Important Facts About This Field of Study
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent; CPR coursework may be required for admission |
| Degree/Certificate Levels | Undergraduate certificates, diplomas, and associate's degrees available |
| Online Availability | Partially available online; some schools offer online coursework with on-site labs and clinicals |
| Continuing Education | Ongoing education is required to maintain licensure |
| Median Salary (May 2021) | $48,070 (for all licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031) | 6% (for all licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Common Coursework
LPN programs consist of classroom lectures, skill-building laboratories, and hands-on clinical practice. Clinical practice activities are usually conducted in a hospital setting under the direct supervision of licensed medical professionals. Required coursework typically includes:
- Medical surgical nursing
- Geriatric nursing practice
- Maternal and child nursing
- Pharmacology
- Mental health nursing
Licensing
After graduating from a practical nursing program, you'll be prepared to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which tests your knowledge and skills in practical nursing practices. Eligibility requirements for the exam may vary by state but usually include completion of an accredited practical nursing program with clinical experiences.
The exam covers topics in the categories of health promotion and maintenance, safe and effective care environment, physiological integrity, and psychosocial integrity. You'll take the exam on a computer, and the format will include multiple-choice, ordered-response, and fill-in-the-blank calculation questions.
