Most people have no doubt heard the phrase “the almighty dollar.” The phrase is generally used to refer to the importance or necessity of having money. After all, it is hard to achieve much in life without finances to support our endeavor. From the moment we collect our first paycheck, we can’t quite get over that feeling of having money to pay for the things we enjoy. Unfortunately it is not always easy for people to find a financially rewarding career that they are qualified for. There are career fields however that not only have high demand, but also pay well. The nursing career field is a great example of this and the fastest track to a career as a nurse is to complete an educational program at an LPN school.
LPN schools prepare individuals for a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). In two U.S. states, California and Texas, this position is often referred to as a licensed vocational nurse instead, but the workplace expectations are the same nonetheless. LPN schools exist in a variety of incarnations with a wide range of educational options available to students looking to become nurses.
Examples of LPN schools in the U.S. include the following:
- Nursing schools
- Vocational schools
- Technical schools
- Trade schools
- Community colleges
The type of degrees offered at these LPN schools can vary from institution to institution. These degrees can take as little as seven months to complete in some cases, and as long as two years in other cases. Diploma or certificate LPN programs are generally offered by nursing, vocational, and technical schools. Community colleges on the other hand offer two year programs that award students with an associate’s degree upon graduation. Students can choose from some of the following degrees at various LPN schools:
- LPN certificate
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to LPN degree
- Associate of Science in Nursing
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
The content of the degree program will vary based upon the degree and LPN school an individual attends, but most schools will split their program into two components that include classroom based coursework followed by a clinical practice rotation.
During the classroom portion of the program, LPN schools offer students an education that combines basic nursing skills and other important career training such as computer education. Most programs offer students the following classes:
- Anatomy
- Psychology
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
The clinical practice component offered by LPN schools is often completed offsite at a hospital, clinic, or other medical facility. Here students are provided with an opportunity to see the skills they’ve learned used in everyday scenarios by certified nurses.
Those individuals who have completed a degree at a state approved LPN school will then have to complete the licensure exam in order to find employment as an LPN. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a computer base exam to test the knowledge acquired by students at LPN schools. Those who pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) will be qualified to work as an LPN.
Finally, if you think an LPN school is beyond your financial abilities you need to reconsider. The typical LPN school will charge around $2,000 for the degree program. Many schools offer grants, scholarships, and financial assistance. While $2,000 may seem like a lot of money to some individuals, given what LPNs are paid on average upon graduation individuals will have the financial means to repay their school debts quickly.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average LPN is paid around $32,000 a year upon graduation. The average LPN earned a yearly wage of $39,030 as of 2008.