What Is the Shortest Time To Become an LPN? Fast-Track LPN
Becoming an LPN won't take long if you enroll in an accelerated LPN program, take prerequisites at a community college, and utilize flexible online LPN courses.
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (also sometimes called a Licensed Vocational Nurse, LVN) is a fulfilling career for many individuals. LPNs require more education than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) but less than Registered Nurses (RNs).
All LPNs must complete specific education and licensing requirements before being allowed to practice as a nurse. You can choose from accredited online LPN programs that fit your needs and schedule to give yourself added flexibility when finishing your education.
You could also select an accelerated LPN program if you want to finish your education even faster and get to work in your dream healthcare career.
What Is the Fastest Way To Become an LPN?
On average, LPN programs can take up to a year to complete. If you are only working through your program on a part-time basis, this timeline may extend to a year and a half. However, accelerated LPN programs, online nursing programs, and other time-saving steps can shorten your timeline to around six to nine months.
It's important to note that an LPN program is not a bachelor's degree or an associate degree program. These nursing programs are formal training programs that result in a non-degree nursing diploma, direct patient care knowledge, and practical skills. However, once you are an LPN, many colleges offer fast-track LPN to RN bridge programs online that allow you to take your nursing career to the next level quickly.
We give you some essential steps below to speed up the process of becoming an LPN.
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Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
1. Choose an Accelerated LPN Program
Accelerated LPN programs are key to speeding up the time it takes for you to start your career in healthcare. With an accelerated LPN program, you can complete your education in as little as six months. Many of these programs do not have any specific education requirements outside of a high school diploma, so you can enroll in an accelerated LPN program at any phase of your life.
2. Consider Online Programs
Online programs can be taken at your own pace, and an online LPN program is a great way to fit your education into your lifestyle easily. With an online LPN education, you can take advantage of flexible scheduling and courses that tend to be faster-paced, letting you complete your education as quickly as possible.
Admission requirements are typically less stringent for online LPN programs, and you may only need a GED or high school diploma to apply. This allows you to enroll in a practical nursing program easily in a way that can fit your needs.
3. Use Community College Resources
Community colleges are a great way to meet basic prerequisite courses for your LPN program or to complete select courses in preparation for your LPN program. When you have certain classes out of the way, you can focus on your LPN-specific education and get the program completed faster. Plus, many community colleges offer tuition discounts to in-state students and have cheap online classes to make your LPN education affordable.
What Are the Benefits of Enrolling in Fast-Track LPN Programs Online?
When you enroll in a fast-track LPN program online, you can work through the course at a pace that suits you. Online classes are generally quicker to complete, and you can fit your education into your schedule if you are a working professional or a non-traditional student. Online LPN programs are also usually cheaper overall, which can save you money as you pursue your higher education goals.
What To Expect From Fast-Track Medical LPN Programs
While fast-track medical LPN programs can be a great choice for someone trying to achieve their LPN education in as short a time as possible, these programs are not for everyone. It's important to know what to expect from these programs so you are aware of what you are signing up for when you join the program.
To start with, these programs offer fast-paced, accelerated coursework. This means that your LPN program may breeze through more basic concepts in favor of spending more time on advanced nursing subjects. You will need to make sure you understand each section and study hard to keep up with the pace of the course.
Fast-track LPN programs also offer flexibility, especially online programs. You can take these courses whenever it is convenient, and there are usually online resources to help you study and prepare for course examinations.
You should also expect your LPN program to have a clinical learning experience in person near the end of your course, as some clinical experiences and hands-on learning are required before being eligible for licensure in most states. These clinical hours may occur on campus or within a healthcare facility to give students a real-world setting to learn in.
How Long Does It Take To Complete a Fast-Track LPN Program Online?
The length of time it takes for you to complete a fast-track LPN program online varies depending on your exact program and your dedication to the coursework. However, many fast-track programs are designed to be completed within six to nine months. You can take your NCLEX-PN after graduating, and then you will be fully prepared for your nursing career.
What Are the Financial Aid Options for Students Enrolling in Fast-Track LPN Programs Online?
Financial aid options are usually available even when enrolling in fast-track LPN programs online. Many programs offer reduced tuition costs for eligible students, such as those who enroll directly out of high school or those with certain GPAs, and some may offer select scholarships for adult learners, working professionals, and other non-traditional nursing students.
You can also look for scholarships and grants through corporations and private companies, in addition to browsing available scholarships for LPN students on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's website.
Some fast-track LPN programs accept the FAFSA, which is the application used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. Based on the results of this application, some nursing schools may be able to provide you with additional financial aid.
Understanding Licensed Practical Nurse Responsibilities
LPNs have a variety of responsibilities related to patient care and communicating patient needs to RNs and the patient's family. In general, LPN responsibilities include the following:
- working in an organized, fast-paced environment to manage multiple patient care needs
- supervising the work of CNAs or other less experienced LPNs
- monitoring patient's health, including checking vital signs
- performing basic nursing care like changing bandages, handling catheters, and assisting with patient bathing and dressing
- keeping detailed records of patient care and patient needs
- listening to patient concerns and communicating with other staff and the patient's family members
- using critical thinking to address patient concerns and adhere to proper nursing practice regulations
LPNs are generally supervised by RNs in a healthcare setting. Some LPNs may choose to enroll in additional certification programs to gain further knowledge in specific areas, such as patient counseling certifications. LPNs can also enroll in BSN degree programs to eventually become RNs or work towards other higher positions in healthcare facilities and the nursing field.
Explore Online Programs for the Healthcare Industry Today
A career in the healthcare industry is rewarding to many, and you may be eager to start your education to achieve your LPN goals. Check out Learn.org for more information about full-time and part-time online programs that prepare you for the nursing profession or other healthcare fields so you can begin the next phase of your career.
