What Is Required to Get a Washington State License for LPN?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) performs a wide variety of health care services under the supervision of a licensed nurse or doctor. This might include taking vital signs, collecting test samples and helping patients eat and bathe. A number of educational institutions offer LPN training including vocational schools, community colleges and technical colleges. Programs typically last about one year. In Washington, the state Department of Health's Nursing Commission oversees licensing for the LPN profession.
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Education
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In order to become a LPN in Washington state, a person must take an LPN educational program at a school approved by the Nursing Commission. The office's website contains a list of the acceptable programs. Once a person finishes the program, the school must mail a certificate of completion (available with the application) and a copy of the transcripts to the Nursing Commission office.
AIDS Education
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Candidates must complete at least seven hours of AIDS training education that covers prevention, transmission and treatment. The candidates do not have to submit documentation proving completion but must maintain it for two years after applying because the commission can request to see it at any point during this time. This office also maintains a list of approved courses on its website.
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Examination
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An aspiring LPN must take the NCLEX exam administered by the private testing company Pearson Vue. Applicants will receive authorization to test from this company when a review of their application by the commission finds they are eligible for licensure. Registration takes place directly with the company and candidates can visit the NCLEX website or call Pearson Vue at 1-866-496-2539 for more information regarding the test. The commission will get the results 24 hours after a candidate takes the test, but candidates typically will not receive this information for about four weeks. Upon passing the exam, the applicant will receive a license in the mail.
Foreign-Educated Applicants
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Like other candidates, foreign-educated applicants must send in an application outlining the required information such as educational background. The Nursing Commission also requires foreign-educated LPN candidates to take a socialization course for licensed practical nurses---applicants must call the commission for more information regarding this course, according to its website. Foreign applicants, like first-time licensees, must pass the NCLEX exam to receive a Washington LPN license. If a foreign applicant received their LPN education in a language other than English, they must take a TOEFL exam to demonstrate proficiency before taking the exam.
Additionally, applicants must have the school in which they completed their training submit a statement of eligibility that outlines the nature of their LPN education program. The application packet contains this form. The school must send this form directly to the Nursing Commission along with a copy of transcripts. Applicants should contact the commission regarding non-English transcripts and how to proceed. These applicants also require seven hours of AIDS training.
Licensure by Endorsement
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Receiving a license by endorsement means that a person receives a professional license in one state or territory based on meeting similar standards in another. An LPN currently licensed in another state must send a copy of a current license with her application as well as provide her current nursing board with a copy of a license verification form included in the application. The board must send the form directly to the commission. If the commission requires additional information from the candidate or concludes that additional training or testing is necessary, it will contact her. Additionally, seven hours of AIDS education is also required.
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References
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