3 Things You Should Know About LPN Training Programs
In some regards, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse is the best of both worlds. On average LPNs make more than certified nursing assistants (CNA or nurses aids). CNA’s also don’t have to go through the same length of schooling as a registered nurse (RN). Becoming an LPN requires roughly 12-18 months of a training program and pursuing a license. That’s less school than becoming an RN which requires a college degree¹.
Becoming an LPN doesn’t require a college degree but does require formal training and education. If you clicked on this article, you’re probably curious about what an LPN training program looks like. LPN programs vary in some regards (especially from state to state). Still, you’ll want to expect and prepare for the following:
1. You’ll go to class and clinicals
LPN programs are hands-on education. This means your education won’t be limited to books and blackboards, so to speak.
LPN programs include clinical experience to train their students. In fact, clinicals are a major part of LPN programs. During clinical training, students get to experience working in real-world healthcare settings while applying the knowledge and practicing the skills they learned in the classroom.
Patient care is the main focus of an LPN’s position. It’s important to practice this before completing an LPN program, to know if it’s the right fit for you. Beware of any LPN program that doesn’t include clinical work. These programs will not allow you the experience required to make the most of your training as you pursue your new career as an LPN.
If you find yourself uninterested in taking care of patients directly, there may be another path you to pursue in the healthcare field. For example, a medical office assistant or medical billing assistant role could be a better fit.
Most schools will have a clinical setting either on their campus or have an arrangement with nearby medical factilities². Be sure to come to clinicals with proper supplies (many programs will provide these) and a notebook to write notes. While at clinicals you will likely be exposed to different areas of patient care. This is a good opportunity to think about what care you may want to specialize in after school.
2. You’ll want to adopt and practice study skills
While an LPN program isn’t as much school as becoming an RN, it is still school. Meaning you’ll be expected to finish assignments, take notes, and study. LPN courses are reading-heavy. Not only is the reading time-consuming, but it’s full of information you’ll be expected to use daily in your LPN career.
The NCLEX-PN® exam is what you’ll challenge in order to pursue your license after completing your LPN program. Without passing this exam, you cannot be employed as an LPN (after all, the L in LPN stands for Licensed). Developing good study skills in your LPN program can make preparing for your licensure exam much easier.
Some basic important study skills are listed below:
- Rewrite your notes in a way you can remember them
- Ask good questions
- Manage your time effectively; try establishing an agenda³
3. Prepare for the workload
All nurses work hard. LPN’s work a lot; they average 40 hours a week and often take on overtime. Similarly, an LPN program is a major workload to take on. School always takes effort, drive, and time.
LPN programs require a lot of time-consuming work such as reading and clinicals (as stated above).
Because LPN programs are so short (roughly a year on average) a lot of material is covered in a short time span. An LPN program will have a workload similar to a full-time job so it’s important to make sure you’re ready for that commitment.
It takes dedication and effort to complete an LPN program. It might seem overwhelming. However, the rewards of becoming an LPN can be great.
LPN Program in Michigan | Dorsey College
If you’re in the state of Michigan and in search of an LPN program, consider Dorsey College. Dorsey College offers a Practical Nurse program at several of its Michigan campuses.
The Practical Nurse program at Dorsey College is designed to be completed in one year. The courses feature both classroom learning and real-life clinical experience. Both experiences are important for students as they prepare to challenge the NCLEX-PN® exam. In order to become licensed, you must pass the NCLEX-PN® exam. Without passing the NCLEX-PN exam you cannot be employed as an LPN.
There are several nursing topics covered in the Practical Nurse program including:
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Practical Nursing Fundamentals
- Medical Math Calculations
- Pharmacology and Medication Delivery
- Mental Health Concepts
- Medical and Surgical Nursing
- Maternal and Newborn Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
The Dorsey College Practical Nurse program can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue your career in nursing. If you want to become an LPN let Dorsey College help you get started.
Dorsey College has determined that its Practical Nurse program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district, or US territory in regards to nursing licensure requirements.
Sources
- “Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) vs. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).” Medical Assistant Schools, https://www.medicalassistantschools.com/specialty/certified-nursing-assistant/lpn-vs-cna/.
- “Looking at LPN Clinicals.” Healthcare Careers Guide, 30 June 2021, https://www.healthcarecareersguide.com/lpn-clinicals/.
- “Top 10 Study Skills and Techniques.” Indeed Career Guide, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/top-study-skills-and-techniques
- “Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8 Sept. 2021, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm.
