Using Night School to Become an LPN

Going back to school can be daunting, especially if you’re working full-time or have other responsibilities. However, if you’re considering a career in healthcare as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), night school could be the perfect option for you. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of attending night school to become an LPN and the career path that awaits you.

What is an LPN

First, let’s start with what an LPN is and what they do. LPNs are licensed healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. They perform a variety of duties, including taking vital signs, administering medications, dressing wounds, and providing basic patient care. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.

Now, let’s talk about why night school might be a good option for you. Here are some benefits of attending night school:

1. Flexibility: Night classes allow you to work during the day, which means you can continue to earn an income while pursuing your education. This can make it easier to pay for your classes and support yourself or your family.
2. Lower cost: Night classes may be less expensive than traditional daytime classes since they are often offered through community colleges or vocational schools. This can make it easier for you to afford the cost of education.
3. Smaller class sizes: Night classes often have smaller class sizes than daytime classes, which means you may get more individualized attention from your instructors. This can be especially helpful if you are struggling with a particular subject or need additional support.
4. Faster completion: Some night school programs may offer accelerated options, allowing you to complete your LPN education in less time than traditional daytime programs. This can help you start your new career sooner.

Career path for LPNs

Now that we’ve covered why night school might be a good option for you let’s talk about the career path that awaits you as an LPN. Here’s a typical career path for LPNs:

1. Education and licensure: To become an LPN, you will need to complete an approved education program, which typically takes about 1 year to complete. After completing your education, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed.
2. Entry-level LPN position: After obtaining your LPN license, you can begin working in an entry-level position in a healthcare setting, such as a nursing home, clinic, or hospital. In this position, you will provide basic patient care under the supervision of an RN or physician.
3. Advanced LPN position: As you gain more experience and education, you may be able to take on more advanced LPN positions, such as charge nurse or nurse supervisor. These positions typically come with more responsibility and higher pay.
4. Bridge program: If you decide you want to pursue further education, you may be able to enroll in a bridge program to become an RN. These programs are designed for LPNs who want to continue their education while working. They typically take about 1-2 years to complete.
5. RN position: After completing a bridge program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed as an RN. This will open up more career opportunities, including working in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
6. Advanced practice: After gaining experience as an RN, you may be able to pursue advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. These roles typically require additional education and licensure.

As you can see, there are many opportunities for career advancement as an LPN. Whether you decide to stay in your entry-level position or pursue further education, there are many opportunities to grow and advance in your career. Using night school to become an LPN can be a valuable tool in advancing your career.

Answering one of the most common question: How to Find Fast Track LPN Programs Near Me

There are a several different online LPN programs out there, and you can find some that will actually pay for your education if you choose to go that route. Many people are drawn to this type of nursing training due to the fact that the pay is excellent, there are job security benefits, and there is a flexible work schedule. You can find plenty of online schools that are offering their courses for the convenience of all who want to enroll for them. Once you get an online LPN certification, you can immediately start working in a medical facility.

What Are Fast Track LPN Programs?

These nurses are expected to provide high-quality medical care to their patients and to perform a variety of other tasks related to healthcare. Some schools also offer a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with a specialized designation in Nursing. However, these are not required to become an LPN. Normal LPN coursework is about one year or more, however, there are fast track LPN programs near me. These are programs that can be completed in 6 months. These are not simple or for the faint of heart, but they do allow you to complete the required coursework as quickly as possible to begin your transition.

In order to become a licensed LPN, you must pass both the written and practical portions of the exam. When you are able to take care of the lessons online, you will not miss out on any of the lessons and will be able to complete them as fast as possible. Many online schools are actually able to offer a lower cost than traditional college campuses would be able to offer their students. Supplementary education is also provided. In addition to the theoretical knowledge, you will learn practical skills. At least a portion of these will be completed in person. This will give you the background required to get your license.

If you think that you can not afford to go through all these tests then you can go for a short term course. However, during a LPN program interview, you will have to show your personality, and answer questions based on your own experiences and interests. Finally, before you actually apply for your accredited LPN degree, you should ask for some proof that your school is actually accredited.

Is a Fast Track LPN Program a Good Idea?

Regardless, of what your reasons are, getting your accelerated LVN/LPN education is important. You will also be responsible for maintaining the overall safety of patients and the environment in which they are in. This means properly understanding an applying the material. It will feel overwhelming at first, and that is okay, but it is important that with time you understand the material. Not just to pass your test, but to safely apply your skills in the field.

If you are not sure if you want to be an LPN, a common technique is to volunteer in a place that has a job similar to what you would have in the future. This will give you a taste of the job and the environment. If one or more aspects is undesirable, you can consider other options. However, if you are sure that this is the career route for you, then the best option is to find a fast track LPN program near me. Use the tool above to search in your region for an applicable option.

LPN Classes Near Me

At some point in her journey, everyone eventually asks ‘How can I find LPN Classes Near me.’ While there are a lot of factors that are important, we are going to break down some of the key decisions that you will have to make. First, we will cover the types of LPN programs available to you, both the length and the structure of the classes. Second, we will look at the country and point you toward locations with the most jobs and best salaries. Finally, we will provide you with a tool to search for LPN programs near you that meet your criteria. When you use all three together, you will be able to choose the best 6 month LPN classes near me.

Types of LPN Classes

LPN Classes can be divided into two different broad aspects where you get to choose the length and the structure. Because they are both so important, let’s consider each one by one.

Length of the best LPN Classes

A traditional set of LPN classes is going to have course work that lasts up to or slightly longer than 12 months. However, many students are looking to accelerate their timeline and if you are committed, this can be done. There are also 6 month LPN classes and 10 month LPN classes. If you’d like a comparison of the two, read our comparison article: 6 Month vs 10 month LPN programs. In general, the more accelerated the classes the more important it is for the student to keep up to date with their materials. We have partnered with nursing.com to provide free study resources, but ultimately it is up to you to know if you can keep up with a faster pace of study.

Structure of the best LPN Classes

All LPN classes require some amount of practical experience working in real world conditions. This makes sense because you are being prepared for an industry that requires you to interact safely with patients. However, not all programs are structured the same. In some cases you have full time education in a classroom setting. Other options are a form of distance education called a hybrid program where much of your work is done from home and is supplemented with hands on instruction (many with optional LPN night classes). Like before, it is up to the student to decide what is best.

Best Locations for LPN Classes

The best location is usually going to be the location where you already are. However, if you are looking to relocate, a program in the state where you plan to work might be advantageous. Here is a chart of the 5 states with the most LPN jobs provided by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics:

For more information on salary expectations for all states, please see our Salary Guide. Please keep in mind that these serve as averages and that it is possible to earn more or less depending on factors like experience, need, season, and others.

How to Find the Best 6 Month LPN Classes Near Me

Conclusion

There are a lot of factors to consider when you are trying to find the best 6 month LPN classes Near Me. Three of the most important:

1. The best type of LPN Program
2. The best Locations for LPN Programs
3. The specific LPN program available near you

As long as you remember to choose a length and structure that is best for you, a location that matches your salary expectations, and a class that is available to you, then you are well on your way to obtaining everything you need for the best LPN program for your situation. Use all of the resources available to make the best selection. Good luck. You’re about to make a great decision.

The LPN Classes You Need for Program

Many people are attracted to an LPN program because it does not take as long or have as many requirements as other paths. This is correct, but there is still a framework that is followed. We will tell you all of the LPN classes you need for a program. All LPN programs have a mixture of theory and practice. Said another way, there is both bookwork and lab work. Traditional education has this completed all on-site, but there are many hybrid and distance programs that allow for you to complete much of your education on your own schedule.

Prerequisites

First, while there are not rigorous guidelines to become an LPN there are still certain steps that you should have completed by the time you start your program.

• Diploma or GED
• 2.0 GPA (sometimes)
• English Proficiency for non-native speakers
• Up to date immunizations
• Background check (some states)

Not having every prerequisite should not keep you from looking for programs. Not every state has the same requirements nor does every program. If you are committed to working in the industry and you have at least a GED, it is worth looking into a program that could work for you.

Both an English and Science background can prove helpful, so if you are currently in school, it is advisable to pay extra attention to these areas.

LPN Classes

Every program is structured differently, but they will all have a combination of theory and practice. A sample structure is provided below.

Introduction to Nursing career and ethics

While there can be a temptation and desire to jump into the more practical aspects, many programs start with an overview. A healthcare environment often has many pieces and it is important to place LPNs in the context. This will involve how you would relate to others in the industry. It could also address proper communication and teamwork. There will be a focus on the evolution of the industry and the foundations for the expectations of the career. Furthermore, because healthcare has such scrutiny, this is usually the portion of the curriculum where there is an introduction to legal and ethical requirements. Finally, it will outline the rest of your educational journey.

Science and Physiology courses

Depending on your background in science, this portion can sometimes feel overwhelming. Rest assured that hundreds of thousands have gone before you. What you will struggle to comprehend in Week 2 will feel like child’s play by Week 6. Unsurprisingly, there will be a focus on human anatomy, physiology, and human development. You will learn and understand the structure and systems that the body has. A baseline understanding of healthy biology prepares you to understand when something goes wrong. This leads into pathophysiology, which is the study of how disease can cause biological and physical abnormalities. You will learn about diseases, disorders, and acute and chronic illnesses and how to track their evolution to properly communicate with healthcare experts.

Nursing Skills

Theory gives way to practice as you learn about the role that an LPN will play. Important components are assessment and documentation. Simply stated, you must be able to use critical thinking and an evidence-based approach to assess a patient’s condition. This combines the theory learned previously with observation, communication, and evaluation skills. Next, documenting — often called charting — is important so you can communicate the information you obtain to all of the relevant parties. The standard format is important to reduce mistakes.

Patient Care

Patients in your charge deserve to receive care in a safe environment. This means that you must learn about infection control, proper hygiene procedures, protective equipment and how to handle tools and equipment in a way to guarantee they are safe and sterile. This can sound simple, but is often more exhaustive than many students realize. This could range anywhere from how to properly wash your hands to the best mobility practices when moving a patient to how to respond if there is a hurricane. As a future expert in this field, you must be fully prepared to ensure the safety of your patients.

Specialties

Finally, there are specialties that are often taught. This can include things like nutrition and healthy living. It could involve pediatric or geriatric patients. Or, it can include learning to operate in rehabilitative centers, emergency rooms, etc. This can often be a particularly helpful area of instruction as students often learn to identify areas of passion, talent, or interest.

Certification

After your LPN classes, obtain an NCLEX-PN certification. One tip is that you should prepare specifically for the test. Your program will have given you sufficient education for your future work, but tests can be stressful and demand instant recall. Some students asked about ways to study. Our favorite resource is Nursing.com which has both free study aids and practice tests as well as paid aids.

Find a Program

There are 6-month, 10-month, and 12-month programs available. If you are interested in learning more about your choices:

Conclusion

Many students find it helpful to have a rough outline of their future. With this guide you should now understand:

1. The Prerequisites required for LPN Programs
2. The LPN Classes you will study
3. Certification Required to be an LPN

6 Month LPN Programs Near Me

It can feel overwhelming to try to find the best 6 month LPN programs near you. While there are a lot of factors that are important, we are going to break down some of the key decisions that you will have to make. First, we will cover the types of LPN programs available to you, both the length and the structure of the classes. Second, we will look at the country and point you toward locations with the most jobs and best salaries. Finally, we will provide you with a tool to search for LPN programs near you that meet your criteria. When you use all three together, you will be able to choose the best 6 month LPN Programs near me.

Types of LPN Programs

LPN Programs can be divided into two different broad classes where you get to choose the length and the structure.

Length of the best LPN Programs

A traditional LPN program is going to have course work that lasts up to or slightly longer than 12 months. However, many students are looking to accelerate their timeline and if you are committed, this can be done. There are also 6 month LPN programs and 10 month LPN programs. If you’d like a comparison of the two, read our guide: 6 Month vs 10 month LPN programs. In general, the more accelerated the classes the more important it is for the student to keep up to date with their materials. We have partnered with nursing.com to provide free study resources, but ultimately it is up to you to know if you can keep up with a faster pace of study.

Structure of the best LPN Programs

All LPN programs require some amount of hands on work. This makes sense because you are being prepared for an industry that requires you to interact safely with patients. However, not all programs are structured the same. In some cases you have full time education in a classroom setting. Other options are a form of distance education called a hybrid program where much of your work is done from home and is supplemented with hands on instruction (many with optional LPN night classes). Like before, it is up to the student to decide what is best.

Best Locations for LPN Classes

The best location is usually going to be the location where you already are. However, if you are looking to relocate, a program in the state where you plan to work might be advantageous. Here is a chart of the 5 states with the most LPN jobs provided by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics:

For more information on salary expectations for all states, please see our Salary Guide.

How to Find the Best 6 Month LPN Programs Near Me

Conclusion

There are a lot of factors to consider when you are trying to find the best 6 month LPN programs Near Me. Three of the most important:

1. The best type of LPN Program
2. The best Locations for LPN Programs
3. The specific LPN program available near you

As long as you remember to choose a length and structure that is best for you, a location that matches your salary expectations, and a class that is available to you, then you are well on your way to obtaining everything you need for the best LPN program for your situation. Use all of the resources available to make the best selection.