LPN Programs: Growing In Popularity
LPN programs, because they are short-term, will continue to attract people wanting to explore the health care industry. These LPN programs provide comprehensive training that will give you the necessary skills to provide adequate patient care in various types of facilities.
There is a growing demand for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) -- or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) as they are referred to in certain states -- whether in hospitals, private clinics or nursing homes.
This career is also booming because of the growing trend for home health care which requires supervised assistance by a medical practitioner.
They can generally provide the same service as registered nurses, except for certain responsibilities that must be supervised by RNs. Yet, their pay scale is not equal to that received by professionals with an RN degree.
LPN Programs For a Solid Background
An LPN program can be completed between 12 to 24 months. Within this period, you would have been introduced to the basic LPN courses such as anatomy, physiology and chemistry; emergency care, medical ethics and legalities and undertaken clinical training for actual hands-on experience.
Community, vocational or technical colleges usually offer LPN programs. Hospitals likewise provide LPN training. Some universities and colleges have also included it in their nursing programs. Gaining popularity due to convenience and cost are LPN programs online.
Most, if not all, LPN programs have a strong practical component where longer hours are allocated for internship. This is critical because the primary responsibility of nurse practitioners is providing bedside care for patients.
After completing LPN programs you are expected to know how to assist patients with their grooming and hygiene, taking vital signs, preparing and giving injections, monitoring responses to medication, collecting samples for testing and assisting physicians and RNs in performing various tests.
LPN nursing requires more technical knowledge than that of a certified nursing assistant. But its limitations are in administering medication, particularly if these are through intravenous or intramuscular methods.
What to consider
For those holding down jobs but contemplating on shifting careers, online LPN nursing programs provide them with the convenience in pursuing their education without a set schedule, unlike the traditional campus learning.
When choosing LPN schools, your primary consideration is that they offer accredited LPN programs. Second, they either have the facilities or tie-ups with such facilities where you can get your practical training. Third, check if the institutions offer financial assistance, grants or scholarships to ease your burden.
After completing an LPN nursing program, you will then be qualified to take the licensure exam for practical nursing. Passing the NCLEX-PN will mean you are now eligible for work.
Job opportunities are available in hospitals, nursing homes, long term care facilities, doctors and private clinics, home health care, and community care facilities for the elderly.
Outlook for LPNs
There is a growing preference for LPNs to save on costs, especially for hospitals and physicians' clinics, instead of hiring registered nurses. RNs still earn about a third more than licensed practical nurses.
However, after gaining the necessary experience, you do have the option of earning a formal nursing degree. This is for career growth, better income opportunities and to go into specialization.
To cater to this segment of vocational nurses, schools have developed LPN to RN programs that will credit prior education obtained and the clinical experience gained in work for those who wish to complete a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
Whether you choose to get your training via online or through the traditional campus teaching, good LPN programs will prepare you for a rewarding career in health care.
Depending on your locality, here are some LPN programs you may wish to consider:
The two largest LPN schools in the city of New York are under the City University of New York (CUNY). The La Guardia Community College is under CUNY's Health Sciences department and offers a 48-credit nursing assistant program, while the Bronx Community College, home of the university's Department of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, has a 56-credit LPN program.
Each program has intensive theoretical and clinical components, and students are afforded opportunities to practice the skills in actual health care facilities within the area. Completion of either nursing program will qualify graduates to sit in New York state's NCLEX-PN, which is the final ticket before you can practice the profession.
The Michigan Board of Nursing has given its approval to the practical nurse certificate offered at Lansing Community College, the third largest community college in the state in terms of population. Aside from basic nursing care, the curriculum includes courses in psychology, writing and public health.
Meanwhile, there is a one-year certificate program in practical nursing offered at the Oakland Community College also in Michigan. Aside from basics in patient care, students are tested on their decision-making skills in a nursing environment.
The New Jersey Board of Nursing has accredited the Essex County College's practical nursing program. The 12-month, 49-credit hour program allows students access to the school's nursing simulation laboratory for their practical experience.
The Union County College is the oldest two-year institution in the state of New Jersey and offers a four-semester practical nursing associate degree. CPR training, as well as English and math courses are among the prerequisites for admission in this LPN school.
Graduates of either school are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN test and are more than ready to begin their practice after completing the training programs.
LPN programs in CT - Connecticut
The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing recognizes the Lincoln Technical Institute with its campuses in Shelton and New Britain for its practical nursing program. Likewise, the LPN programs of Porter and Chester
Institute (also with two campuses) are accredited by the board. Completion of either training program will qualify graduates to take the certification exam for their license.
The 40-week practical nursing program offered at the Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Massachusetts is an full-time, on-campus program but has off campus clinical facilities aside from their in-house laboratory.
The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MBRN) have both granted accreditation to the school's LPN programs and students have successfully hurdled the NCLEX-PN test after graduation.
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