Everyone in the United States has the same goals for their life. Among these are a family, a home, and steady employment. Some career fields’ ebb and flow over time, but one career field that is going to be red hot for years to come is healthcare. The nation’s healthcare system has been stretched to the limit by the aging Baby Boomer generation. As these citizens age, their sheer numbers are exposing gaps in employment in healthcare. Nurses are the most in demand individuals in the healthcare field, and the quickest path into nursing is to train as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). But how does one become an LPN?
Becoming an LPN is not easy by any means, but the path to a career as an LPN is one of the fastest training programs available in healthcare. The following are the basic details on how to become an LPN:
- Programs can take as little as seven months, or as long as 2 years
- Offered in a variety of settings including vocational/technical schools and community colleges
- Award degrees ranging from diplomas and certificates to associate’s degrees
Those wondering how to become an LPN need to begin their search with their state’s Board of Nursing. Each state has a list of the nursing programs in their area that have been accredited nationally, meaning their curriculum has been approved by a board of professionals in the industry. When considering programs to attend, individuals should ensure their final choice has the approval of one of the following two accreditation boards:
- National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The next step in learning how to become an LPN is to compare the approved schools you are considering to find the one whose curriculum and program meets your needs now and in the future. High schools, hospital programs, and vocational/technical schools tend to offer diploma and certificate programs for future LPNs. These programs are often the quickest and can be completed in just seven months to one year. However, these programs often require individuals to pursue continuing education throughout their career in order to advance.
Community college programs on the other hand offer a more well-rounded education by bestowing associate’s degrees upon graduates. These degree programs can take as long as two years to complete, making students face a longer wait before entering the LPN career field. However, individuals will be more well prepared for a successful career off the bat and can more easily advance their education later on to become Registered Nurses (RN) and Advanced Practice Nurses (APN).
A good way to narrow down the program and school that are right for you is to objectively question the offerings of each school you are considering. Asking the following questions of the programs you are considering should help narrow down your choices:
- Does the school offer work placement assistance?
- Does the school prepare you to take the nursing licensure exam?
- Is there a type of LPN nurse specialty the school specializes in?
- Will your course hours be documented?
After the successful completion of an LPN program, whether it is a diploma, certificate, or associate’s program, the final step in becoming an LPN is to pass the licensure exam. In order for individuals to actually be hired as an LPN they must pass the national licensure exam which tests their knowledge of nursing skills. The computer based exam is known as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) and is administered in each state by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Learning the tools of the nursing trade is a great way to break into a robust career field. LPNs work in a variety of settings across the country and in addition to projected job growth of 21% by 2018; nurses are also paid very well on average. The average LPN earns $39,030 annually.