You can become an LPN in nine to 12 months.
If you are looking for the fast track to becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN), consider a nine- to 12-month training program. There are accelerated courses and programs designed especially for those who just graduated high school, or are looking for a career change. An LPN works with patients, assists doctors and helps registered nurses in caring for patients. You must have a high school diploma or a GED to begin and LPN training program.
About LPNs
An LPN works with patients in a variety of health fields. They assist with toileting patients, IV's, and other helpful tasks that help to ensure a patient's comfort. LPN's often directly assist doctors and work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. In the states of California and Texas, an LPN is called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). Both LPN's and LVN's do the same type of work.
Requirements
In order to begin an LPN training course, you first must take, and pass, the pre-admission examination for practical/vocational nursing (PAX-PN). Having your high school diploma, or equivalent makes you a candidate to take the PAX-PN. According to www.test-preparation.ca/nursing, the test is broken down into three sections: math, verbal and science. You are given approximately one hour to complete each section.
Fast Training
Many community colleges, trade schools and vocational schools have one-year, full-time LPN programs for individuals who have passed the PAX-PN. Several companies offer a LPN training online, making their graduates eligible to take the LPN board exam upon completion. Three reputable online schools for LPN training include: University of Phoenix, the College Network, and Kaplan University. Each program arranges for lab work and internships to be done in a student's own city or town.
Responsibilities
As an LPN, your job duties will vary depending on the type of medical field you enter. LPN's assist with all aspects of general patient care, including helping patients go to the bathroom and cleaning up after patients. Many job duties differentiate LPN's from CNA's, for example, LPN's dispense medications to patients, under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. They may also draw blood for testing. LPN's answer the phone, dress wounds, monitor vitals, and treat bedsores, however LPN's cannot inject anything into a patient's body.
Future Prospects
LPNs will be in great demand over the next decade. The outlook for all nursing positions continues to grow, while the country increases its elderly population. According to the website www.nursingdegreeguide.org, the national average for LPNs is $16 per hour. This is expected to increase. Nursing shortages may hospitals and medical offices to hire more LPNs to work under RNs.
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