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.

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!