Who Offers LPN Courses?
The increasing worldwide nursing shortage makes becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) an increasingly attractive career choice. Community colleges, technical schools, hospitals and online programs offer LPN training programs, which allow graduates to enter the medical field with less than two years of nursing education.
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Community College and Technical Schools
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Colleges that offer bachelor's and advanced degrees typically offer nursing programs that lead to the bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN), which allows graduates to qualify to become a registered nurse. These schools, geared towards a different level of nursing responsibilities and practices, do not offer LPN-specified courses. Community colleges and technical schools do offer courses specifically designated as LPN training.
Hospitals
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Some hospitals offer LPN training. These programs are less prevalent than the community college and technical schools in most areas. Additionally, these programs might come with strings attached, such as requiring the student to work a certain number of years at the hospital that provided the education.
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Online
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Online LPN courses help working adults fit coursework into their schedules. Students should make sure these courses come from accredited institutions and provide ample opportunity for clinical study, in addition to coursework.
Duration and Coursework
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LPN programs last anywhere from 12 to 24 months, although some might be shorter. Unlike BSN programs, LPN programs do not make their students take non-nursing general education courses. Instead, all the coursework is focused on patient care and the profession of nursing, greatly reducing the time it takes to graduate.
Considerations
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Some LPN programs require certified nursing assistant status before admittance into the program. Additionally, when considering nursing degree options, seek programs that allow coursework and ample clinical experience, too. Regardless of where the courses are taken, in order to gain licensure as an LPN, the student must sit for the National Council Licensure Examination, also known as the N-Clex.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Gregg O'Connell
