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Comparing LPN Schools: 3 Important Points to Consider Before You Apply
Comparing LPN Schools:
3 Important Points to Consider Before You Apply
As a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you can help care for the sick and injured under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses (RNs). But, before you can provide vital assistance to medical patients and their families, you need to select the right place to train from amongst the different LPN schools in your area. Here are three critical factors to consider:
1. The LPN Training Program You Choose Must Be Approved by Your State
Every LPN must be licensed by the state in which they work. In order to meet the licensing requirements, you'll need to begin by graduating from an LPN school that has been approved by your state's board of nursing. Attending a state-approved nursing school also ensures that you receive the right mix of classroom studies and clinical practice.
State-approved LPN programs generally take about one year to complete. Coursework should include subjects like basic nursing concepts, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, first aid, pharmacology, English and math. Your LPN training should also involve plenty of supervised, hands-on practice in a clinical setting (such as a hospital), with real patients.
2. Your LPN School Should Provide Good Preparation for the NCLEX-PN
After you graduate from a state-approved LPN program, there is another mandatory step to successfully complete before you can obtain your nursing license. It's called the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
The NCLEX-PN is a computer-based test that covers four broad categories related to patient needs: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.
Because you can't work as a licensed practical nurse without passing this exam, it's important that the LPN school you choose has a good track record of successfully preparing its graduates for the NCLEX-PN. Your state's board of nursing can provide you with a list of pass rates from every state-approved LPN program. Such lists usually go back at least five years, making it easy to compare different LPN schools.
3. Make Sure You Can Easily Enter an LPN-to-RN Program Later On
Many LPNs decide they want to advance in their careers at some point by becoming an RN. Therefore, the last big thing to consider is how easy it will be to get into a good LPN-to-RN training program if you think this might be a future possibility.
This is where it pays to make a few phone calls up front to different nursing schools that offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs. Because you will have to apply to enter such programs, you need to know that the LPN school you intend to graduate from will be recognized and accepted by any LPN-to-RN school you might later apply to.
Get Going
Mindful of these important considerations, you'll be well on your way to selecting a good LPN school and beginning a rewarding healthcare career as a licensed practical nurse. An easy way to begin your search is by exploring some of the LPN schools in your area. You could soon be caring for patients in a variety of exciting settings!
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