Find out about how long it takes to become a licensed practical nurse, from enrolling in a training program to obtaining your license.
Are you looking to enter the medical field quickly? Perhaps you've been researching entry-level medical jobs and started hearing about licensed practical nurses.
At any rate, you're wondering how long it takes to become a licensed practical nurse. How long is the training, and how much longer will you have to wait to become licensed?
Keep reading as we explore these and related questions.
What is a Licensed Practical Nurse?
A licensed practical nurse, or LPN, is a healthcare worker who provides basic medical care. LPNs typically work under the supervision of a physician or a registered nurse.
Some of an LPN's many job duties include:
- checking vital signs
- applying and changing bandages
- assisting with bathing and feeding
- assessing patients
- administering first aid and CPR
In addition to patient care, licensed practical nurses are expected to maintain open communication channels with patients, family members, and other caregivers. They must also assist with keeping patient records up to date.
As such, they must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Licensed practical nurses work in a variety of settings. Many work in hospitals and outpatient clinics, while others work in long-term care facilities and private residences.
LPNs work long hours that often include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Licensed practical nurses earn a median annual salary of around $48,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
<h2 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToBecomeALicensedPracticalNurse">How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse?</h2><p>LPN training programs typically provide a quick entry into the medical field, but exactly how long it takes to complete the training depends on whether you are studying full-time or part-time.
</p><p>Full-time students usually complete their training programs within a year or so. Part-time students may take two or more years.
</p><p>Once you have completed your training, you will have to allow some additional time for taking and passing your National Council Licensure Examination and receiving your license.
</p><p>So, in most cases, it takes a little over a year up to two and a half years from the time you start training as an LPN until you can start working in the field.
</p><h2 id="section---WhatIsTheDifferenceBetweenALicensedPracticalNurseAndARegisteredNurse">What is the Difference Between a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Registered Nurse?</h2><p>You've probably heard about both RNs and LPNs; perhaps you assumed the two phrases were interchangeable.
</p><p>However, LPNs and RNs are not exactly the same.
</p><p>LPNs are entry-level nurses that provide basic care and work directly with their patients. Meanwhile, RNs provide advanced care when necessary, supervise LPNs, and work more closely with the patients' doctors than the patients themselves.
</p><p>Whereas a licensed practical nurse may monitor vital signs and assist a patient with dressing, a registered nurse may administer medications, insert IVs, and perform diagnostic tests.
</p><p>LPNs are in charge of basic recordkeeping, but RNs may establish or assist with establishing patient care plans.
</p><p>As you might imagine, RNs receive more advanced training than LPNs. They must complete either an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing. LPNs complete a training program but do not receive a degree.
</p><p>RNs also earn higher salaries than LPNs. According to the BLS, registered nurses earn $77,600 a year on average.
</p><h2 id="section---HowCanIBecomeALicensedPracticalNurse">How Can I Become a Licensed Practical Nurse?</h2><p>Becoming an LPN is an excellent way to break into the medical field as you work toward your ultimate career goals. Let's talk about the steps you need to take to pursue this career.
</p><h3 id="section---Step1CompleteAPracticalNursingProgram">Step 1: Complete a Practical Nursing Program</h3><p>As noted above, licensed practical nurses must complete a training program in practical nursing. These programs are available through colleges and training hospitals and typically take about a year to complete.
</p><p>Upon graduating from a practical nursing program, you will receive a diploma rather than a degree.
</p><h3 id="section---Step2PassTheNCLEXPNExam">Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam</h3><p>Once you have your diploma, the next step is to pass your National Council Licensing Examination, or NCLEX exam.
</p><p>This organization administers tests for both LPNs and RNs; the specific test you will need to take to become an LPN is the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, or NCLEX-PN.
</p><p>You can typically take this test within a month of graduating with your diploma. If you do not pass the first time, you must wait at least 45 days before you are eligible to take it again.
</p><h3 id="section---Step3GetLicensed">Step 3: Get Licensed</h3><p>Finally, you will need to obtain a license to work as an LPN within your state.
</p><p>License requirements can vary somewhat from state to state. But in every case, you will need to provide proof of graduation from a practical nursing program and proof of passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
</p><p>You may also need to pay an application fee and submit to a background check.
</p><p>Once you have obtained your license, you can begin applying for jobs as a licensed practical nurse in your state.
</p><h2 id="section---StartYourLPNJourneyToday">Start Your LPN Journey Today</h2><p>Licensed practical nursing is a great entry-level career for those hoping to break into the medical field. You can typically complete your training within a year and be working in as little as a month or two following graduation.</p>
