LPN Nursing Schools and Training Programs
Learn what you should look for when choosing an LPN nursing school and education program.
LPN nurse education programs are typically offered through community colleges, trade schools and vocational colleges. There are numerous online programs and training may also be offered through your local hospital.
Choosing the right LPN nursing school 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 nursing school options and make the right choice for your unique needs.
Questions to Ask Potential 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?
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.
Accreditation is Key
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).
Sources:
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Education Resources
Career and Degree Information
- Career Overview
- Licensed Practical Nurse
Schools and Training Programs - LPN Jobs: Everyday Tasks
- Career Paths
- Accreditation
- State Boards of Nursing
Related Articles
How to Pay for Nursing School
- As nursing school tuition has increased, a rising number of nursing scholarships and grants have become available for qualifying candidates. Nursing school is expensive, but there are many grants, loans, scholarships, work-study and loan forgiveness programs available to hard-working students. Gain access to nursing school financial first aid.
How to Get Nursing Scholarships
-
Many scholarship and grant opportunities are available to nursing students to encourage people to enter the nursing field and help alleviate the increasing nursing shortages. With a little research, you can learn how to obtain this free money for your nursing school education. Learn how to uncover these nursing scholarship and grant sources to help free you from financial worries.