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.