LPN Courses and Career Education Programs to Become a LPN
Majors Overview February 5, 2013Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) perform work supervised by registered nurses or doctors and ensure the provision of basic medical care in healthcare settings. During the performance of their duties, a LPN is required to monitor patients’ health; to accomplish this, they check blood pressure and vitals, apply dressings, assist with bathing, collect blood samples, and keep records. Vocational and community schools offer LPN certification programs that need to be completed by individuals aspiring to become LPNs. Coursework in such programs is a combination of classroom instruction and hands on training in a clinical setting. Licensure norms are also required to be satisfied by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurses. The table below outlines the prerequisites to become a license practical nurse:
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Common Requirements  |
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Degree Level |
Certificate |
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Degree Name |
Licensed practical nursing |
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Licensing |
Candidates need to possess a license in order to work in the field |
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Experience |
Gain experience in a clinical environment through the training program |
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Key Skills |
Along with compassion towards patient, license practical nurses need to be detail-oriented, have excellent communication skills and patience |
Stage One: Enrolling in an LPN Certificate Program
It takes about a year for students to complete a LPN certificate program. Admission criteria usually require completion by students of a placement test. After enrolling in a LPN program; students will probably need to complete nursing and general science courses. General science coursework includes subject areas such as gerontology, psychology and human biology. The focus of the nursing curriculum involves pharmacology and clinical leadership, pharmacology, nutrition of nursing and the fundamentals of nursing.
Stage Two: Participating in an Internship Program
A LPN program is incomplete without a clinical internship that gives students an opportunity to start applying their classroom knowledge in a realistic environment and to perform work with patients. Students can get an opportunity to participate in an internship program relating to a variety of medical facilities including rehabilitation centers and hospitals. The student-to-nurse transition process is actively aided by an internship program.
Stage Three: Acquiring Licensure
After completion of a LPN program, a student is qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse that is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Passing this exam is a common licensure requirement in every state. Passing this exam will demonstrate that the prospective LPN has the skills and knowledge required to perform work in this field and ensure that patients receive the healthcare they need. Pursuing an IV therapy training program would benefit LPNs by allowing them to perform intravenous fluid therapy. This certification will qualify LPNs to administer IV therapy to their patients.
