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.

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!

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.