how to become an lpn

What is the Fastest Way to Become an LPN?

Thursday, July 20, 2017

One of the most attractive features of a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN, is that you need to attend training only for one year before you can obtain your license. However, a common question among many aspiring LPNs is whether or not they can complete their training in a shorter time frame. If you are one of these persons, the following information can help you find the fastest way to become a practical nurse today.

Compare Various LPN Programs

If you want to complete your LPN training as quickly as possible but do not have any prior nursing-related training, it is a good idea to shop around before choosing an LPN school. While some schools offer LPN programs that are one year in length, there are others that offer LPN programs that you can complete in just six months.

CampusExplorer.com's handy search tool can help you find LPN schools in or near your state at a couple of clicks. After locating several colleges and trade schools in your area, choose five or six of them and conduct a bit of research on their websites. Simply search for the school's LPN or LVN program, and you will be able to access all of the program's requirements including a suggested curriculum and its length.

Enroll in a CNA to LPN Bridge Program

If you are a certified nursing assistant (CNA), one of the fastest ways to become an LPN is to enroll in a CNA to LPN bridge program. This program allows you to complete your LPN training much quicker than traditional practical nursing programs.

In fact, depending on the school of your choice, you may be able to graduate in just one or two short semesters. This is made possible because much of your CNA training is applied towards your LPN requirements. Another attractive feature of CNA to LPN bridge programs is that you may be able to complete some of your theoretical coursework online.

Participate in an Employment Training Program

Are you a CNA who is currently employed in a medical setting? If you are, find out if your employer offers an employment training program for CNAs who wish to become LPNs. Since LPNs are in such high demand today, these types of work programs have become quite popular among such facilities as public hospitals and nursing homes. In most cases, you will be paid for your clinical training sessions.

Nevertheless, it is essential to note that if you choose this route for your training, you will still need to enroll in various theoretical courses in a nearby college or trade school. All in all, the time it will take you to become eligible for the LPN licensing exam should be shorter than the time the traditional route to become an LPN takes.

Prepare Yourself for the NCLEX-PN

Finally, it is not uncommon for LPN graduates to fail the first time they take their national LPN licensing exams. Of course, it goes without saying that this can add time to the length of time it will take you to become an LPN. However, you can avoid failing your NCLEX on your first try by preparing yourself well in advance.

Do not wait until you graduate to begin studying for your exam. Rather, study all the while you are in training. Take plenty of notes, organize after-school study groups, and utilize online sample NCLEX-PN exams long before you graduate. Another thing you can do is take an NCLEX-PN preparatory course during your second semester of training.