How Long Does It Take To Become an LPN

It is beneficial to research the path before beginning the journey. LPN, i.e, Licensed practical nursing program is a certificate or diploma program that takes about 12 to 14 months or says 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on the program structure and type of enrollment (part-time or full-time). LPN programs generally require 46 credits of nursing coursework and up to 72 credits of coursework for those who need to complete general education requirements before becoming eligible for graduation.

Licensed practical nurses work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician, providing basic care to patients like helping patients stand, walk, or move in bed. Most LPNs work full time and often take shifts longer than eight hours, including on nights, holidays, and weekends. This constant contact with injured and sick individuals can take an emotional toll.

Essential requirements for the LPN Diploma

Skill Demanded for the Job

Before deciding whether to opt for the LPN degree or not, you must be aware of the right skills required for the job. With modern times, the requirements for the LPN also have changed. It now requires skill sets that are taught in schools and also is developed in individuals with time.

Here are some qualities that an LPN candidate must possess:

• Social Skill

• Physical Endurance

• Communication Skills

• Empathy & Compassion

• Patience & Endurance

The Accurate Education Program

Basic requirements for admission to an LPN program include a high school diploma or GED and possibly nursing assistant certification and the completion of certain classes. Some programs don't require prerequisite college-level classes for admission and include the basic science classes in their curriculum. You might also need to take a college placement test, such as the ACT or SAT, for entrance consideration. As stated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Licensed Practical Nurses need to complete an approved educational system so as to be eligible for an LPN job. Such a program must have a thorough plan, combining classroom learning in subjects like biology and pharmacology using hands-on, clinical lab i.e. practical experience.

A Practical Nursing License

After completion of the LPN program, students will be awarded a certificate for appearing in the National Council License Examination (NCLEX-PN). Wherever you reside, the NCLEX-PN competency exam is a core LPN requirement so as to work in the area. You cannot get a license and become an LPN if you don’t clear this examination.

Top 8 LPN Schools

• AVTEC – Alaska’s Institute of Technology

• Antelope Valley College

• Helena College University of Montana

• Coahoma Community College

• Eastern Center for Arts and Technology

• River Valley Community College

• Bridgerland Applied Technology Center

• Centura College

As a potential nurse, your initial step towards a career will probably be choosing the perfect educational program for your objective. For many LPNs, a diploma or certificate program is the favored path to the workforce, since this type of program provides a quality education at a quicker pace. But some students may also pursue an associate degree, in case they’ve long term goals of being a Registered Nurse (RN).

Due to increasing demand, most of the universities and colleges today are offering LPN to RN programs both online and traditional classes.

The online courses are easy to access and offer students lots of flexibility. Once students apply for the online courses, they are given all the relevant resources that they require to undertake the course. The student then has the freedom to choose when and where to study, giving them enough time to concentrate on other family and work-related obligations.

Traditional courses are only offered in the physical places such as classes and study halls. Accessibility is limited as schools admit only a limited number of students once or twice a year. Students in traditional courses however enjoy a structured atmosphere that involves accessibility to on-site courses and face to face interaction with instructors.

Conclusion

Becoming an LPN does not take years in the classroom. It takes approximately 1 to 2 years with an accumulation of 36 to 40 credit hours of coursework to become an LPN.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs are also suitable for students planning to keep a full-time or part-time job and at the same time enroll themselves in the practical nursing program to accomplish their educational goals.