How to Become a LPN

How to Apply for LPN Programs, What to Expect, and Why It’s a Great Career Choice

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide direct care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and private homes. LPNs work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and physicians to help ensure patients receive high-quality care. If you are considering a career in nursing but want to start with a quicker path to becoming a healthcare provider, becoming an LPN may be the perfect choice. This guide will walk you through how to apply for LPN programs, what to expect during your training, how to pay for it, and why becoming an LPN is a rewarding career choice.

What Does an LPN Do?

LPNs play a critical role in patient care, performing a range of tasks that support the healthcare team. While their duties can vary depending on the setting in which they work, the general responsibilities of an LPN include:

• Patient Care: LPNs provide direct care to patients, including taking vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate), administering medications, and assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
• Monitoring Patients: LPNs observe patients for changes in their condition and report any significant changes to doctors or Registered Nurses. They also document patient conditions and interventions in medical records.
• Wound Care: LPNs may assist in dressing wounds and changing bandages, as well as providing post-surgical care.
• Assisting with Procedures: They assist doctors and Registered Nurses during medical procedures, including administering injections or drawing blood.
• Patient Education: LPNs educate patients and their families about healthcare needs, including managing chronic conditions, medications, and treatment plans.
• Supervising Aides: LPNs may supervise Nursing Assistants or other healthcare aides, ensuring proper care is provided to patients under their watch.

Step 1: Research LPN Programs

Before applying to an LPN program, you should research different schools to find a program that best suits your needs and goals. When choosing a program, consider the following factors:

• Accreditation: It’s important to choose a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation ensures that the program meets national standards and prepares you for the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses).
• Program Length: LPN programs generally take 12 to 18 months to complete. Some programs are full-time, while others may offer part-time or evening classes, which may take longer but allow for flexibility if you’re balancing other responsibilities.
• Program Content: LPN programs will include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Core subjects include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, patient care, and nursing ethics. Some programs may also offer specialized tracks in areas like pediatrics or geriatrics.
• Clinical Hours: Clinical training is an essential part of becoming an LPN. Most programs will require you to complete a set number of clinical hours in a healthcare setting, where you’ll get hands-on experience caring for patients under supervision.
• Location: LPN programs are available at vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes. Consider whether you want to attend a program locally or if you’re open to relocating. Some schools may offer online courses, although clinical hours must still be completed in person.

Step 2: Meet Basic Requirements

To apply to an LPN program, you must meet specific prerequisites. These may vary by school, but generally include the following:

• Age: Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old.
• Education: You must have a high school diploma or GED. In some cases, applicants may need to complete specific courses in subjects such as biology, chemistry, or algebra before being accepted into the LPN program.
• Background Check: Healthcare programs typically require a criminal background check. A felony conviction may affect your eligibility to enter the program or sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, though each case is evaluated individually.
• Physical and Health Requirements: Some schools require students to pass a physical exam or provide proof of immunizations to ensure they are healthy enough to care for patients in a clinical setting.
• Entrance Exams: Some schools may require you to take an entrance exam, such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), to assess your readiness for nursing school. This may include sections on reading, math, science, and English.

Step 3: Apply to LPN Programs

After identifying the right program for you and ensuring you meet the requirements, you can begin the application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Submit an Application: Complete the school’s application form, either online or in-person. You will need to provide personal information, educational history, and sometimes a statement of interest explaining why you want to become an LPN.
• Provide Transcripts: Schools typically require copies of your high school or GED transcripts. If you’ve taken any college courses or attended another nursing program, you may need to submit those transcripts as well.
• References: Some programs require letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or healthcare professionals who can speak to your character, work ethic, and suitability for a nursing career.
• Entrance Exam: If applicable, schedule and complete any entrance exams. Prepare for these exams by reviewing basic math, reading comprehension, and science concepts. Schools usually provide study materials to help you get ready.
• Interview: Some programs require an interview as part of the admissions process. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your passion for nursing, commitment to the field, and ability to handle the demands of the program.

Step 4: Complete Your LPN Training

Once accepted into an LPN program, you will begin your coursework and clinical training. Here’s what you can expect:

Classroom Learning

The classroom portion of the LPN program will focus on theory and foundational nursing knowledge. Some of the core subjects covered include:

• Basic Nursing Skills: Learn the essential skills for patient care, including taking vital signs, administering medications, and managing patient records.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology: Study the structure and function of the human body, including organs, tissues, and systems like the circulatory and respiratory systems.
• Pharmacology: Gain knowledge of medications, including their effects, side effects, dosages, and how to administer them safely to patients.
• Medical Ethics and Law: Study the ethical and legal aspects of nursing, including patient confidentiality, informed consent, and nursing responsibilities in different healthcare settings.
• Patient Care: Learn how to provide compassionate care, manage pain, assist with daily activities, and support patients in their recovery.

Clinical Training

Clinical training is a vital part of the LPN program. During this time, you will work directly with patients in real healthcare environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. Under the supervision of experienced nurses and healthcare professionals, you will:

• Practice Nursing Skills: Apply the skills you’ve learned in class to real-world situations, including taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with patient hygiene.
• Work with Diverse Patient Populations: Gain experience working with patients of all ages and backgrounds, which helps you develop your communication skills and adapt to various care needs.
• Learn to Work in a Healthcare Team: Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, to deliver comprehensive patient care.

Step 5: Obtain Your LPN Licensure

Once you complete your LPN training, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain licensure. Here’s what to expect:

• NCLEX-PN Exam: The NCLEX-PN is a standardized exam that tests your knowledge and competency in practical nursing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient care, pharmacology, safety, and ethics.
• Apply for Licensure: After passing the NCLEX-PN, you will apply for licensure through your state’s Board of Nursing. Each state has its own process, which may include submitting your exam results, providing proof of education, and completing additional paperwork.
• Continuing Education: LPNs are often required to complete continuing education to maintain their licensure and stay updated on healthcare trends and new practices.

How to Pay for LPN Programs

While LPN programs are relatively affordable compared to other nursing paths, the cost can still be significant. Here are some ways to pay for your education:

• Financial Aid: Many LPN programs offer financial aid, including federal grants, loans, and scholarships. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine what you qualify for.
• Employer Sponsorship: Some healthcare facilities offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship programs for employees who want to become LPNs. Ask your employer if they offer such programs.
• Scholarships: Look for scholarships offered by nursing organizations, healthcare foundations, and community groups. Many nursing-specific scholarships are available to help cover tuition costs.
• Veterans Benefits: If you are a veteran, you may qualify for education benefits through the GI Bill, which can help pay for LPN training programs.

Why Becoming an LPN Is a Great Career Choice

Becoming an LPN offers a variety of benefits, making it a rewarding career choice. Some reasons to pursue this path include:

• High Job Demand: LPNs are in high demand due to the growing healthcare needs of an aging population. You can find opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health care.
• Job Stability: The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, providing job stability and long-term employment opportunities for LPNs.
• Competitive Salary: While LPNs earn less than Registered Nurses, they still enjoy competitive salaries, with the median annual wage for LPNs around $50,000, depending on location and experience.
• Flexible Work Environments: LPNs can work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health care, and outpatient clinics. You can choose a work environment that aligns with your interests and lifestyle.
• Opportunities for Advancement: Many LPNs choose to further their education and become Registered Nurses (RNs), which offers even more career opportunities and higher earning potential.
• Making a Difference: As an LPN, you play a vital role in patient care, helping individuals recover from illness, manage chronic conditions, and improve their quality of life. This can be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally.

Becoming an LPN is a rewarding career choice that offers job stability, competitive pay, and the chance to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. With a relatively short training period, you can enter the workforce quickly and gain valuable experience in the healthcare industry. By researching LPN programs, meeting the necessary requirements, and passing the NCLEX-PN exam, you’ll be on your way to becoming a skilled and compassionate healthcare professional.