Where Can I Get My Lpn License Near Me
Medically reviewed by Kathleen Gaines, MSN, RN, BA, CBC on 12/17/2021
If you're thinking about becoming a nurse, one of the first choices is what kind of nurse should y'all be? An entry-level option that many aspiring nurses turn to is the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) route.
Licensed Practical Nurses are nurses that perform basic patient care tasks and help to keep patients comfortable. They work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and other medical professionals.
If you're looking to start working as a nurse fast without spending a ton of coin, becoming an LPN could exist the perfect path for you. Read on to learn more than near what working equally an LPN is like and how to go 1.
Office One What Is a Licensed Applied Nurse (LPN)?
An LPN or LVN is a blazon of nurse that is responsible for providing patients with essential care. This includes helping them to eat, wearing apparel, bathe, etc. They aid Registered Nurses (RNs) and Doctors in keeping detailed records, maintaining clear communication between the entire intendance team and working with patients and their families to understand procedures and how to intendance for sick relatives.
While many nurses spend their entire careers working as an LPN, this position is also a neat stepping stone to furthering your education and enjoying a pay increase by becoming an RN or Nurse Practitioner (NP).
Achieve'south LPN to BSN plan is for LPNs or LVNs who wish to go straight to a BSN. This course of written report is a Credit-by-Exam LPN to BSN Bridge Program, which is ideal for those LPNs seeking to accelerate their careers. The Test-Out Bridge Plan makes achieving your BSN faster and more affordable, and previous college credits volition count toward your advanced degree. Prior to choosing a "examination out" option, students should ensure their nursing plan of choice volition have "testing out" in place of required courses. All applicants must be current LVN or LPN.
Role Two What is the Divergence Between An LPN and an RN?
Licensed Practical Nurse | Registered Nurse (RN) | |
| Duties | LPNs are directly involved in providing basic patient care and ensuring that patients are comfortable and well cared for. In that location will be times when an LPN administers sure medications and performs other duties such equally taking claret pressure, inserting catheters and recording other vital signs. | RNs take on more than of a management function and are in charge of overseeing LPNs and other healthcare aides. They are also more than involved in administering medications, treating patients, creating and coordinating care plans, and working closely with doctors to ensure optimal outcomes. |
| Education Requirements | Becoming an LPN requires completing an accredited practical nursing certificate program, which is usually offered at community colleges and have about a yr to consummate. Students can expect to take courses in biology, pharmacology, and nursing while also receiving easily-on clinical experiences. | There are iii main paths to becoming an RN.
|
| Testing | One time you complete your applied nursing plan, you will receive a certification, only you will accept to pass the National Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) in gild to become officially licensed and begin your career. | No affair what path you take to prepare for your RN licensure, yous will take to laissez passer the NCLEX-RN exam earlier y'all are able to begin practicing. |
| Salary | While salaries vary according to location, the median salary for an LPN is $48,820 - according to the United states of america Bureau of Labor Statistics. The proficient news is that this is a growing field with high need and salaries are expected to increase significantly over the next x years. | The average salary for an RN is $75,330 per the BLS, although this number will vary according to educational groundwork and surface area. Those with a BSN-RN will savor a higher starting pay charge per unit and overall earning potential. |
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Part Iii What is the Difference Between an LPN and an LVN?
If you accept been doing your research and come across the term Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) y'all are probably wondering how this title differs from an LPN. The truth is, they are basically the same. The main difference is that the term LVN is used in California and Texas, so if you live in one of these states, you will demand to wait for LVN programs.
Otherwise, both positions require the same certification and licensing process, offer the same pay, and come with similar responsibilities. The exact details of each position tin vary according to how different hospitals and facilities consul tasks, just for all intents and purposes, LPNs and LVNs occupy the same positions.
Part Four What Does an LPN/LVN Do?
LPNs are essential to hospitals, nursing homes, doctor'southward offices and other healthcare facilities. They besides work with individuals to provide one-on-one, private care. As part of their daily routine, LPNs provide essential nursing treat patients that can range from feeding and bathing to checking vital signs and administering medication.
LPNs are often the first signal of contact for family members of patients and are responsible for explaining procedures and care programs.
What Skills Does an LNP Need?
Because LPNS interact with RNs, doctors, patients and their families, it is important that they accept solid communication skills and are able to effectively and compassionately convey of import information. A good bedside fashion is a part of providing care and putting patients at ease. The best LPNs have a genuine passion for caring for others.
Every bit an LPN, you volition also need to accept stiff organizational skills. Nursing is a demanding, fast-paced task where people's health and well-beingness depends on your ability to manage information and multi-job. It can be like shooting fish in a barrel to become frazzled and make simple mistakes if you don't have an organizational method in place.
Peradventure virtually importantly, you need to accept a certain tolerance for claret, bodily fluids and all the different things you volition see, bear on and smell while dealing with the human trunk. Non everyone is cut out for dealing with these challenges and information technology is important to be aware if you have any limits.
Office Five LPN Salary
The median annual bacon for an LPN is $48,820 equally of 2022 according to the BLS. However, LPNs in certain areas can earn over $fifty,000. In fact, the everyman 10 percentage earned less than $35,570, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,520. Those numbers don't include bonuses, overtime, holiday pay, and other benefits. Certain facilities may fifty-fifty offer financial help if you choose to further your educational activity. All of these dissimilar benefits are something to consider as yous shop around for the right chore.
How to Earn More as an LPN
Pay and benefits for LPNs will vary widely co-ordinate to what area of the healthcare system you are working in and your actual location. In general, LPNs can volunteer for available overtime and earn 1.v times their normal salary. Full-time positions also come with holiday pay and sick time. Depending on the healthcare facility, LPNs tin as well earn bonuses and may be able to enroll in profit-sharing programs.
The best mode to earn more coin is to become an RN. From there, yous can earn advanced certifications and become a specialist in a wide variety of areas, including:
- Aesthetic nurse
- Burn down nurse
- Critical Care nurse
- Hospice nurse
- Informatics nurse
- Intensive Intendance nurse
- Newborn Nursery nurse
- Orthopedic nurse
- Psychiatric nurse
- Telehealth nurse
Specializations volition let yous to earn upwards of $90,000 a twelvemonth. Becoming an RN tin can also be a stepping rock to earning your Masters'south in nursing (MSN) or becoming a nurse practitioner, both of which come up with higher salaries and access to upper-level positions.
Highest Paying States for LPNs
If you are flexible virtually relocating, y'all might consider moving to 1 of the pinnacle-paying states for LPNs, according to the BLS, which include:
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $32.51 per hr or $67,620 annually |
| California | $30.81 per 60 minutes or $64,090 annually |
| Massachusetts | $29.04 per 60 minutes or $threescore,400 annually |
| Washington | $28.74 per hr or $59,780 annually |
| Nevada | $28.70 per hour or $59,700 annually |
Top paying metropolitan areas for Licensed Applied and Licensed Vocational Nurses:
- San Jose - Sunnyvale - Santa Clara, CA - $75,950
- Santa Rosa, CA - $ 74,820
- San Francisco - Oakland - Hayward, CA - $ 74,520
- Vallejo - Fairfield, CA - $ 72,350
- Anchorage, AK - $ 69,990
Top paying nonmetropolitan areas for Licensed Applied and Licensed Vocational Nurses:
- Alaska nonmetropolitan area - $68,670
- Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area - $66,690
- Due north Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area - $63,250
- Eastern Oregon nonmetropolitan area - $lx,090
- North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area - $58,470
Function Half-dozen Career Outlook for LPNs/LVNs
One reason that condign an LPN is an attractive career option is that the profession is forecasted to experience double-digit growth over the adjacent few years. Some experts put the growth charge per unit at as high equally 25%.
That means that LPNs will be in need and able to command college salaries as healthcare facilities try to fill positions. This tremendous growth is due largely to an crumbling population that requires medical attention as they live longer, nevertheless experience more chronic wellness problems.
For those who want to offset building a fulfilling career without having to complete all-encompassing schooling, becoming an LPN offers a practical solution.
Instead of acquiring lots of student loan debt, nurses can quickly complete a degree and commencement earning money. Once they begin working, they can choose to farther their education and take on boosted responsibilities in lodge to earn more coin and take access to boosted professional opportunities.
While in that location is a $20,000+ difference between the median starting pay of an LPN and an RN, some people observe that working equally an LPN is more fulfilling because they are able to interact with patients and their families and offering important care that provides condolement during vulnerable and stressful times.
Part Seven How to Become an LPN/LVN
The amount of time it will take to complete your LPN certification depends on which plan you choose and whether you determine to get to school full-time.
There are accelerated programs that can help you earn your certification in just vii months. However, most people finish the program in one-2 years depending on how many credit hours they are able to take.
Steps to Becoming an LPN
one.) Earn a High Schoolhouse Diploma or GED
You must have already earned your high schoolhouse diploma before you can apply for an LPN program.
two. Enroll in an Accredited LPN/LVN Grooming Plan
You tin find LPN programs at many vocational and community colleges. You simply want to brand sure yous're attention an accredited program. The primary accreditation system for LPNs is the National League of Nursing Accrediting Agency (NLNAC)
3. Utilise for Potency to Exam
One time you have successfully completed the certification programme, you lot will need to apply for Authorization to Exam through your local board of nursing and with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
four. Schedule your NCLEX-PN Exam
After you lot have been authorized to test, yous will need to sign upwardly for, and schedule your National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses; AKA your NCLEX-PN exam. There are testing sites located across the country, just spots tend to make full up fast, then you will want to begin the scheduling process as soon as possible. When you register for a date, go on in heed that you will want to allow yourself enough of time to study.
5. Expect For Your Results
Later on you take the exam, you will be able to view your results in as little equally 48 hours. If you lot passed the test, you will be mailed official results and your State Board of Nursing will also mail service y'all your license.
6. Start Working every bit an LPN
Finally, yous tin can start applying for LPN jobs and begin your career as an LPN.
Opportunities for LPN Career Advancement
While working as an LPN can be a lucrative and fulfilling career, it doesn't provide the same opportunities for upward mobility as other, more avant-garde, nursing degrees. That beingness said, there are some certifications that can demonstrate extensive knowledge in a certain area and allow you to offering specialized skills. For example, LPNs can earn:
- Patient counseling certification
- Four certification
- Advanced life support certification
- Long-term and hospice care certification
For those interested in beginning an LPN plan, there are enough of options. Chances are that your local customs college and/or vocational school offers accredited LPN programs. This ways that you can earn a valuable certification while paying affordable tuition fees.
When choosing the best plan for y'all, expect for those that have been accredited, which ways that they take been able to run across and maintain a certain standard of didactics and educational excellence. While you don't take to enroll in an accredited program, it will help you down the road as you wait to employ for jobs and further your pedagogy.
Attain's LPN to BSN programme is for LPNs or LVNs who wish to go directly to a BSN. This course of report is a Credit-by-Test LPN to BSN Span Plan, which is ideal for those LPNs seeking to advance their careers. The Test-Out Bridge Plan makes achieving your BSN faster and more affordable, and previous college credits will count toward your advanced degree. Prior to choosing a "test out" selection, students should ensure their nursing program of option volition accept "testing out" in identify of required courses. All applicants must exist current LVN or LPN.
Function Eight Top Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs
In that location are numerous programs that gear up students to get licensed practical nurses and our panel of nurses ranked them based on factors mentioned in the methodology. Because private nursing pathways and careers accept various forms, the top x LPN programs are ranked in no item order.
This list is based on a number of factors including:
- Reputation
- Tuition
- Acceptance charge per unit, when available
- Only ACEN or CCNE accredited schools are eligible
Nurse Panel
Our selection console is made up of 3 Registered Nurses with years of feel and multiple degrees:
- Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
- Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
- Kathleen Gaines, MSN, BSN, RN, BA, CBC
1. Santa Barbara Community College
- Program Cost: $iv,690
- Online: No
- Program Length: 3 semesters
Santa Barbara Community College, located across the road from the embankment, offers a total-time, 3-semester vocational nursing plan that leads to licensure in California, the highest-paying land for practical or vocational nurses. SBCC accepts new students into the cohort every eighteen months, and graduates of the certificate program tin can transition into an associate of scientific discipline in vocational nursing if they want. Best of all, SBCC charges the same tuition charge per unit to all students, including those from out-of-state.
ii. Edmonds College
- In-Country Program Cost: $8,138.88 Out-of-State Plan Price: $20,972.sixteen
- Online: Hybrid
- Program Length: 21 months
Located in Lynnwood, Washington, Edmonds Higher provides the local community with various programs that lead to high-growth fields. The Higher's practical nursing plan takes 21 months, equivalent to seven quarters, to complete, and applicants tin only brainstorm studying during the fall quarter. Courses use a hybrid format, significant students complete some theory courses online but earn practical experience in-person. To qualify for the program, students demand to have a 2.75 GPA on their high school transcripts and pass the Examination of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) which is offered through Edmonds College.
3. Career Applied science Center of Lackawanna County
- Plan Cost: $thirteen,200
- Online: No
- Program Length: 15 months
The Career Applied science Center of Lackawanna County, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers a practical nursing program that is a 52-calendar week course of study extended over 15 months, on a five day per week basis. Approximately 50 percent of the time is spent in the classroom and l pct of the time is spent in clinical experience. Students in the program split up their studies evenly between coursework and clinical feel, and CTCLC connects applied nursing students with clinical opportunities throughout the region. Graduates can get licensed in Pennsylvania and find work in major nearby cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.
4. Northland Community & Technical Higher
- Program Price: $xi,141.80
- Online: Hybrid
- Plan Length: fifteen months
Based primarily in Eastward M Forks, Minnesota, just with locations in Thief River Falls and online, Northland Community & Technical College reaches prospective practical nurses across the state. The college'due south program comes either entirely on-campus or in a hybrid format with some courses offered online. In total, practical nursing students consummate 44 credits, and most students graduate in three semesters. Graduates from 2015-2019 enjoyed no worse than an 86% NCLEX-PN pass rate, consistently higher than the national average.
5. Helena College
- In-State Programme Cost: $5,173 Out-of-Country Program Cost: $xiv,312
- Online: No
- Plan Length: xv months
Located in Montana's upper-case letter, Helena College boasts perhaps the all-time practical nursing programme in the region with 100% of recent students graduating from the plan, passing the NCLEX-PN, and finding a practical nursing position within six months of graduating. The certificate takes 3 semesters to complete with students taking roughly the same number of courses each semester. Graduates can besides choose to enroll in Helena College'due south LPN-RN program if they want to continue on to an RN license.
6. Florida Gateway College
- In-State Program Cost: $6,521.55
- Online: No
- Program Length: 12 months
Florida Gateway Higher, based in Lake City, offers an array of nursing programs, including a 12-calendar month applied nursing certificate. The practical nursing plan begins every leap, and graduates regularly enjoy NCLEX-PN pass rates well above both country and national averages. While the program leads to certification in Florida, LPNs can transfer their license to 33 other states thanks to the enhanced Nurse Licensure Meaty. Those who live in Florida can also accept reward of a low in-state tuition rate.
7. Copper Mountain College
- Program Price: $4,837
- Online: No
- Program Length: 3 semesters
Copper Mountain College, a large independent college located virtually Joshua Tree, California, offers a high-quality didactics at an affordable toll. The vocational nursing program takes three semesters to complete, though some students demand to complete prerequisite courses. Total-time students begin studying in June and graduate the following May. Copper Mountain College requires students to study at least 5 days a week with some courses completed on weekends or during the evening.
8. River Valley Community College
- In-Land Plan Cost: $seven,740 Out-of-State Plan Cost: $17,640
- Online: No
- Programme Length: 15 months
A regional leader in education, River Valley Community College serves the New Hampshire cities of Claremont, Keene, and Lebanon. Courses in the practical nursing program blends classroom learning with simulations followed eventually by clinical experience. In full, nursing students earn 36 credits over iii semesters of study. Graduates laissez passer the NCLEX-PN at a higher charge per unit than the national average, and 100% of graduates discover employment as LPNs within six months of completing the program. Within half dozen months of graduation from the River Valley Community College Nursing Program, ninety percentage (90%) of the graduates will be employed as either Practical or Registered Professional person Nurses.
9. Alvin Customs College
- In-Land Programme Cost: $11,396 Out-of-State Program Cost: $15,620
- Online: No
- Programme Length: 12 months
Alvin Customs College, one of the top two-year institutions in Texas, has a 44-credit LVN certificate program that takes just one year to complete. During the program, vocational nursing students complete clinicals in the nearby surface area, and graduates get qualified to take the NCLEX-PN and work as LVNs in Texas. Anyone who then wants to earn their RN license can enroll in ACC'southward transition RN plan. For those looking to work as a vocational nurse in Texas, ACC's low costs provide a keen route to licensure.
10. Reynolds Customs Higher
- In-State Program Cost: $seven,330.forty Out-of-State Program Toll: $16,134.eighty
- Online: No
- Program Length: 5 Semesters
Richmond, Virginia-based Reynolds Community College offers a iii-semester practical nursing program that's ideal for anyone located in the area who can take advantage of the in-state tuition rate. The programme has seen students succeed in recent years with all test takers passing the NCLEX-PN on their beginning try in 2022 and 2018. Students learn various useful skills and can use the community college's connections to aid observe their first LPN position afterward graduating.
Part Ix How to Accelerate Your LPN Career
Beingness an LPN is a flexible career path that will allow you lot to explore different areas of nursing and find your passion. While you might have been drawn to a certain area during school, you might find that once you are on the job, you are inspired past a completely dissimilar area of healthcare.
As an LPN, yous'll have many opportunities to advance your nursing career. Hither are just a few:
Go From LPN to RN
Becoming an RN requires either an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Scientific discipline in Nursing. Withal, there are LPN to RN bridge programs that tin make this process shorter.
Achieve'southward LPN to BSN program is for LPNs or LVNs who wish to get directly to a BSN. This course of written report is a Credit-by-Exam LPN to BSN Span Program, which is ideal for those LPNs seeking to accelerate their careers. The Test-Out Span Program makes achieving your BSN faster and more affordable, and previous higher credits will count toward your advanced degree. Prior to choosing a "test out" option, students should ensure their nursing program of pick will take "testing out" in place of required courses. All applicants must be electric current LVN or LPN.
Go From LPN to NP
The path from an LPN to an NP tin can be a long and challenging process, but it likewise provides a whole host of fiscal and professional person benefits. Once you accept earned your LPN, you will need to:
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a similar 4-year degree. Your best bet is to go for a BSN because it will provide you will valuable and relevant coursework and plenty of clinical experience.
- Become a registered nurse by passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Gain one-2 years of experience working every bit a registered nurse.
- Once you have gained some job feel, you can apply for a graduate degree in nursing, which can have one.v – years to consummate.
- From there, you volition need to choose a specialty and consummate specific coursework along with at least 500 hours of supervised clinical hours.
- Finally, you will accept to pass a comprehensive exam in your specialty. Both local and national licensure organizations will need to approve your licensing. Yous can learn more than specifics at the American Nurses Credentialing Heart.
Earn Specialty LPN Certifications
As an LPN, you can easily transition into different areas of healthcare and become an adept through certification programs. There are over 20 specialty certifications for LPNs.
These certifications will make you lot meliorate qualified to work in certain areas and there are plenty of opportunities available. Hither are only a few examples:
- Certified Hemodialysis LPN
- Certified Peritoneal Dialysis LPN
- Developmental Disabilities LPN
- IV Therapy LPN
- Long-Term Intendance LPN
- Transplant Coordinator LPN
- Urology LPN
- Wound Care LPN
Part Ten Where Can I Work every bit an LPN?
If you want to use your LPN certification to piece of work in a hospital setting, you may find that you face strong competition when it comes to securing a position. A lot of hospitals are choosing to limit the number of LPNs they hire and instead consul duties betwixt RNs and nurses' aides.
While this isn't true across the board, areas that are struggling with monetary issues may not be offer as many opportunities to LPNs.
The greatest area for growth is in the long-term care and hospice area. As mentioned above, Americans are living longer but experiencing poorer health. This means that they demand more aid with essential care from a qualified provider.
If you are looking to capitalize on your certification await for jobs in private advertisement hospice care or home health intendance where you volition accept the best chance of receiving offers from multiple facilities.
When yous are feeling at your worst, an LPN is often your first point of contact. They serve an important function inside the healthcare system and tin add a human impact to scary medical situations.
Different most jobs, LPNs need to possess a certain combination of skills, noesis and compassion in order to provide essential intendance when ailing patients and their families need it nigh.
Information technology is a demanding job, but for those who love caring for people, nothing could exist more fulfilling. Ultimately, there will be no shortage of demand for this unique type of individual who is willing to kindness and assistance.
Part Eleven Where Tin I Learn More than Virtually LPNs?
If y'all still have questions about what it means to be an LPN, what this career path could mean for your future and how to go started, you have a couple of options:
- Check out our LPN to RN guide to discover out how you can accelerate your career with an RN degree.
- Visit and contact professional associations, such as:
- National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN)
- American Nurses Clan (ANA)
- National Association for Practical Nurse Instruction and Service (NAPNES)
Office Twelve Related Healthcare Careers
If y'all're interested in becoming an LPN, you might also want to check out these other healthcare careers:
- Medical Banana
- Medical Coding & Billing
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Pharmacy Technician
Source: https://nurse.org/resources/licensed-practical-nurse-lpn-lvn/
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