Licensed Practical Nursing
Overview
Programs in licensed practical nursing prepare people to work as LPNs or vocational nurses under the supervision of a doctor, registered nurse, or dentist.Licensed practical nursing programs include topics such as:
- Patient care
- Patient health education
- Patient examinations and treatment
Schools
Many career and technical schools as well as many community colleges and two-year schools offer certificate programs in licensed practical nursing. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Advanced Nursing
- Anesthesiologist Assisting
- Food, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies
- Health Aide
- Medical Assisting
- Nursing Assisting
- Nursing Education
- Pre-Nursing
- Registered Nursing
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Home Health Aides
- Medical Assistants
- Nurse Midwives
- Nursing Assistants
- Orderlies
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Registered Nurses
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Admission to licensed practical nursing programs is competitive, so make sure to get good grades.
Additional requirements at most schools include:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) designation
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Knowledge of CPR and first aid
- Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English well
- Criminal background check
- Immunizations
- Letters of recommendation
- Course work in nutrition, algebra, anatomy, and physiology
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Biology courses
- Advanced Chemistry courses
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Physics
- Pre-Calculus
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Advanced Practical Nursing
- Clinical Skills/Lab Practicum
- Fundamentals of Practical Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
- Maternal/Newborn Nursing
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Medical Terminology
- Nursing Skills
- Nutrition
- Pediatric Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
Nearly all licensed practical nurse programs require you to participate in several clinical and laboratory rotations. This means that you work and study in hospitals and medical centers under the supervision of doctors, nurses, and professors. Typically you "rotate" through different hospital units, such as pediatrics, maternity, and surgery. Students learn practical skills firsthand while also learning what it's like to be a licensed practical nurse. They learn to apply their course work to real-life situations. Rotations also give students valuable experience that they can apply to their work after they complete their degree.
Things to Know
After you graduate you need to pass an exam to become licensed to provide nursing care in your state.
Many licensed practical nurses (LPNs) decide to study an additional year to become a registered nurse (RN). Others decide to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This degree allows you to advance to supervisory positions.
Many employers will pay for some or all of your tuition if you are working for them as an LPN and decide to enroll in an RN program.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Edmonds Community College
- Practical Nurse (LPN)
Green River College
- Nursing--Practical Nursing
Kitsap Area
Olympic College
- Practical Nursing
Spokane Area
Spokane Community College
- Nursing
Tacoma Area
Bates Technical College
- Practical Nurse
Clover Park Technical College
- Practical Nursing
West Side Area
Grays Harbor College
- Practical Nursing (LPN)