Where to Go to Become a LPN in Maryland
An LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse is a practical nurse licensed by the state to provide practical nursing care to patients under the direction and supervision of an RN - Registered Nurse. Most LPNs are trained by attending a 12-month certificate program at a community college. There are 14 such LPN training programs in the state of Maryland. Some LPN programs are offered as part of an associate degree in nursing. Students take the LPN exams after completing the necessary coursework.
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Instructions
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Get a high school diploma. In order to be eligible for enrollment in any LPN program in Maryland, you need to have a high school diploma. Most schools require that you have taken a year of chemistry, biology and math.
Some schools also require that you have current CPR certification. See a link below to LPN schools in Maryland and check for the specific requirements for the school(s) you are interested in. -
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Determine your ultimate goal. Your overriding goal and plans for advancement will play a role in the LPN school you choose to attend. Would you like to keep going to school and advancing while working? Some schools for example offer LPN to RN to BSc. in nursing programs.
Harford Community College for example has a relationship with several universities including the University of Maryland School of Nursing, where RN students can continue their education to receive a BSc. in nursing. See below for link to HCC's list of courses that qualify for transfer to each BSc. nursing program where HCC has an arrangement. -
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Research the schools. Check out the LPN schools in the state (see link below). Visit their websites and compare programs to determine which best suits your needs.
Check your expenses since some LPN programs are more expensive than others. Compare the costs and decide how much you can afford and how you intend to fund your education. The costs for in-state students range from $61 per credit hour (Baltimore City Community College) to $167 per credit hour (Allegany College of Maryland). -
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Decide where you want to go in terms of location. Would you rather be closer to home and not have to move or will you move for the opportunity to work in a particular hospital? Some prospective students who are interested in certain specialties such as emergency or critical care may also move to a bigger city such as Baltimore, which has busier trauma centers. You may want to consider the LPN program at Baltimore City Community College for example.
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Upon successful completion of your LPN training program you will need to get licensed to practice. Licensing requirements such as passing a criminal background check and proficiency in spoken English need to be met. See a link below on the LPN licensing process in Maryland. After licensure it's time to job hunt. A good place to start is your school career office and the area hospitals where you gained practical experience while in training.
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