How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse
Posted by PeterThe amount of schooling required to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) falls in between the amount needed for a certified nurse assistant (CNA) and for a registered nurse (RN).
A high school degree is usually required, and there may also be a few prerequisite courses required before a student can enroll in an LPN program.
In order to become a licensed practical nurse, the student must complete a state-approved nursing program (ranging from 7 to 24 months) and then pass a licensing examination, the NCLEX-PN. Courses can be taken in junior colleges and career schools, and occasionally in hospitals.
Typical subjects covered in a licensed practical nurse program include:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics
- Psychiatric nursing
- Administering drugs
- Nutrition
- First aid
Some LPNs eventually choose to become registered nurses, which requires further education. Click to find out how to become a registered nurse.
Posted by natalie mckenzie on 9/3/09
hey i love your website am currently looking forward in taking the (lpn) course it sounds exciting and thats what i wanted to be since i was a lil girl.
Posted by Fran on 8/9/09
Thanks for the information. We need more nursing schools in the Greensboro, NC area.