Everything You Need to Know about an LPN Program
Get Your Degree!
Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.
Powered by Campus Explorer
LPN programs are in demand nowadays because of the increasing job opportunities for licensed practical nurses. Completing an LPN program is a requirement before a license to practice the profession is granted. If you are thinking of a career in LPN, you need to know everything about the LPN program before you make that important decision.
Before you decide on an LPN career, you need to understand the role of licensed practical nurses in the healthcare industry. You should also consider the LPN program length, cost and the requirements for submission. Knowing all these things will help you in deciding the next step towards a dream career.
What is a Licensed Practical Nurse?
A licensed practical nurse is a health professional that takes care of the needs of injured and sick patients including the elderly. In some states, licensed practical nurses (LPN) are known as licensed vocational nurses (LVN). Licensed practical nurses work closely with the rest of the healthcare staff. They are guided and directed by dentists, physicians or registered nurses. LPNs can also assist new mothers in nursing their infants. LPNs have a specific set of skills and nursing education to work in various healthcare settings other than hospitals.
Each state in the country may vary in defining the scope of an LPN’s practice. It is the duty of licensed practical nurses to provide care to patients. This is part of their education and training in LPN programs. Licensed practical nurses may provide their services to patients as bedside nurses. LPNs can monitor the vital signs of patients and perform health assessments from head to foot. They are responsible in monitoring a patient’s intake of food and medication. LPNs carry out blood and urine samples and ensure they are delivered for testing and examination. They can also apply dressings to patients’ wounds, monitor blood sugar and maintain protocols for oxygen. Licensed practical nurses are allowed to administer IV medication.
LPN Program Requirements
In order to become a licensed practical nurse, you need to complete an accredited LPN program offered by various vocational, community and nursing schools in the country. After completion of the program, you will also be required to take the licensure exam for LPNs. If you pass the exam, you will be given an LPN license.
LPN programs will usually take about less than a year or two to complete. The LPN program training will also include classroom sessions including clinical study which will allow students to gain experience in actual LPN duty. As part of LPN program requirements, aspiring students will need to have at least a high school diploma or a GED. Some schools offering LPN programs may require you to take an entrance exam for LPNs before you can be accepted for enrolment.
LPN Program Length
An LPN program length may take between 9 to 18 months. The duration of the LPN training program will depend upon the school. There are no accelerated programs for LPNs. If you want to become a licensed practical nurse, you have to take the regular LPN course.
Some nursing schools offer LPN programs with classes during the evenings or weekends. This is an ideal schedule for working moms and those who have full time jobs during the day. The flexibility of LPN programs is a great benefit many individuals enjoy when studying to become licensed practical nurses. You may choose any LPN program length and still get the same amount of modules and courses.
LPN Program Cost
LPN programs have tuition fees as low as $7,000 to as much as $20,000. Bigger states tend to have higher LPN program cost than smaller states. The cost of the LPN may include all the supplies that you will need for the duration of your LPN training.
If you want to save money on the cost of an LPN training program, you can check out the local community college in your area. Community colleges and vocational schools have lower fees compared to private schools. You can enjoy a lower tuition fee rate if you enrol in your local community college. They usually give a discount to residents.
LPN to RN Programs
If you are already working as a licensed practical nurse and you want to become a registered nurse, LPN to RN programs can help you bridge the gap between educational training and requirements. Students of LPN to RN programs will gain a deeper understanding of nursing science, theory, patient care protocols and nursing pharmacology.
Before proceeding to take LPN to RN programs, students are also required to meet the general education requirements such as courses in mathematics, communication and sociology. Many nursing schools offer licensed practical nurses the chance to meet these requirements with bridge programs. The LPN to RN programs will combine the earned credits and experience with new course requirements to become a registered nurse. LPNs who want to obtain their license as RNs will only need to complete at least a year of training before they can take the licensure examination for registered nurses.
LPN to BSN Programs
Working as a licensed practical nurse can prepare you for nursing career in the future. If you are already a practicing licensed practical nurse, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your skills and nursing knowledge. You have opened yourself to the wider opportunities of a career as an RN. All LPN to BSN programs has the same core curriculum as the regular BSN program. LPN to BSN programs will give you credit for the courses you have already completed in an LPN program.
LPN to BSN programs require students to have a high school diploma and a certificate of employment for working as an LPN. Some schools may require aspiring students to show their nursing associate degree. LPN to BSN programs can be completed in 4 years.
Online LPN Programs
Online LPN programs are available for students who want to become LPNs but cannot attend traditional LPN programs. Parents and individuals with full-time jobs may want to take advantage of the convenience of enrolling in online LPN programs. Students of these programs will only need to have access to the Internet. Course lectures and assignments can be accessed through an online system provided by the school of your choice. Many schools around the country also offer online LPN programs.
If your schedule does not allow you to study and train as an LPN in a traditional school setting, an online LPN program is the answer to your needs. You can choose the time of the day that you will be studying. You can also take more time with course lectures since there is no general time limit. Online LPN programs allow you to save money since they cost less than traditional LPN programs. You don’t have to pay for gas or transportation to attend classes in a physical location.
Becoming a licensed practical nurse will give you the experience and training that you need to proceed to an RN program and take advantage of career opportunities open to registered nurses.
Top 7 Schools Offering LPN Programs in Los Angeles
Nursing profession is one of the most in demand professions you can enter in. But before you think about the gain of being a nurse, you first have to learn about the top LPN Nursing Schools.
California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)
5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, California 90032CBD College
5724 West 3rd Street, Third Floor, Los Angeles, California 90036Community Based Education Development (CBD)
5724 W. Third Street # 314, Los Angeles, California 90036Marian Health Careers Center
3325 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1010, Los Angeles, California 90010Mount St Mary's College (MSMC)
12001 Chalon Rd, Los Angeles, California 90049University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, California 90095Walter Jay MD Institute An Educational Center
1930 Wilshire Blvd Ste 700, Los Angeles, California 90057
