The United States is facing a critical shortage in the coming years, and it’s not a shortage of water, food, or money. The healthcare system in the U.S. is in desperate need of qualified nurses at every level to help deal with a large aging population. The Baby Boomer generation accounts for the largest portion of the country’s population and are placing an ever increasing strain on the healthcare system. Those with an interest in becoming a nurse can do so quickly by training to become a licensed practical nurse, or LPN. Online LPN programs are the easiest way for many individuals to train for a career as an LPN.
Traditional LPN programs are hosted by vocational and technical schools as well as community colleges. These programs generally take one year to complete and consist of two components:
- Classroom based coursework
- Clinical practice in hospitals
These traditional LPN programs are designed to provide students with a basic educational foundation. Most programs offer courses that provide students with basic nursing knowledge as well as other skill sets that will aide students during their career such as computer education courses. Typical nursing related courses include but are not limited to:
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics nursing
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- First aid
Just like with many other educational degrees, LPN programs are now being offered online in addition to onsite at traditional colleges and universities. Online LPN programs offer students the same education as a traditional program, with the flexibility to learn from home and often on a more flexible schedule than traditional schools offer. The following programs are commonly offered through online LPN programs:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to LPN program
- Associate in Science in Nursing
- Associate in Applied Science in Nursing
The most popular online LPN program for those already employed in the nursing field, or in another field, is the online CNA to LPN program. Those with a job already in hand, especially nursing assistants, have high demands placed upon them at work and can’t always set aside the time to attend school full time, onsite. Online LPN programs make it easier for these individuals to earn the degree they need to advance their nursing career, while continuing to work to support themselves financially.
Both associate’s level programs are more popular among those with a job in another field and individuals with just a high school education. The programs provide students a direct path into an LPN career without having to work in a lower level nursing position first.
One important factor to keep in mind regarding online LPN programs is that the entire degree program cannot be completed through distance learning. Unlike other programs, medical degree programs such as nursing require some courses and other programs to be completed in person. Although it is possible to complete a large portion of the online LPN program from home, certain courses will need to be completed onsite. Additionally, the clinical practice component of all LPN programs must be completed in person at a hospital or clinic.
As a result of online LPN programs having an onsite component, it is important for students to put extra consideration into the school they choose to earn their degree from. The first step in the search for a reputable online LPN program is to ensure that the program is certified. The Board of Nursing in your state should have previously approved any program that you are considering enrolling in. Additionally, looking for an online LPN program offered by a university or college in your local area will make it easier to complete the onsite requirements that will arise throughout the course of the program.
Completing an online LPN program is a great, fast track opportunity to get into the nursing career field. With LPN positions expected to grow by 21% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) by 2018, there is no better time to break into this rewarding and fast paced career field.