What is an LPN?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a medical practitioner who tends to a patient’s most fundamental requirements. Helping patients with activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing are part of this. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) may also assist a doctor or registered nurse (RN) in their practice. Accurate patient records and effective communication amongst all members of the healthcare team are the responsibilities of licensed practical nurses. In addition to providing direct medical care, they frequently interact with patients and their loved ones to clarify diagnoses, treatments, and treatment options.
The ability to switch gears and do whatever is required of an LPN at any given time is essential. Working closely with patients to ensure their comfort and educate them about the treatments and procedures they are going to undergo is an exciting and fast-paced aspect of this interesting profession.
Because of the fulfilling nature of working directly with patients and witnessing the difference you make in their lives, many people choose to devote their entire careers to becoming licensed practical nurses. Gaining experience as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can pave the way to more advanced nursing degrees, such as registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner (NP).
If you want to work as a nurse but aren’t quite ready to devote four years to school, getting your license as an LPN might give you a good taste of what it’s like to climb your way up the ladder.
How long does it take to become an LPN?
Applying for jobs after finishing a certification program and passing the NCLEX-PN is the standard route to becoming a licensed practical nurse. Programs to become a licensed practical nurse typically run between one and two years long, with the exact duration varying by program type (full- or part-time). To ensure a successful first attempt at passing the NCLEX-PN, it is recommended to allocate a minimum of one month for preparation. You will need to wait 45 days before trying again if your initial effort does not yield the desired result. To become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you must complete all of the necessary coursework, which can take up to two years.
How to become an LPN
It doesn’t matter whatever route you pursue to become a licensed practical nurse; the essential qualifications are the same. Possessing the appropriate credentials and a valid driver’s license are essential. A few different routes are available to you, though, and the one you choose will depend on your specific circumstances and, in some instances, your location. Some of your choices are listed below:
1. Standard way
Becoming a licensed practical nurse often involves two stages. A practical nursing program completion is the first requirement for certification. The next step is to obtain your license by sitting for and passing the NCLEX-PN. You are free to begin working after you have finished both of these. Check out the detailed descriptions of each of those steps down below:
Lookup a program
Verifying the program’s accreditation should be your top priority when searching for a practical nursing school. The final certification won’t be legitimate unless it is. Verifying the program’s accreditation is as easy as browsing their database on the website of an official accrediting authority, such as CCNE or ACEN.
Find a software that works for you.
The needs of nursing students are driving many programs to become more accommodating. Think about enrolling in a program that gives you the option to take classes at your own pace, whether that’s online and on campus or at night, so you can juggle all of your duties without having to sacrifice your job.
Submit an application
Possessing a high school diploma is usually a requirement of the programs. How stringent the admission standards are will determine any extra requirements beyond that. You can usually get into a decent program with a diploma, a strong work ethic, and a passion to serve people.
Complete all coursework
Typically, a curriculum will require 36–40 credit hours, which equates to 8–10 classes. You can probably finish these classes in a year if you attend school full-time. It can take two years if you go part-time. Stick to a routine that you are confident will bring you success. Get ready to tackle some advanced scientific concepts. Courses in chemistry, biology, and anatomy will round out your education, while courses in physical education and emergency medical technology will provide you with more hands-on experience.
2. The accelerated route
Becoming an LPN using this alternative is quicker than the conventional route. The NCLEX-PN and a practical nursing program are still prerequisites. If you’d rather not spend a year or two in school, though, there is an expedited program that will allow you to finish all of your coursework in seven months.
If you want to speed things up even more, you can study for the NCLEX-PN while you’re a student. Arrange for your exam to take place immediately following your graduation. You may be eligible to take the final exam as early as a week or two before graduation if you can demonstrate that you will finish the program in the allotted time. Studying for both the NCLEX-PN and final exams at the same time is an option, but it is doable with good time management because the subjects overlap.
Just a friendly reminder that studying and attending classes at this rapid pace will require a significant amount of extra time each week. Be sure you can devote the next seven months to intense study before you join; there will be a lot on your plate.
3. The route without certification
Where you intend to work will determine this decision. Take the NCLEX-PN and begin working as an LPN in some states, even if you started another nursing certification school (like an RN program) but didn’t finish. Just make sure you finished the courses equal to a practical nursing program. Individuals with comparable military experience may be eligible to skip the certification program and take the NCLEX-PN instead in certain states.
It doesn’t matter how you do it, but once you know you passed the NCLEX-PN, you can start applying. Even if your real license won’t arrive in the mail for a few weeks, the informal confirmation that you passed should be sufficient to move on to the next interview.
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