 Choosing a licensed practical nurse training program can be a difficult decision. LPN nurse education programs are typically offered through community colleges, trade schools and vocational colleges. There are numerous online programs. Training may also be offered through your local hospital. Choosing the right LPN nursing school for you is a personal decision, with many factors to consider. Does the class schedule work for your life and other responsibilities? Can you afford the program? Is financial assistance available? Is the program sensitive to your nursing career goals, such as the type of setting in which you want to practice? Is the location convenient? Take the time now to research all the options and make the right choice for your unique needs.  Licensed Practical Nursing Education Questions for LPN Nursing Schools Here are some helpful questions to ask when considering LPN nursing schools: - Does the school assist in work placement?
- Is the LPN school accredited?
- Does the school prepare you to get your nursing certification?
- Is there a type of LPN nurse specialty the school specializes in?
- Will the school document your course hours?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Education: Time to Completion The length of licensed practice nurse education programs varies across the nation. The shortest programs are about seven months. Some are as long as 24 months. Most take about a year. After you complete your program, you will need to pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam developed and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Courses The following is a typical list of courses that may be offered in a LPN nursing program: - Basic Nursing Skills
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nutrition
- Emergency Care
- Pediatric Nursing
- Obstetric Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
In a good program, you will also spend a significant portion of your education 'learning-by-doing' with hands-on clinical work. Licensed Practical Nursing School Accreditation It is very important that you choose a LPN nursing school that is approved by the state in which you wish to practice. Most states require that licensed practical nurse programs be nationally accredited as evidence that they meet baseline standards for educational quality. Therefore, be sure to choose a program that is accredited by either the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The US Secretary of Education recognizes these two institutes as official accreditation organizations for nursing education programs. Sources:
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, 2008
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008
Act Online LPN, 2008 |
