How to Become an LPN: Steps to Getting Your Licensed Practical Nurse Certification

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program constitutes a foundational training component within the U.S. nursing education system, designed to prepare students to become qualified licensed practical nurses. LPNs are tasked with providing basic patient care services, typically under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or physicians. The program emphasizes the acquisition of practical skills to facilitate rapid entry into the healthcare field. The following provides a comprehensive overview of LPN programs, encompassing admission requirements, program structure, curriculum content, costs, licensure examination, and career prospects.

1. Admission Requirements

Enrollment in an LPN program necessitates meeting specific criteria, which vary by institution and state but generally include:

• Age and Educational Background: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma (High School Diploma) or have passed the General Education Development (GED) examination. Many programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5.

• Prerequisite Courses: Completion of prerequisite courses, such as biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, mathematics, and English, is typically required. These courses may be completed at community colleges or online to establish foundational knowledge.

• Entrance Examinations: Passing an entrance exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or a similar assessment, is required to evaluate proficiency in reading, mathematics, science, and English. Certain programs mandate a proficient TEAS score.

• Health and Background Checks: Requirements include a physical examination, vaccinations (e.g., COVID-19, influenza, tuberculosis screening), drug screening, and a criminal background check (Criminal Background Check). Additionally, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification may be necessary.

• Additional Requirements: Competitive programs may require letters of recommendation, a personal statement, or an interview. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL scores.

2. Program Duration and Types

LPN programs are structured to enable rapid completion to meet the healthcare industry’s demand for nurses. Duration varies by institution and format:

• Standard Duration: Most programs span 12 months (equivalent to three semesters) for full-time study. Accelerated programs may be completed in 6-10 months, while some extend to 1-2 years, particularly those incorporating additional general education for associate degrees.

• Program Types:

▸Full-time: Full-time LPN programs, lasting three quarters (fall to spring), accommodate 40 students. These are suitable for students aiming for rapid graduation.（ https://www.greenriver.edu/students/academics/areas-of-interest/nursing/practical-nursing/program-overview.html ）

▸Part-time: Hybrid or online part-time options, spanning six quarters, have smaller capacities (16-24 students) and suit individuals with work or family responsibilities.

▸Hybrid/Online Formats: Many institutions offer online theoretical instruction combined with on-site laboratory and clinical practice. Accelerated programs emphasize intensive schedules, including year-round classes and extended daily hours.

▸Credit and Hour Requirements: Typical programs comprise 38-90 credits and 500-750 hours of clinical practice. Certain states mandate minimum clinical hours to ensure sufficient practical experience.（ https://campusce.monroecc.edu/monroecc/course/course.aspx?C=873 ）

3. Curriculum Content and Structure

LPN programs integrate theoretical knowledge, skill training, and clinical practice, focusing on developing practical nursing competencies. The structure typically encompasses classroom instruction, laboratory simulations, and clinical internships. A minimum grade of C (or 2.5) is required to pass each course.

Core Courses:

•Basic Sciences: Human Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Microbiology provide an understanding of bodily functions and diseases.

▸Nursing Foundations: Foundations of Practical Nursing cover patient assessment, vital sign monitoring, wound care, and basic nursing skills.

▸Pharmacology: Content includes medication administration, dosage calculations, and side effect monitoring.

▸Specialized Nursing: Areas include Maternal-Child Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Gerontological Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Medical-Surgical Nursing.

▸General Education: Courses such as English, mathematics, psychology, and sociology enhance communication and critical thinking.

▸Professional Skills: Topics include Health Promotion, infection control, safety, and ethical considerations.

▸Instructional Methods: High-fidelity manikins (Manikins) are utilized for laboratory training, featuring adult, pediatric, and obstetric models, along with observation and debriefing rooms.

4. Clinical and Practical Experience

Clinical practice forms a core component of LPN programs, typically accounting for 30-50% of the curriculum. Students participate in rotations in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or home care settings to apply learned skills.

•Requirements: Completion of designated hours of supervised practice is mandated, involving tasks such as patient care, medication administration, and documentation in local healthcare facilities.

•Example: The Dallas College program includes clinical rotations in healthcare facilities, requiring drug testing and background checks. These experiences facilitate adaptation to real-world scenarios and preparation for the NCLEX-PN examination.

5.Licensure and Examination

Completion of the program requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to obtain licensure.

•Examination Content: Topics include coordinated care, safety and infection control, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, basic care and comfort, pharmacological therapies, risk reduction, and physiological adaptation. A minimum of 85 questions must be answered, with a five-hour duration.

•Costs and Preparation: The examination fee, approximately $200, varies by state. Programs typically incorporate preparation, including mock tests. Retakes are permitted after a 45-day interval.（ https://nightingale.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-licensed-practical-nurse.html ）

•License Renewal: Renewal occurs every few years, requiring continuing education credits and fees.

6.Career Prospects

LPN roles are in high demand within the healthcare industry, particularly in an aging society.

•Employment Growth: A 3% growth is projected from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 54,400 annual job openings, driven by retirements and increased chronic conditions.（ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm ）

•Salary: The median annual salary in 2024 is $62,340 (hourly $29.97). The top 10% earn over $80,510. High-paying industries include government ($66,370) and nursing facilities ($64,170). The highest-paying state is California ($76,580).（ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm ）

•Work Settings: Nursing facilities, hospitals, home healthcare, physician offices, and government. Roles may involve night shifts, weekends, and extended hours.