How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse: A Comprehensive Guide

The healthcare industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, with Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) playing a crucial role in patient care. If you're passionate about healthcare but not quite ready for the commitment of a Registered Nurse (RN), becoming an LPN is a great starting point.

What is an LPN?

LPNs, or Licensed Practical Nurses, are healthcare professionals responsible for both patient care and some administrative tasks. They work under the supervision of RNs and doctors, performing essential health checks, and assisting with medical procedures. Despite their limited scope of practice, LPNs are an invaluable part of any healthcare team.

The Value of Becoming an LPN

The demand for healthcare professionals is higher than ever, and LPNs are no exception. With a growing population and aging baby boomers, the need for skilled professionals in home care, residential homes, clinics, and physicians' offices is increasing. Although hospitals may prefer RNs due to their broader scope of practice and medical knowledge, LPNs can still secure employment in various healthcare settings.

Compensation and Benefits

The national average base salary for an LPN in the United States is $30,130 per year. This competitive salary reflects the importance of LPNs in today's healthcare landscape.

The Steps to Become an LPN

Prerequisites

To become an LPN, you need to have a high school diploma. Don't worry if you don't have one, as you can take the GED (General Educational Development) test.

Step 1: Pass the TEAS Exam

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is necessary to ensure that you have the academic skills required for nursing school. The cost of the exam can range from $65 to $140, depending on where you take it.

Learn more about the TEAS exam

Step 2: Enroll in an LPN Program

After passing the TEAS exam, your next step is to enroll in an LPN program. These programs cover essential skills and knowledge for a career in practical nursing, including topics such as nursing biology, pharmacology, and more.

LPN programs are available at many vocational and community colleges. Ensure that you attend an accredited program to meet educational requirements. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) is the main accreditation organization for LPNs.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam

Upon graduating from your LPN program, you will need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This is a crucial step to obtaining your LPN license.

You will receive your results within 6 weeks, and you can sit for this exam up to 8 times in a year. If you don't pass on your first attempt, a candidate performance report (CPR) will provide guidance on how to prepare for your next attempt.

Step 4: Apply for Your State LPN License

After successfully passing the NCLEX-PN, you need to apply for an LPN license from the state where you plan to work. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides guidelines for obtaining a license.

Tip: Apply for a multistate license to avoid getting licenses from every state in which you may practice. However, this is only valid for compact states.

Voila! Once you've completed these steps, you're ready to apply for LPN jobs and start your career as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the duties of an LPN?

LPNs assist registered nurses and doctors with health checks and medical procedures. They can also perform administrative tasks and manage patient records, though their primary focus is patient care.

What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?

LPNs have a more limited scope of practice compared to RNs and require less education. RNs have a broader scope of practice and typically require a two-year associate's degree or a four-year bachelor's degree. However, both are essential to the healthcare team.

What is the average salary of an LPN?

The national average base salary for an LPN in the United States is $30,130 per year. However, salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the specific healthcare setting.

How long does it take to become an LPN?

It typically takes about one year to complete an LPN program, followed by passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Once you have your license, you can start your career as an LPN.

Wrapping Up

If you enjoyed reading this article and found it helpful, don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask any questions in the comments below. If you need any assistance in finding LPN jobs, feel free to connect with me, Tushar Chauhan, at tushar@ or on LinkedIn.