectious diseases, chemical poisons, etc are also very high. They should also handle uncooperative, agitated or confused patients effectively.
Salary of LPNs
According to the Bureau of Labor statistics reports, a licensed practical nurse can earn around $47,220 per year. The salary varies as per experience, certification, location, abilities, etc. LPNs working in employment services, home care services and nursing care facilities can earn highest salary.