LPN Programs

Welcome to LPN Programs, your guide to all the various ins and outs of LPN programs. These LPN programs help you become a Licensesd Practical Nurse (LPN). There are many different types of programs and various potential pitfalls to becoming an LPN, read on we will walk you through the process and help you pick one of the LPN programs that is right for you.

The process of becoming and LPN is simple, you take a year long course (minus any exemptions, discussed in detail below) and then take the National Council Licensure EXamination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN). A passing score on the NCLEX-PN qualifies you to become certified by your state's Board of Nursing to practice as a Licensed Pactical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse (which is what they called LPNs in some states, like California and Texas). So, one course and one passing score on the test is all you need.

So, why all the fuss about picking one of the LPN programs, just pick one and do it right? Unfortuneately it's not that simple. First you have to see if there are any exemptions that you can take. If you have a college degree in a nursing field or non-nursing field then you are elegible for exemptions (which will shorten the course for you). The way that exemptions are treated are different from state to state and sometimes even between programs from the same state. On top of that, even if you don't have any exemptions, you have to decide between online education or offline education and between many different programs. However, there is no need to worry, with a little bit of work you can be on your way signed up for one of the good LPN programs.

LPN Programs - The Start of a Career in Nursing

Many nurses get their start in their careers as an LPN. An LPN is the foundation of a smooth running healthcare system. An LPN helps physicans and nurses take care of the patients. LPNs provide primary care which could entail: administering injections, checking blood pressure, taking samples, and monitoring treatments. You will learn all these things and more in LPN programs.

Good LPN programs, not only teach you skills required for you job, but they will also teach you the theory behind it all. Furthermore, you will be taught the material that is present on the NCLEX-PN so that you can get a passing score and start practicing. Going through the LPN programs and becoming an LPN can be start of a fruitful career in nursing if you are interested in going that route.

LPN Programs - Switching Over to Nursing

Many people are looking to switch over to nursing as a second career. They are drawn to nursing because of the increasing salary packages, job security, and the chance to make a difference in someone's life. LPN programs are a good way to get your start in nursing.

If you are in this boat, you will want to take a look at a couple different LPN programs and ask if they are willing to offer any exemptions based on any of your previous education. For example, if you have an associate's or bachelor's degree, in a non-nursing field, you may be able to shorten the length of some of the LPN programs that allow exemptions.

LPN Programs - Online vs Offline Education

A lot of people opt for offline education simple because they have never taken an online course. I hope you don't make that mistake. Give online education a chance, weigh the pros and cons and make an educated decision. Take a look at the LPN programs online and see what they have to offer.

The advantages of online education is that the education can happen on your time rather than some fixed schedule. If you already have a job, or if you are a student, you don't have to leave everything to do one of the online LPN programs. You can do it at your pace, when its convenient for you.

On the flip side, online LPN programs, means that you have to put in the effort. You have to have the disipline to sit down and go through with it. You have to have the motivation. If you really want it though, one of the good online LPN programs is definitely the way to go.

LPN Programs - What to Look for in a Good Program

Not all LPN programs are created equal. Some are undoubtably better than others, but how do you tell the difference? Well the first step is to make sure that the LPN programs that you are interested in are certified by your state's Board of Nursing. If so, you are in good shape, the certified LPN programs need to be looked into more depth now.

The second step in seperating the wheat from the chaff of LPN programs is to look at what they teach. For this you will want to request information on a couple different LPN programs to get a feel for what is taught. You are looking to make sure that they don't just teach you how to pass the NCLEX-PN, though that is of course important, it is not the end-all-be-all of LPN programs.

Good LPN programs also teach about the skills and characteristics that are required to be a good nurse. You will want to take a look that they do this before picking an LPN program. Which one of the LPN programs makes a difference because it forms the foundation of your education as a nurse.

LPN Programs - The Next Step

So, where to start? First you are going to want to decide if you are serious about doing one of the LPN programs. If you have read this far, I think its safe to say that you are interested. The next step is to do some research on potential schools that offer LPN programs.

Here are two sites that we recommend you check out if you are interested in LPN programs:

1. eLearners - One of the oldest and most respected educational sites online. They have an extensive list of LPN programs and are a reliable source for the latest information.

2. Monster Learning - This is a free directory service, which has an extensive list of online degrees, educational programs, and more.