Comparing Online vs. Traditional LPN Schools

The need for LPNs is rapidly increasing with demand expected to grow 22 percent by 2020. With this in mind, there are countless LPN schools offering licensed and degree programs. Accredited programs are offered locally as well as online and comparing the differences will enhance a participants experience and success.

Campus Learning:

It takes about a year to complete courses offered at accredited LPN schools whether or not the work is done on campus or online. The benefit for students in a campus setting is that they are constantly in a clinical environment and have easier access to hands-on training because the schools are associated with hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

A traditional college encourages an open exchange of ideas and social interaction between students and instructors. They are better able to forge relationships with other students and instructors as well as other influential people who can assist them with furthering their career. Classes are scheduled so students need to be able to commit to being present at the required times and learning is not as dependent on technology as online courses are.

Online courses:

Virtual learning is flexible and convenient and it enables the student to incorporate learning into their life versus changing their life to accommodate schooling. Online students have the same curriculum and exams as on-campus students but much of their coursework and textbooks are available online, eliminating the need to carry around heavy textbooks.

Social interactions and communication with instructors and other students is done via email, instant messaging, video chats and video conferences. Online instructors are better able to forge one-on-one time which allows both student and instructor to get to know each other. Online students have to arrange their own practical training unless the program is through a campus school.

Comparing the program options and learning styles of both traditional and online LPN schools will give prospective students insight into method will fit into their current needs and lifestyle.

What to Look for in LPN Programs?

Qualified nurses are in high demand and that is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. LPNs are needed at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and in home healthcare. If you are considering a career as a nurse look carefully at the LPN programs available.

There are a few things prospective students should look for when choosing a nursing program. LPN programs are offered at technical and vocational schools, community colleges, hospitals, and even some high schools. The program should be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and should have a good reputation.

Check the institutions reputation and NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) examination pass percentages. A certification should take at least a year and sometimes two depending on the school and location. Take into consideration the location, prerequisites, the availability of financial aid, class schedules, flexibility, and job placement.

Your education should include a combination of classroom and hands-on training, including intern/externships. If your long term career goals include a specialty, make sure the curriculum available can accommodate that.

The educational program should have a comprehensive list of courses that will prepare a nursing student to acquire certification and pass the NCLEX-PN. Courses such as fundamentals of nursing, basic health care, biology and nutrition should be included along with a number of other practical nursing courses.

Some LPN programs advise prospective students not to take on a full-time job while enrolled but for those who feel that is not an option, there are online LPN schools and programs that offer night and weekend classes.

It is important that the instructors are either currently in the field or have been registered nurses. These type of instructors can enlighten students about the expectations of a qualified healthcare professional. A good institution will arm their students with the knowledge to acquire certification and pass the NCLEX-PN to become a licensed registered nurse.

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What is Taught in LPN Courses?

While most students believe that they have a firm grasp of what will be covered in their LPN classes, it is still often useful to take a quick peek ahead as part of their preparation. 

In order to adequately prepare their graduates for the wide range of responsibilities incorporated into the LPN job description, practical nursing courses cover a vast range of topics. 

In the following article, we'll take a look at a few of the primary ones.

What is Taught in LPN Courses?

Health Care Fundamentals and Science

Most LPN programs are split into two distinctly different sections - theory and clinical study. 

The theory portion of the program is usually devoted to covering fundamentals of health care and the basic sciences.

 Material covered generally consists of human anatomy, biology, physiology and even areas of specific medical interest such as pediatrics. 

Additional time is also dedicated to the study of patient care theory, including psychology and other care-giving fundamentals.

Clinical Lab Work

Perhaps the most-important part of any practical nursing program is the section that requires students to perform lab work in a clinical setting.

 In addition to learning hands-on skills like how to take a patient's blood pressure and how to safely move an immobilized person from a bed to a gurney, future LPNs are also put into situations that require quick decision making.

Skills and aptitudes acquired during the lab phase of your LPN training will be tested and graded on the NCLEX-PN as part of the clinical half of the exam. 

It is vital that students master this portion of the material presented to them if they are to not only become licensed, but also perform well in their jobs.

Externship Programs

Many hospitals and clinics work side-by-side with nursing schools in their areas to provide externship programs to students. 

The value of such programs is immeasurable as current nursing students are given the opportunity to observe current nursing professionals during their shifts.

 This provides them with the chance to see the skills and theory they are learning put to use, and even allows for a bit of networking with prospective future employers. 

Things to Look for in LPN Schools

Finding the right LPN school is important for a wide variety of reasons. Not only will your choice in programs determine how much time and money you spend while earning your license, but it can also have a tremendous impact on how long it takes you to find your first practical nursing job. Below you will find several things you should look for when deciding which LPN program to attend.

Things to Look for in LPN Schools

Which Type of Program?

Typically, LPN programs consist of either certification courses or degree programs. While it is sometimes possible to complete a certification program in as little as a year, you should expect to spend a minimum of two years completing either an associates degree or bachelors degree program. Before you even start looking into schools, you should decide which type of credential you want to acquire and then find a school that offers it.

NLNAC Accreditation

While there are varying opinions about some of the things that go into choosing the right LPN school, there is unaminous agreement that one of them is accreditation. The NLNAC is the accrediting body for all practical nursing programs in the United States and, in order for a school's graduates to be eligible to immediately take the NCLEX-PN exam, it must be accredited through this organization. With that being the case, NLNAC accreditation is the very first thing you should look for when evaluating schools.

Clinical Study Programs

Regardless of which type of degree you decided to pursue, eventually becoming a licensed practical nurse will require you to complete a certain number of hours in clinical training. Most LPN programs include these hours in their curriculum, and have standing arrangements with local clinics and hospitals who can assist in the process. There are some exceptions, however, so always be sure to find out about this important issue before committing to a program.

More About Researching LPN Schools

Just like students pursuing any type of education, it is important to put in some research work up front to make sure that you choose the right nursing school. With so many different programs currently being offered, it is vital that you know how to differentiate between them. Becoming an LPN is a process, and ensuring that you are going about this process in the right way is crucial.

Why You Should Consider Becoming an LPN Nurse

If you're weighing the pros and cons of becoming an LPN nurse, the following article will hopefully provide you with some food for thought. 

Aside from the excitement of working side-by-side with other health care professionals, a licensed practical nurse enjoys many additional benefits - each of which serves as an additional reason to consider a career in this profession. 

This article touches on five of the most popular motivations that people have for pursing jobs in the practical nursing field.

Most-Popular Reasons to Consider Becoming an LPN

Steady Employment

The record demand for nursing professionals in today's health care industry makes LPN jobs virtually recession-proof.

While other industries look to reduce their staffing and get by with fewer employees, the nursing field is currently understaffed and looking to add new positions.

Career Growth

Many individuals use the LPN position as a gateway to bigger and better things in the medical field.

Practical nurses work closely with so many professionals from other fields that they naturally develop wide networks of colleagues and become familiar with the basics of other career paths.

Transitioning to other nursing positions is particularly easy thanks to bridge programs (LPN to RN is the most popular) that allow the LPN to move into another position through a series of evening classes.

Good Pay

Compared to the other jobs one can find without a four-year, college degree, practical nursing is very close to the top of the pay scale.

 The middle 50% of LPNs earned between $33k and $47k last year according to the United States Board of Labor Statistics, and the number was even higher for those who earned certifications in specialized fields.

Helping Others

Making a positive difference in the lives of others is often seen as one of the greatest rewards of working in health care.

With that being the case, there are few positions in the medical industry that involve more time spent interacting directly with patients than licensed practical nursing.

The satisfaction one receives from seeing the fruits of their labors on a daily basis can be a strong inducement to pursue a career in this field.

Expanding Your Skillset

Between the training they receive in school and the wide variety of skills they acquire on a daily basis, practical nurses become highly versatile.

This is important not only in the workplace, where an LPN is able to quickly fill-in for other professionals when required to do so, but in their everyday lives as well.

 Indeed, the skillset that an LPN builds can be used in a whole range of situations.

Are You Ready to Become an LPN Nurse?

So, there you have five good reasons to consider becoming an LPN.

There are certainly many others but, regardless of which motivations you have personal, you can rest assured that choosing to work in practical nursing will benefit you both professionally and personally in many different ways.

Should You Consider an LPN to BSN Program?

 If you're currently working as an LPN, you've probably considered becoming a registered nurse or some other higher-level professional at some point. 

Thanks to LPN to BSN programs, bridging this gap is actually relatively easy. By completing an accredited bridge program, you can earn higher wages and move into positions more to your liking in as little as two years.

Motivations for Earning Your BSN Degree

 The motivations for earning a degree will obviously vary quite a bit from person to person but, generally speaking, the primary reasons to consider going back to school and earning a BSN degree are pay and career advancement. Where your career is concerned, the typical LPN can go from performing support roles to other nurses in working as a manager who oversees the entire nursing staff once he or she has earned a BSN. Being qualified to fill these types of positions puts a person's skill at a premium, with employers from a wide range of health care facilities competing for their services.

Where pay is concerned, whether you work as a registered nurse or pursue a position that requires a BSN, your degree will often translate into a significant increase in pay. The national average salary for BSNs is nearly 30% higher than that of nurse's without this level of education, and the ceiling for pay is also quite a bit higher as a result.

LPN To BSN Program Basics

 In general, LPN to BSN programs is condensed, intense courses that allow students to complete the equivalent of a four-year degree in roughly four semesters (two years). As with all LPN bridge programs, the course is designed for those who have already been working as licensed practical nurses and already possess a strong foundation in basic health care theory and nursing practices.

To be eligible to enroll in an LPN to BSN program, students must usually possess a minimum of six months experience as an LPN, a high school degree or GED, a valid LPN license, and good test scores or grades in previous nursing-related courses. It is important that you review your ability to meet these prerequisites as early as possible if you intend to eventually enroll in a bridge program.

Online LPN to BSN Programs

 Because the overwhelming majority of students who enroll in bridge programs are currently working as licensed practical nurses, online LPN to BSN programs are the favored option for most students. By employing distance learning to complete their BSN degree, students are able to continue working and devoting time to their other responsibilities (family, etc.) while completing their studies. Online courses are primarily classroom-based (very few incorporate lab hours), so this approach is considered ideal for most aspiring BSNs.

What You'll Learn In LPN Class

Before making the decision to enroll in LPN classes, it may be of interest to learn exactly what they hold in store for you. 

Licensed practical nursing requires a wide range of skills and familiarity with a vast scope of scientific theory, and the typical LPN program will devote class hours to all of it. 

Everything from basic anatomy and physiology to first aid is covered by accredited courses, so you can expect to be challenged from a variety of angles. This article provides a basic overview of the exact material covered by most programs.

Are Your LPN Classes Accredited?

 It is worth mentioning that, well in advance of attending your first practical nursing class, you should first make certain that your LPN program is fully accredited by the proper bodies. At a bare minimum, you should expect your school to be accredited by the NLNAC and your local state nursing body. The standards set forth by these two bodies provide guidelines for subject matter and hours devoted to specific areas.

What Do LPN Classes Cover?

 The primary goals of LPN classes are to prepare students for the demands of working as practical nurses and provide them with a solid foundation in the subject matter that will appear on the NCLEX-PN (the standardized exam one must pass in order to earn his or her practical nursing license). This means that, on top of hours devoted to physiology, nutrition, first aid and anatomy, you should also expect to spend a considerable amount of time practicing your skills with live patients.

Generally referred to as "lab hours", these hands-on training sessions often take place at a clinic or hospital, and require LPN students to demonstrate technical skills required by the job to a supervisor or instructor.

Other Ways to Prepare For the LPN Exam

 Aside from the lab instruction and class hours you'll acquire through your standard LPN training program (see online-lpnprograms.net for a full listing of accredited programs), preparing to take the NCLEX-PN licensure test will also require you to visit your local testing center. These facilities not only administer the actual exam, but also provide valuable study guides that can help you simulate the test environment, and practice with real sample questions from previous exams.

Where To Look For LPN Jobs

Assuming that you've finished your practical nursing training, you'll undoubtedly be anxious to begin looking for an LPN job.

And, given the record demand for new nurses in the booming health care industry, your timing simply couldn't be better. 

While other job seekers are facing a depressed employment market around the country, the medical field is actually suffering from personnel shortages. 

By incorporating a few of the tips listed below, you should be able to find a rewarding position as a licensed practical nurse in no time at all!

 

 

Take Advantage Of Connections You've Made

Over the course of the LPN program you attended, you probably built-up a mini network of future co-workers and, quite possibly, employers.

 While putting in study hours at your local clinic or hospital, you may have met staff members and managers who you can now get in touch with to request guidance in your job search.

 This assistance could come in the form of letting you know about open positions for which you may be qualified, and maybe even providing you with recommendations.

Using Employment Services At Your LPN School

A good number of practical nursing programs assist their current students and graduates with finding jobs. 

These programs can be a huge help if you're just starting out, so don't forget to take advantage of them if your school offers one.

Check The Classifieds

It may sound a little old-fashioned to some, but the help wanted section of your local newspaper and online job boards is still an effective way to find work. 

As a matter of fact, a good number of employers still rely on these resources quite heavily, so this may be the first place you hear about an opening in your area.

Volunteering Sometimes Pays Too

Although your primary goal is to find a paying job, you can sometimes get your foot in the door for a paying gig by doing volunteer work at a hospital or clinic. 

These facilities traditionally employ a good number of LPNs, so volunteering will give you access and visibility to the staff.

 If you play your cards right, this could very well lead to an invitation to join the staff full-time.

More Advice On Finding An LPN Job

In addition to the aforementioned advice on how to hunt for a job, there are also a few things you should remember when talking with prospective employers. 

Not only is it important to have a current, professionally-written resume available to present, but you should also take the time to write a cover letter that explains why you're the right candidate for the job. 

Be sure to make mention of any experience you have in the field (internships, etc.) and stress how it applies to the position you're applying for.

You should also be sure that you handle your job interview in the most-professional manner possible. 

Ensure that you are punctual, polite and well-dressed for the occasion.

 It's also recommended that you ask questions and show that you've done some research on the facility ahead of time. 

Showing that you've taken the time to learn about the position shows that you want more than just an LPN job - you want this specific job!

A Day At Work With An LPN

There are few other positions in the health care industry as versatile as the LPN, or Licensed Practical Nurse. Their ability to smoothly transition from one role to another while supporting doctors, Registered Nurses, therapists and a number of other technicians makes them invaluable. Versatility is only one of the key characteristics of a successful LPN, however.

Because they interact more with their patients throughout the day than anyone else, it is also critical that a practical nurse have great attention to detail, superior social skills, and a terrific sense of priorities and organization. It is direct focus on the patient that makes LPNs so valuable to every facility that employs them, as well as the source of so much of their job satisfaction.

What Do LPNs Do?

If the position of LPN sounds interesting to you at this point, you should probably take advantage of this opportunity to find out more about what they do on a daily basis. After all, what better way is there to get an accurate LPN job description than by hearing exactly what their typical workday is like.

At The Start Of The Start

The first thing that an LPN must do before he or she can begin their shift is to meet with the nurse previously on duty to discuss that day's patients. The nurses will go over patient statuses, issues that may require attention, and treatment priorities in order to ensure that the shift goes smoothly.

Going Out And Making The Rounds

Once the practical nurse is up to speed on patient needs, he or she will go around and visit each of them to let them know who the new nurse on duty is. This process is called "making the rounds", and is important to establish trust and communication between the nurse and those she or he will be caring for. During these rounds, the LPN will also check for any changes in patient moods or condition.

Normal Daily Responsibilities

The majority of the LPN's shift is spent performing support functions for their colleagues and providing direct care to the patients. A typical day will include changing patients' clothes and bedding, bathing them if necessary, providing meals, monitoring vital signs or simply keeping an eye out for changes in behavior.

Further Duties

Of course, if an LPN has been certified as a specialist in a particular area, he or she can expect to spend time performing duties related to that field during a shift. These may include caring for wounds or collecting samples for the lab.

Finishing Off A Shift

The end of a shift usually mirrors the beginning. The LPN meets with the next nurse on duty to bring him or her up to speed with priorities and patient statuses. Any notes or other documentation relevant to that shift's responsibilities are handed over at this time as well.

The Importance Of The LPN Position

The biggest reason why health care professionals place such a high value on LPNs is because practical nurses are the primary link between patients and doctors. The practical nurse is closer to the patient than anyone else on the medical staff, and is more in-tune with their status. This requires the LPN to be particularly adept socially, be good communicators, and to be extremely perceptive. The combination of these factors makes practical nurses indispensable, and usually gives them a relatively high level of job satisfaction.

What Is Including In Online Training For LPNs?

The instruction provided by an online LPN training program provides a number of significant advantages over the conventional on-campus programs that most students are familiar with. 

From the elimination of distance and time barriers to the ability to customize courses to a person's unique learning style, the marriage of distance learning courses and practical nursing training makes it possible for many people who would otherwise be unable to pursue a career in health care to enter the nursing profession in a convenient, relatively-inexpensive manner.

The Focus Of LPN Online Training Courses

The primary focus of most online training courses for practical nurses is the fundamental material that one must be familiar with in order to pass the NCLEX-PN examination. Of course, given that the coursework is entirely web-based, the material is presented from an academic theory perspective. This is noteworthy because, in traditional LPN classes, some of this information may be covered through hands-on lab work or other types of interactive training.

Benefits Of Receiving Your LPN Training Online

The overwhelming majority of online LPN programs place the scheduling, pace and, in some cases, format of classes in the hands of the student. Pupils can log-in at their leisure to watch video presentations, use online study resources, or do anything else required by the instructor. This flexibility and empowerment is not only convenient for students, but may also help certain types of learners to master the material more quickly. Being allowed to study at the time and place when a person is in the right mind frame for learning has been proven to assist many people in understanding and retention.

Do Online Classes Leave Out Anything?

Because most online nursing classes are offered by the exact same facilities that also provide traditional training, their curricular are usually identical. As a matter of fact, the exact same professors who teach the on-campus courses often handle their online counterparts as well.

While it is true that the hands-on training included in standard programs must be handled through other means in the case of online classes, the institution still facilitates this for distance learning students in most cases. Simply put, this means that there really isn't any part of a traditional practical nursing program that is omitted from a online LPN training.

Reasons To Become An LPN Online

The choice of whether to pursue online training or enroll in traditional on-site classes is an important one for prospective LPNs. 

Although either approach will present students with the same basic material, there are significant differences in the manner in which it is presented. 

This does not mean, however, that studying to become an LPN online in some way short-changes the pupil. In fact, many individuals feel that the opposite is true.

Advantages Of Online LPN Training

The following are generally considered to be the primary advantages to getting your practical nursing education through an online school.

Adjustable Schedule

Online learning affords students the luxury of attending class at the time and place of their choosing. Because they are able to study when they are ready, and from a comfortable location, this has been shown to support quicker learning and better comprehension of course materials in may students.

Balance Of Priorities

Because you, the student, is the one who determines when you will study in online courses, you are much better able to balance your education with the other aspects of your life. This makes these types of classes particularly attractive to those who work swing shifts, have young children, or who are involved in other activities that eat up a lot of their time.

You Set The Pace

A common challenge for instructors in classroom settings is that students learn at different speeds. If you're the type of person who feels either slowed down by others, or who feels intimidated by the pace at which most classes move, online classes alleviate this problem by letting you determine the speed at which material is covered.

Saving Money

Of course, one of the greatest benefits of going to school online is the fact that it usually saves you quite a bit of money. Online students are able to eliminate the cost of travel (gasoline, parking, etc.) as well as the need for meals and other expenses associated with spending time away from home.

What Are The Drawbacks To Online LPN Programs?

There are certainly many advantages to attending LPN classes online but, in all fairness, there are some drawbacks as well. Some students simply learn better when they are in a physical classroom where they can see and hear the instructor. There also tends to be more opportunity for hands-on learning in traditional settings than one would experience online. If you feel that this factors are important to you, then you may want to consider looking into a traditional LPN program instead of an online course.

The Quickest Path From LPN to RN

Many practical nurses aspire to one day become RNs, and LPN to RN online programs make this transition possible in as little as six months. 

Higher wages, better upward mobility in the workplace, and greater opportunity for work in other areas all combine to make the registered nurse position an attractive one for many entry-level health care practitioners. 

In the following post, we'll take a look at several of the key benefits to using online LPN programs as your vehicle for making the transition.

Reasons to Consider Online LPN to RN Bridge Programs

Less Time Required

Without a doubt, one of the primary attractions of taking an LPN to RN program online is that it provides students with a great deal of flexibility in scheduling. Like all types of distance learning classes, this attribute makes these courses a perfect fit for parents of young children, those who are trying to juggle work and school, or anyone else who has a number of other commitments apart from their education.

Another great feature is that online classes are structured to allow the student to dictate the pace of his or her learning. For those who either feel that classes move too fast, or too slow, the freedom to move through the coursework at their own ideal speed is an enormous benefit.

For those who think that online LPN classes omit material or otherwise short-changes their students, it should come as a pleasant surprise to learn that today's distance learning students receive access to all of the same materials and learning aids that their on-campus counterparts enjoy. This generally includes access to teachers as well - albeit communication takes place via email in most classes.

Save Money

In addition to saving students money on travel, food and the other expenses associated with going to and from a physical campus, online LPN to RN bridge programs also feature lower tuitions, book costs, etc. than traditional classes. This eliminates the greatest barrier to pursuing higher education - cost - for a great many students.

It is also worth pointing out that students who go through accelerated nursing programs online will save money over the long run as well by starting their careers sooner. In terms of lifetime earnings, this can make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars.

Fewer Course Requirements

Because students of bridge programs will have already worked as licensed practical nurses, they will find that many of the course requirements can be satisfied by showing proof of relevant work experience. By eliminating hours upon hours of lab work, students are able to achieve a better work-school balance and become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN much more quickly.

The Long-Term Benefit of LPN to RN Online Programs

It goes without saying that the greatest reason to enroll in an LPN to RN program online is that transitioning into the RN position provides a multitude of immeasurable benefits. Let's face it, most LPNs want to eventually become registered nurses. With that being the case, LPN to RN online programs offer the fastest, most cost-effective way of reaching this goal.

Licensed Practical Nursing Defined

 An LPN's job description may be slightly different from one health care facility to the next. Nonetheless, there are quite a few common threads that can be found - especially where patient care is concerned. 

As a matter of fact, regardless of whether the LPN is employed at a clinic, senior care center or general hospital, the physician's and RNs who supervise them will likely assign very similar duties.

The Basic Duties Of An LPN

Putting aside those tasks assigned to practical nurses who have earned a specialized certificate, the list of duties performed by most LPNs is primarily populated with daily patient care assignments. These usually include: collecting patient information, monitoring vital signs, providing assistance with hygiene and meals and assisting other members of the medical team with patient rehabilitation and education.

When one considers the fact that the LPN spends more time in direct contact with the patient than any other health care staff member, it is not surprising that they are also counted on by physicians and other nurses for things like updates on patient well-being, moods, etc. This vital, but sometimes forgotten, aspect of the practical nurse's job is dependent upon the LPN forming good relationships with his or her patients.

The Responsibilities Of Specialized Practical Nurses

Because of an increased need for specialization throughout the health care community, many LPN programs (even some online classes) have begun offering specialized certificate programs. Students who earn these certifications go on to fill very specific roles that ordinary LPNs would be ineligible for. Perhaps the most common of these specialized practical nursing certifications is for home care.

Working as a home care specialist, LPNs usually work with seniors in either assisted care communities or private homes. Their typical day consists of developing and implementing treatment and personal care plans for their patients, assisting with meal preparation, bathing, cleaning of living quarters, and even planning entertainment and other activities.

Physical Demands Of The LPN Job

Across almost all types of workplaces, the LPN will be asked to perform some duties that can be physically demanding. These often include: moving patients from gurneys to beds and vice versa, assisting with walking and, as previously mentioned, helping with changing clothes and bathing. It is also quite common for LPNs to spend the entirety of their shifts on their feet, which can be tiring in of itself.

Why The LPN Job Description Is Appealing

The opportunity to work closely with patients and play a significant role in their recovery appeals to a great many people. Because of this, the level of job satisfaction enjoyed by the typical LPN is generally quite high. If you are the type of person who likes to help others, and likes to see immediate results from your efforts, working as a practical nurse may be your dream job.

How Do I Become An LPN?

To land an entry-level position with good pay in the health care industry, you may want to consider becoming an LPN. 

Training for this popular position is available through a variety of institutions, ranging from online LPN programs to traditional nursing schools, and upon completing the required training, you will be well prepared for a successful, rewarding career in nursing.

Steps To Becoming A Practical Nurse

The process involved in learning how to become an LPN can really be broken down into four simple steps. This article gives a brief overview of these steps, and provides some basic advice on how to get started.

Sign Up For An Accredited Program

Obviously, the very first thing you'll need to do is begin the required schooling that all licensed practical nurses are expected to complete. Courses are offered at a number of vocational schools, public junior colleges and other institutions, and most offer equivalent levels of training. You will want to make sure, however, that the program you choose is fully accredited by your state's appropriate governing body.

Getting accepted into these programs generally requires the applicant to hold either a high school diploma or its equivalent. In some cases, there may also be requirements for standardized test scores or other supporting materials (particularly in the case of programs that are impacted).

Take And Pass The Licensing Exam

Once a student has successfully completed his or her training at an accredited LPN program, they should be ready to sit for the licensing test. The test, called the NCLEX-PN, is a standardized, multiple-choice examination that screens potential LPNs for their knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and a multitude of health care procedures and medical processes. The exam is given at a designated testing center, is timed, and monitored to ensure that none of the test takers use outside reference materials.

Those who register a passing score on the exam become licensed as practical nurses and eligible for employment at any number of different health care facilities.

Try To Get Hands-On Training

Although students will be required to complete a number of laboratory hours as part of their LPNtraining, it is extremely helpful to also bolster this training by serving as an intern at a local clinic or hospital. This experience will prove invaluable to both your education, and your ability to find a job upon graduation.

Getting Hired As An LPN

Of course, the last step in this whole process will be to get hired as a licensed practical nurse. Fortunately, if you've completed all of the other steps listed above, this shouldn't require too much effort. Your job hunt will additionally be aided by the fact that the national need for LPNs is skyrocketing due to the boom in the health care industry. Not a bad set of circumstances to find yourself in after only two years of study.

What Is An X-Ray Tech?

Despite the profession's rising popularity as an occupational preference, many people still wonder, "what exactly is a x-ray technician?"

Basically, an x-ray tech is a specialized member of the health care area who is an expert in utilizing x-ray equipment.

By using these high-tech tools, they are able to help physicians detect a range of health problems that might appear in the human body. 

How to Become an X-Ray Tech 

The route to learning to be a professional x-ray technician requires the individual to be schooled and competent in numerous technical tasks and procedures. Gaining certification through an recognized x-ray tech school (check out this list of accredited programs http://xraytechnicianschoolsincalifornia.org/) requires one to commit from one to four years of time. 

The degree of study that should eventually be required to become a tech is dependent upon whether the student wants an advanced degree or a standard certification. There is, as you might guess, a primary link between the amount of money and prospects for advancement you ultimately find in work, and the amount of training completed. 

Just What Does an X-Ray Tech Do?

• In most businesses, an x-ray tech is responsible for these things: 
• Taking care of patients through the x-ray procedure 
• Checking x-rays for serious concerns before the patient meets the doctor 
• Knowledge and competence with x-ray machines 
• Collecting, saving and indexing of all doctors remarks and x-rays 
• Standard repairs and maintenance and repair of x-ray gear to assure its usefulness and adherence to regulations 
• For many kinds of health care organizations, the tech's function will likely feature a number of further tasks vital to daily operations.  

Where you should Look For X-Ray Technician Jobs

A variety of types of medical centers employ x-ray techs, so you will have a range of options once you begin your job hunt. It needs to be pointed out, though, that the daily duties of the technician may be markedly different at different varieties of locations. Understanding these minor distinctions before you decide to take a position is important, because it will help you get the best possible job for you. 

Exactly What Is A X-Ray Tech? - The Big Picture

So, there you've got a general answer to the original question of "what exactly is an x-ray technician?" While these professionals will invariably handle taking patients' x-rays, managing the equipment, etc. in addition, they fulfill a great many other functions in many medical care centers. All of the exceptions aside, x-ray technicians can routinely expect to earn a good salary and find lots of opportunities.