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What is an Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?

A licensed practical nurse, known is some states as a licensed vocational nurse, provides medical care to patients at hospital, clinics and private practices. To be become a licensed nurse an individual must study for approximately two years, earning an associate degree in nursing. LPNs/LVNs will usually pursue a program of study at a community college or accredited school and such programs typically have more stringent admissions guidelines than the school as a whole. LPNs/LVNs may enter programs after graduation to become registered nurses which is a bachelor level degree.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$44,840

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

17.35%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

702,400

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2025 Best Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs

The mission of Career Training Solutions is to support continuing and community education through administrative support and program management of allied health training programs. The institution is located in Salt Lake, Utah, and offers a variety of programs that can be accessed online and on-site including academics, training, and externship. 

One of its programs is the clinical medical assistant that provides training for students to help them learn how to assist with minor medical procedures, perform venipuncture, give injections, perform simple laboratory tests, and more. The program also allows students to participate in the 160-hour externship program where students will experience working in clinics or care facilities. Once completed, students will have opportunities to get a rewarding and exciting career in the field or continue their education to become licensed practical nurses. 

Acceptance Rate

63.89

Tuition

$31,479 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Stanbridge University is located in Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside and has been providing allied health and nursing programs since 1966.  It aims to prepare students for a career in health care while also providing transformative education in its student-friendly environment. 

Stanbridge’s school of nursing has developed vocational, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs for its passionate students. Through the hands-on and immersive program curriculum, students will have the tools needed to take the licensure examination and to resolve the challenges in their nursing careers. The students will work and learn alongside professional healthcare workers that will help them have effective advanced training and expert guidance. The school also provides financial aids and career services such as advising and counseling. 

Acceptance Rate

63.33

Tuition

$33,751 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Concorde Career College in San Diego aims to help students be prepared for a new career in health care such as medical assisting, nursing, dental hygiene, and others. It offers various learning resources such as centers, clinics, laboratories, and classrooms. 

Individuals who wish to know and practice the basic medical work and care can participate in the 13-month practical nursing program offered by the college. Students will learn about preventive, rehabilitative, therapeutic, and restorative nursing care. At the end of the course, students will be able to communicate effectively and provide the best care for different patients and families. 

Acceptance Rate

90.96

Tuition

$35,469 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

The Concorde Career Institute in Jacksonville has been operating for more than 50 years. It trains students to become healthcare professionals through high-quality courses. These courses focus on medical office, dental assistance, nursing, surgical techniques, etc. 

Concorde Jacksonville provides students with various resources essential for their academic growth such as learning centers, laboratories, and other students and career services. It also allows students to enroll in the practical nursing program that aims to help students become compassionate and caring LPN nurses that provide safe care to their patients. The program also allows students to learn management and leadership skills, as well as the legal and ethical principles required for the nursing profession. 

Acceptance Rate

76.61

Tuition

$50,048 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

38:1

The St. Louis College of Health Careers in Fenton has been equipping students with the essential skills they need to become valuable and beneficial in the modern health care fields. It was established in 1981 and provides programs that are tailored for the needs of the students. 

Practical Nursing is one of the college’s outstanding programs. It develops the students’ proficiency and confidence to render care for patients who have diverse backgrounds and ages. Its curriculum covers basic preventative, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care that includes various procedures such as applying the dressing, taking vital signs, helping patients with activities, administering injections, and many more. Students will earn a diploma and certificates after completion. 

Acceptance Rate

100

Tuition

$30,466 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

30:1

The Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology is dedicated to enhancing the students to become competent leaders and the workforce of tomorrow. Most of its students are adult learners who are interested in participating in vocational and technical courses that are essential to their chosen occupation. 

CPI has designed a practical nursing program wherein students can earn a diploma or certificates upon completion of the requirements. Students will be instructed on how to correctly assess the mental and biological psychological needs of clients, as well as how to develop a nursing plan and work with professional nurses to make a diagnosis. The program also allows students to independently seek new and unique learning experiences to identify their own weaknesses and strengths in the practice of practical nursing

Acceptance Rate

89.77

Tuition

$15,340 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Hillyard Technology Center is located in St. Joseph, Missouri. It provides a variety of highly interactive courses online and on-site, including woodworking, computer service technology, and collision repair. Its mission is to provide students with continuous learning and employment preparation.

It offers a two-year course for interested high school students who wish to obtain entry-level employment or secondary education in practical nursing or any other health care field. Throughout the program, students will be guided by lecturers who have extensive experience in health services and have more knowledge in physiology, anatomy, and medical terminology. Students can also obtain a nurse assistant certificate and an accreditation certificate. 

Acceptance Rate

53.85

Tuition

$12,630 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

4:1

Rolla Technical Institute provides opportunities for students to expand their horizons as well as challenge and engage them on many levels. Located in Rolla, Missouri, the institution has a mission to train students to develop their technically advanced skills while creating a comfortable atmosphere for all students.

It offers an 11-month month program in Practical Nursing for adult students who are interested to work in the field. Throughout the program, students will experience and study the essential skills, knowledge, and attitude to help them become competent practical nurses. Upon completion of the full-day program, students will earn a certificate of graduation as well as become qualified to take the national licensure exam for the practical nurse. 

Acceptance Rate

64

Tuition

$10,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Located in Dallas, Texas, the Concorde Career Institute offers more than twenty programs that concentrate in the healthcare field including vocational nursing, medical assisting, and more. It uses a student-centered approach that prepares students to work in the professional industry.

It offers a 12 months program wherein students can get a diploma in or license in practical nursing. The program also provides immersive, challenging, and engaging training through its real-world clinical and classroom experiences. Students will also learn to support doctors and nurses who are working on the front lines to provide outstanding patient care

Acceptance Rate

88.09

Tuition

$16,875 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

44:1

Established in 1993, Pacific College’s main campus is located in Costa Mesa, California. Its Los Angeles Satellite Campus (The Citadel) is in Los Angeles, California, and its Inland Empire Satellite Campus is in Ontario, California. All three campuses offer Vocational Nursing Programs (VN), but only the main campus offers Cardiovascular Technology Programs. All campuses provide flexible programs for dedicated students with opportunities to join the workforce in less than two years.

Pacific College’s no-cost Career Placement Department is designed to assist students with career placement, but educational programs are also designed to provide marketable skills and training, as well as increased awareness of the value of work. Faculty and staff work with students, advising them of how to succeed in their education and help them meet their career goals.

Striving to foster intellectual growth, Pacific College also believes in success through character development and academic integrity. Each program is made up of comprehensive education that encourages excellence, values of critical learning and professionalism, and nurturing a sense of self-confidence.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Pacific College introduces the student to a wide range of competencies in health policy, health care financing, community and public health, leadership, and system thinking. With the goal of creating a more educated nursing workforce, Pacific strives to increase the percentage of graduates with a BSN.

Review Pacific College’s Admission Procedures (http://pacific-college.edu/admissions/admissions-procedures/)

Apply online (http://pacific-college.edu/apply/)

Acceptance Rate

65.52

Tuition

$36,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Concorde Career Colleges has multiple campuses across the states that offer a wide range of high-quality health care programs. It also provides academic counseling and financial aid guidance to students to help them develop personal and professional development.

The licensed practical nurse program will provide students with basic work and medical services to prepare them for work under other health professionals, including doctors and nurses. Students will also learn and train to change badges, perform routine laboratory tests, and help patients bathe or dress. During the 12-month course, students will be immersed in nursing-related training and activities

Acceptance Rate

94.92

Tuition

$16,805 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

34:1

Ambria College of Nursing strives to make degrees in nursing accessible, available, and affordable to anyone seeking to advance their careers or enhance their education. Offering day and evening programs in full-time and part-time tracks, the available programs include:

  • Practical Nursing Program (LPN) Program
  • Registered Nurse (RN) Program
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program
Ambria College of Nursing is located in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, and is Illinois’s leading provider of private LPN education, as well as the only LPN school that offers an LPN-to-RN Bridge program. The eight-week CNA Program provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to properly meet basic patient needs and is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Committed to making education costs affordable, Ambria College of Nursing offers free financial aid workshops, as well as financial aid advisors to help you with the application process. They also help students customize their class schedules - this flexibility allows students to work around jobs and other responsibilities. Check this page for Open House dates(http://www.ambria.edu/Admissions/OpenHouse/tabid/202/Default.aspx/tabid/202/Default.aspx—there are a couple each month. Take a look at the nursing labs and simulations, or simply ask questions, but be sure to RSVP and arrive early. An entrance exam is required before enrollment, and testing must be scheduled to ensure seating. Visit this page (http://www.ambria.edu/Admissions/OnlineAdmission/tabid/250/Default.aspx/tabid/250/Default.aspx) to apply online.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$33,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Homestead Schools, Inc. is a registered corporation providing continuing education to medical professionals such as psychologists, dentists, nurses and social workers. As a specialist in continuing education (CE), Homestead Schools provides a blend of distance and contact education to healthcare professionals across the United States.

Located in California, the school offers CE courses for nursing home administrators, dietetics professionals, marriage and family therapists, counselors, dentists, social workers and nurses. In total, they offer over 125 home study courses for nurses alone.

Homestead Schools was founded in 1991 with the vision of providing quality continuing education opportunities to professionals in allied health care regardless of their background. The school is dedicated to facilitating lifelong learning by implementing individual learning plans, providing a forum for exchanging ideas and providing outcomes that are relevant to the professional being catered to.

Homestead Schools has continually kept increasing its reach, and currently serves students in 15 states with dozens of courses for health care professionals. A laundry list of accreditations gives immense credibility to this institution, which also provides public training in areas such as traffic safety, and regularly publishes books on law, finance and tax.

The organization is headed by Mr. Vijay Fadia, founder and president of Homestead CEUs. An entrepreneur with a successful history going back to 1982, Mr. Fadia has taken Homestead Schools from its humble beginnings to being one of the premier providers of educational materials in the United States. Having authored and/or published over 200 titles aimed at working professionals, his repertoire includes such diverse fields as real estate, personal finance and law.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$31,950 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Wilson Tech, located in Northport, New York, is a technical school that accommodates the needs of both high school and adult students. They also offer educational solutions to businesses and employers who need to train their staff on various subjects. Wilson Tech has a wide array of career certificate programs specifically for high school students who want to jumpstart their future career and collect college credits at the same time. These programs include: carpentry, construction, heating and air, welding, photography, digital film, medical assisting, cosmetology, nurse assisting, culinary arts, veterinary assisting, computer technology, auto body repair, aviation science, and more. Wilson Tech also offers programs that are tailored specifically to adult students who want to change careers or augment their current ones. These specialized programs include: cosmetology licensure, surgical technology certification, practical nursing licensure, medical assisting certification, sonogram tech, and many more. In addition to the many programs of study offered at Wilson Tech, there are also classes offered to employers who need to augment the education of their staff. These classes include: computer training, personal health, safety training, professional development, technical and industry specific training, workplace literacy, and more. These classes are conveniently located, competitively priced, and taught by instructors who have both industry and academic backgrounds. If you or someone you know would like to apply at Wilson Tech, or if you would like more information about the career studies certificates and programs offered there, click here to access Wilson Tech’s official website.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$43,050 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Center for Arts and Technology’s Brandywine Campus is located in Downingtown, PA. It houses about 600 students to help with education and career training.  Brandywine Campus’ mission is to engage students in the academic and technical preparation necessary to continue their education, launch their careers, and become lifelong learners. 

Brandywine Campus has two different tracks for students. Students can either choose to attend Brandywine Campus full-time or the school has a half-day program agreement with local high schools. Students will attend their local high school for general academic courses (i.e. English, Math, Science, and History). The other half of the day, students will attend the Brandywine Campus to receive career training. 

The Brandywine Campus offers twenty-three different program options for students. Some of the featured programs include:

  • Animal Science & Technology
  • Barbering
  • Commercial & Graphic Arts
  • Early Childhood Care & Education
  • Health Occupations
  • Teacher Academy

The Brandywine Campus also offers a great selection of student organizations for students to join. These organizations include DECA (An Association of Marketing Students), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Future Farmers of America (FFA), Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), National Technical Honor Society, and SkillsUSA. Students that take advantage of these clubs and organizations will learn valuable skills for the workplace and everyday life. 

The Brandywine Campus has a specific job posting board to help students find jobs after they finish their training. They also help with college admittance if that is the desire of the student. 

For more information or to submit an application, click here.

Acceptance Rate

33.33

Tuition

$22,320 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Great Lakes Institute of Technology is a two year private career college dedicated to offering a practical education for students located in and around Erie. Students may choose from a few areas of study, including:

  • Personal and Culinary Services
  • Health and Clinical Professions
  • Education

Over the past several years Great Lakes Institute of Technology has awarded degrees to over 730 students with more than 75% of students who start the program complete it. Over twenty different programs are offered at Great Lakes Institute of Technology. The more popular programs are listed below:

  • Cosmetology
  • Medical Assistant
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Surgical Technologist

To help support students, Great Lakes Institute of Technology may offer support services like those listed below:

  • Night and weekend classes available
  • Counseling assistance
  • Employment search assistance

The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has accredited the instruction & training provided by Great Lakes Institute of Technology for over thirty-four straight years. Please visit glit.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$30,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$36,900 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

34:1

The Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing is located in Troy, New York, and is accredited by the New York State Department of Education Professional Office. As a leader in quality and safety, the school also values justice, management, respect, safety, integrity, and is committed to serving the poor. 

Aspiring LPN students who want to work in the medical field can enroll in the school’s practical nurse program in which they will earn a certificate upon completing the requirements. The program guides students to develop professionally and personally, while also helping them become competent and dedicated LPN nurses that provide patient-centered care. Most of the courses under the program focus on general psychology, developmental psychology, the biology of the human organism, and English composition.

Acceptance Rate

83.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

In response to the changing needs in the healthcare industry, the American Medical Sciences Center offers highly competitive training on selected health courses. This school is a private institution established in 1996 institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). It is located at 225 West Broadway., Suite 115 Glendale, CA 91204. 

Comprised of highly skilled faculty, this school helps students achieve their academic and career goals ultimately aimed at acquiring a professional career and long-term employment. To qualify for admission, students are required to submit a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an application form, pass a standardized test and undergo an oral interview. 

The medical programs of AMSC include Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vocational Nursing and Medical Assistant. Medical Sonography prepares students in performing abdominal, OB/GYN sonography, vascular and echocardiographic ultrasound. Graduates of this course are employed in hospitals, imaging centers and clinics as Ultrasound Technician working closely with other healthcare professionals. 

Utilizing the different methods of instruction, Vocational Nursing is designed to train students in the art and science of nursing including the functions and responsibilities focused on providing care for individuals. After finishing this course, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, a nursing licensure exam and will have the opportunity to work in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare institutions. 

Consists of eight modules with an externship, Medical Assistant program involves administrative and clinical tasks training in preparation for working in offices of doctors and other health professionals, and health care facilities. These innovative, quality programs are backed with updated learning materials and current knowledge in the field to help students gain an edge in the healthcare industry. 

Admissions http://www.amscedu.com/#Admissions

Medical Programs http://www.amscedu.com/#Medical%20Programs

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$35,750 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Wilkes - Barre Area CTC - Practical Nursing is a 52 week course that takes 15 months to complete. Dedicated to the preparation of the practical nurse, the department’s goal is to “graduate a knowledgeable nurse capable of providing safe, effective and competent patient care.” The requirements for admission include: a high school Diploma or equivalent, a passing score on the entrance exam, 2 professional references, satisfactory background check, and pre-entrance interview. Additional information may be requested.

Available health careers:

  • Certified Nurse’s Aid
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Medical Billing & Coding
  • Phlebotomy
  • EKG Technician

Tuition for the Practice Nurse program runs $2,896 each trimester, but additional fees and supplies will vary each trimester. The Pharmacy Technician and Medical Billing & Coding courses run about $1000 each—each requiring a $50 deposit to reserve your spot in class. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Call (570) 822-6539 for tuition of other courses available at Wilkes - Barre Area CTC - Practical Nursing.

Apply to Wilkes - Barre Area CTC - Practical Nursing (http://www.wbpracnsg.com/application/)

Contact the Practical Nursing Program with your questions (http://www.wbpracnsg.com/contact_us.php) or call the department at (570) 822-6539

Acceptance Rate

49.74

Tuition

$19,750 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Each year, thousands of people in our communities take BOCES courses to enrich their careers and their lives. Many are embarking on new careers or improving job skills, others are improving their English or preparing for their GED exam. All of our students have a common goal; a brighter future for themselves and their families.

We're responding to the changing job market by offering courses in demand areas like Practical Nursing, Medical Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, PV Technology, and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. We're expanding our ESOL and GED offerings to meet the growing need.

Acceptance Rate

40

Tuition

$17,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

30:1

Being a socially diverse school instructing and training qualified healthcare professionals with multi-lingual skills and/or multi-ethnic understanding, Angeles College is the best place to develop your career!

This is an exciting time to embark on a healthcare career. According to statistics, this industry will yield 3.2 million new jobs by 2018. And currently large-sized community has a disproportionate patient-healthcare professional ratio. AC strives to meet this need and to help you achieve your personal and professional goals as quickly and convenient for you.

Since 2004, AC skilled graduates have entered the challenging and gratifying industry of healthcare. It adheres to the philosophy of “Patient-Centered Approach” by providing a new and refreshing approach to health care education. It gives importance to multicultural understanding while offering the most current and comprehensive instruction.

Throughout the years, the campus has expanded its locations as well as it curricula. There are 2 campuses; the main Los Angeles campus is located in the popular Koreatown-an exciting neighborhood. The other campus is at the growing city of Garden Grove, California.

Join its welcoming environment with small class sizes and experienced faculty. Take a pick from its variety of program with frequent start dates. Among its new programs are Associate of Science Degree in Medical Office Management, Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration, and Massage Therapy program.

For admission, you must meet minimum age requirement; take the entrance exam and comply the program’s enrollment prerequisites. Due to the differing nature, each program has its own certain requirements. Financial aid is available to those who are qualified.

With diverse, most up-to-date and excellent training in these fastest growing careers, at Angeles College you can be fully prepared to a successful healthcare career! 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$28,459 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Located in Amherst, New York, the University of Buffalo is part of the SUNY systems and has been operating since 1846. It offers affordable academic programs that provide a life-changing experience for its more than 30,000 students each year.

The university’s school of nursing has developed various graduate and undergraduate programs such as the traditional bachelor’s and associate's as well as the advanced doctorate and master’s degrees. Students who are enrolled in the programs can obtain a license for practical nursing by completing the courses in social sciences, biomedical, clinical nursing, and general education among others. The program is designed to ensure that students will acquire professional education that prepares them to become compassionate health care workers. 

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Applied Technology Services, also known as Applied Tech, is a great system of schools serving the greater St. Louis area. It is celebrating its 40th year with the 2013-14 school year. Applied Tech has three campuses. The first is in St. Louis, and is the South Technical High School. The second is in Florissant, MO, and it is the North Technical High School. The third is located in Wellston, MO, and it is the Metropolitan Education & Training Center.

Applied Tech has the same mission for each of its campuses. Applied Tech strives to work collaboratively with business and industry to equip students with the knowledge, competencies, self-confidence and self-esteem to be successful in today’s changing workplace by providing career-focused technical training that results in meaningful employment opportunities. 

Students at Applied Tech can choose from a variety of programs to enroll in. Here is a list of the available programs:

  • Auto Repair
  • Auto Collision Paint
  • Auto Collision Repair
  • Building Maintenance 
  • Carpentry
  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Certified Medication Technician
  • Electrical Program
  • HVAC -R
  • Insulin Administration
  • Machining Technology
  • Nursing
  • Welding

Applied Tech also has an adult education program available with GED services and preparation classes. Applied Tech has a department to help students of all ages with financial aid to help pay for tuition. Although high school students do not need to pay tuition, the school works to help those students who are seeking higher education or training after high school with financial aid. 

The school also has a program called College Navigator to help students find the right school for them following high school. They help students with traditional college applications as well as trade schools and additional certification programs. 

For more information, or to submit an application see their website here.

Acceptance Rate

53.33

Tuition

$17,600 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Ohio Medical Career Center is a leader in training medical professionals. The center uses the latest technology and students gain hands on experience.

The center offers programs in RN training, Practical Nursing Training, nurse aide, phlebotomy, billing and coding specialist, CPR training, and medical terminology. Ohio Medical Career Center currently offers instruction on three campuses located in Dayton, Troy, and Beavercreek.

OMCC Registered Nurse Training Pathway aims to teach students to deal with patients in various clinical settings such as intensive care, physicians’ offices, health care clinics, and ambulatory care. Licensed Practical Nurses who seek to become registered nurses will be able to achieve their dreams through this program. Program options include a 40 week diploma program. Another option is the50-week RN Advanced Placement Program (must be active LPNs to apply) and a 90 week practical nursing program.

Graduates of the nursing program will be rewarded a diploma and can take the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. NCLEX-RN is required in order to obtain licensure as an RN. This computerized text covers four areas: physiological integrity, safe and effective care environment, and health promotion and maintenance.

The career outlook for RNs is good. The mean annual salary ranges from $51,640 - $76,570. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that overall job opportunities are expected to be excellent for registered nurses.

Ohio Medical Career Center is accredited by North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA-CASI). NCA-CASI has accredited institutions in 19 states.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$20,100 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

What Classes Do LPN's Take in College?

Students interested in a nursing program will find they must focus on a variety of sciences alongside medical coursers. Additionally, nurses will learn about patient care, including treatment and mental health. Most nursing programs will offer classroom courses along with laboratory work, and eventually practical experience through local internships at clinics or hospitals. The experience earned through a nursing program is important, thus online programs in the field are often looked down upon.

A licensed practical nurse program curriculum may include:

Nursing programs should be accredited by one of several accrediting agencies in order for their degrees to be recognized by clinics and hospitals for the purposes of work. Accreditation agencies include:

LPN Degree Program Requirements

Unlike many other types of nursing careers, a licensed practical nurse will not necessarily need to earn a bachelors degree or a graduate degree to enter the field. In fact, many colleges and universities will require a high school diploma or GED plus a minimum GPA as LPN prerequisite items. Once accepted into an accredited program, you will need to successfully complete a state-approved nursing program can sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursings NCLEX exam followed by any other state-specific licensing requirements.

In most cases, the LPN college program will last about a year. You will find state approved licensed practical nursing programs at a variety of community colleges, trade schools, and vocational programs online and on-site. LPNs and LVNs provide basic nursing care to patients and must successfully complete a state-approved nursing program from an accredited college or university prior to applying for licensure.

Can I Earn an LPN Degree Online?

Yes, you can earn an LPN degree online from a number of higher education institutions and nursing providers. A LPN degree can be earned from a community college, vocational school, trade school, technical institute, or hospital. Your essential key to finding the right program starts with ensuring the school of your choosing is a state-approved educational provider. If a school or hospital does not have state-approved nursing program, you will not be able to sit for a licensing examination.

Other considerations you will need to think about include the schools curricular design, program requirements, tuition, financial aid package, clinical experience requirements, and graduate rate. For online colleges offering programs for an LPN, make sure to ask the admissions office the type of online learning modality. The two primary learning modes for online colleges are synchronous and asynchronous. In short, the synchronous learning model is where things happen at the same time for each student. Meaning you attend class online at the same time as your professor and other LPN students to learn the material concurrently. On the other hand, asynchronous learning happens at different times. An asynchronous online learning modality allows students to learn on their own schedule at their own pace while working towards the completion of a course or program.

More and more students are enjoying the benefits of earning an LPN degree online given its flexibility for working professionals and busy schedules for students around the globe. The Online LPN program will have a similar course structure when compared to a classroom-based program, taking similar tests and compulsory examinations. Through the technology advances in video chat and video conferencing, students can readily connect to learning modules through a computer and internet connection.

How Long is an LPN program?

An LPN and LVN nursing program is typically a twelve-month program that includes lectures plus supervised clinical experience. Both academic professionals and nursing professionals alike support the blend of classroom learning with hands-on learning to help solidify concepts, theories, and decision making skills. With repetition and exposure, LPN students will be able to index knowledge for future use and establish a framework for thinking about patient needs proactively.

Upon completion of the LPN program, nursing students will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN examination. By passing this exam plus any state-required examinations, students are granted an LPN license of LVN license for their state of residence. Graduates can then begin to work in a licensed care facility or hospital setting or elect to apply to a transitional program from a state-approved higher education institution to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

What is the Difference Between an LVN and LPN?

The difference between a Licensed Vocational Nurse and a Licensed Practical Nurse is nominal. Other than the geographic preference for a LVN versus an LPN, they are essentially different acronyms used to describe the same job functions. IN fact, the job functions, educational requirements, skills, roles, and licensure of an LVN is the same as a LPN and vice versa. The nursing boards in Texas and California use LVNs while other boards tend to utilize LPN to describe the degree program and job function.

How is an RN Different from an LPN?

The difference between an RN and LPN is the degree requirements and job duties after graduation. An RN is a Registered Nurse with a 4-year Bachelor of Science (BS) degree or 2-year associate degree from a nursing school. Generally, RNs have an expanded set of job responsibilities with more critical thinking and analysis than an LPN. In fact, an RN can supervise an LPN and make independent decisions across a greater span of issues.

A Licensed Practicing Nurse works under an RN or qualified nurse in a medical facility, hospital, or care facility. An LPN will help maintain proper patient records, provide basic care for patients, assist in managing a patients care plan, and communicating with patients and family members. LPNs have successfully completed a year-long program with a state-approved nursing college or school and passed the NCLEX and any state-required examinations.

What is the Difference Between LPN and CNA?

The primary differences between an LPN and CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) comes down to education qualifications, job functions, and compensation. While an LPN and CNA provide basic care for patients under the supervision of a qualified nurse, the job responsibilities vary greatly. A Certified Nursing Assistant will provide rudimentary patient care such as feeding patients, helping with dressing and undressing, answering call lights, making beds, transporting patients, and reporting changes to nursing staff. A CNA is a highly important role in healthcare and significant to the overall care and wellness of a patient.

CNAs must obtain a certification from a state-approved higher education institution along with successfully passing requisite state-based nursing examinations. The median annual income for a Certified Nursing Assistant is currently $26,590 with a proposed growth trajectory of 17% through 2024, adding nearly 270,000 during this reporting period. On the other hand, the median annual income of an LPN is $44,090 with a 16% growth projection during this time.

Job Responsibilities of a Licensed Practical Nurse

Some job responsibilities an LPN may perform include:

  • Take Vital Signs
  • Gather Patient Health Information
  • Assist Patients with Personal Hygiene
  • Help Care For and Feed Infants
  • Educate Patients and Family in Good Health Habits

Licensed practical nurses may find work through a single employer, or fill out their schedule through multiple employers and/or agencies. Some individuals looking to establish flexible hours will prefer to work with agencies, as they can accept or deny work as need be, and there is rarely a shortage of opportunities. As stated above, most LPNs and LVNs will typically pursue a registered nurse degree, often while working, and as such the need for flexible yet consistent work hours is high.

Online Colleges Offering Nursing Programs:

Employment Opportunities: Career Paths with an LPN Degree

Students earning an LPN degree from an accredited college or university will be able to work in a variety of settings across the country. The 6 most common work settings for a Licensed Practical Nurse are: nursing facilities, physicians offices, hospitals, home health care providers, travel nursing, and military installations.

  1. Nursing Care Facilities A nursing care facility is the umbrella term used to describe a number of nursing facilities such as a nursing home, skilled nursing facility, convalescent home, long-term care facilities, intermediate care, and rest home. Nursing care facility specialists care for individuals that require continuous nursing care and supervision. Job responsibilities range from administrative work to nursing activities and patient health assessments to managing treatment plans.
  2. Physicians Offices LPNs working in a physicians office will quickly discover the contrast in pace and scope of work as much different than that of a hospital. Licensed Practical Nurses are client-facing positions that are not likely to entail emergency care situations. A typical day may include administrative duties, patient assessment, minor surgical procedures, and administration of medications.
  3. Hospitals Contrast to a physicians office, an LPN working in a hospital will be working in a high-demand, fast paced environment during chunks of the day. Depending on the hospital and your experience, you may be given additional job responsibilities as an LPN working in a hospital. A common set of job responsibilities for an LPN working in a hospital include assisting physicians and RNs in surgery, maternity wards, and emergency rooms.
  4. Home Health Care The home health care sector continues to see rapid growth as an aging population in the Unites States requires additional care and the insurance industry continues to evolve. Home health care services is dominated by elderly patients but also provides services to patients recovering from illnesses, diseases, and accidents. LPNs working in home health care entails assisting patients in their home with defined care plan coupled with an emphasis on education to benefit patients & family members.
  5. Travel Nurse A travel nurse is expected to spend a significant percentage of their time traveling, locally and regionally, on short-term contract assignments. A contract assignment may be to assist a hospital experiencing a shortage of qualified nurses or assisting others part of an emergency situation.
  6. Armed Forces Nurse An armed forces nurse or military nurse works with or works in a military installation assisting others in need of care. Military nurses will need a bachelors degree and specific training related to the armed forces branch they are associated. As a military nurse, you may have the opportunity to be trained in other areas such as a medic while receiving substantive tuition discounts while on active duty.

Career opportunities for licensed professional nurses are plentiful, even though the pay and responsibilities of a LPN are not as great as that of an RN. For individuals interested in career advancement, the ability to continue one's education and become an RN while working is appealing and often utilized. LPNs will be responsible for patient care and monitoring, including various forms of patient assistance though due to their licensing, will be unable to administer medication.

Average Salary for an LPN

The average salary for LPNs and LVNs is approximately $44,090 per year. The growth of jobs for LPNs is expected to increase 16% over the next ten years adding approximately 117,400 jobs during that reporting period. This expected growth is due to a large portion of the United States population approaching retirement age, which in turn has created a need for more health care professionals. Job opportunities will be higher in developing and established urban centers, as the higher population along with population density requires more individuals.

States with Highest LPN Employment

  • Texas 70,810
  • California 68,110
  • New York 46,990
  • Florida 44,820
  • Ohio 39,920

Top Employers of LPNs

  • Nursing Care Facilities 211,940
  • Physicians Offices 93,470
  • Medical and Surgical Hospitals 93,050
  • Home Health Care Providers 85,410
  • Continuous Care Facilities 48,920

Highest Paying States for LPNs

  1. Connecticut $55,720
  2. Rhode Island $55,410
  3. District of Columbia $55,200
  4. Massachusetts $55,190
  5. Alaska $53,760

For More information about earning a LPNdegree, simply visit the accredited colleges and universities below or visit our online nursing resource page or career portal to learn more careers in nursing. Individuals interested in licensed practical nursing may also be interested inoccupational therapy,physical therapy, orphysician's assistant. For additional information about the nursing profession, read our Complete Guide to Nursing on the MatchCollege blogtoday. Additionally, you can learn a great deal about associations such as the NALPN and the NAPNES by visiting their websites. Members receive tools and resources to help advance the field of knowledge for LPN's across the nation.

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