LPN Certification and Certificate Programs
In order to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), also known as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), individuals need to complete an accredited certificate or diploma program. They then qualify to sit for a licensing examination.
LPN Certificate Programs
Many 2-year community colleges and trade schools offer LPN certificate programs. Students can earn a certificate in licensed practical nursing within a year, or 2-3 semesters. During that time, they gain nursing experience through both classroom and laboratory work - learning how to care for patients across a variety of healthcare settings.
Educational Prerequisites
Aspiring students must first earn a high school diploma or GED certificate. Colleges may also require applicants to pass basic aptitude tests, which gauge fundamental English and math skills. Additionally, some schools necessitate that applicants complete introductory biology courses before enrolling.
Certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing
While earning an LPN certificate, students learn how to apply didactic lessons in a clinical setting. Common courses cover:
- Human behavior
- Critical thinking
- Nutrition
- Patient care
- Anatomy
- Pharmacology
- NCLEX preparation
LPN Certification
The National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses is commonly known as the NCLEX-PN. Registration for the examination can be secured through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (www.ncsbn.org). Taking the exam requires submission of education transcripts and paying a registration fee.
The NCLEX-PN is a pass or fail exam using a Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) process. It features pertinent nursing questions, which require both written and practical answers. Once a student successfully completes the exam, licensure to officially become an LPN is granted.
Continuing Education Information
LPNs can go on to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing, both of which qualify them to take the NCLEX for registered nurses (RNs). Registered nurses supervise licensed practical nurses and work more closely with physicians.
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24 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
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Associate
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- AS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
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Master
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- RN to MSN in Nursing - Nurse Administrator
- RN to MSN in Nursing - Nurse Educator
- RN to MSN in Nursing - Nursing Informatics
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- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
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- Doctorate
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Bachelor
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- BS in Nursing - General
- BS in Health Studies - General
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
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Master
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- BSN in RN-to-BSN/MSN Combined Option (CCNE-accredited)
- MSN in Diabetes Nursing
- MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration
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- MSN in RN-to-MSN Diabetes Nursing
- MSN in RN-to-MSN General Nursing
- MSN in RN-to-MSN Nursing Leadership and Admin
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- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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- Arizona (5 campuses)
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Associate
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- AA in Health Care Administration
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- Associate of Arts Foundations in Health Care Administration
- Associate of Arts Foundations in Health Care Administration/Medical Records
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- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
School locations:
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Master
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- Master of Science - Nursing
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- Master of Science in Education - Allied Health Teaching and Leadership
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Bachelor
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- RN to BSN
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- BS in Health Science
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School locations:
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Nursing
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
