Exploring the Field of Licensed Practical Nurses Health care has recently emerged as one of the largest and most prominent industries in today’s society. Due to the vastly growing population, our generation has seen a dramatic increase in the number of health care professionals and facilities as well as a surge in medical science. People are living much longer because of all of the discoveries that have been made in the past few decades and now we are experiencing a large number of people, many from the geriatric population, who are experiencing new diseases and illnesses that were never an issue before. Many need assistance with basic life functions that we often take for granted such as feeding themselves, bathing, using the restroom, changing
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Unlike the common 4-year degree for a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN), many aspiring nurses receive training and education at a vocational or community school that offer 12-18 month part-time programs. Some schools offer full time day classes that last approximately 4 months, essentially getting you in and out quickly so you can start gaining experience. After a training program is completed, to become licensed you must pass an exam which is given at the end of the program. For LPN certifications, many states follow the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) who regulates the NCLEX-PN exam for which students need to take. (“Licensed Practical Nurse,” 2016) You must pass and complete an accredited training program and pass the exam to be a licensed practical nurse. Current legislation of most U.S. states today allow you to have a viable licensure two to four year (depending on the state) before expiration. Some states require you to submit an application to renew months before your license even expires including an application, the courses you have taken, the professional conferences you have attended, and the continuing education courses you have taken. (“Licensed Practical Nurse,” …show more content…
Many of these programs are part time because schools realize you more than likely already work and have a job as a LPN. Also many of these programs are online so they are more accessible to someone who does already have a job as a LPN. A bridge program from a LPN to earn an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) is an additional 18-24 months. ADN programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). A program to earn a BSN is approximately 3-4 years depending on the prerequisites you have already taken and which program you choose go with. A program to earn a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) will be an additional 2-3 years after the BSN bridge program. The total years of education you will have taken would be a 1-2 year program for a LPN, an extra 3-4 years for a BSN, and another extra 2-3 years to earn your MSN, for a total of 6-9 years. There are benefits to getting your LPN first however if your goal is to earn your MSN, it is a wiser decision to focus on that 6 year degree at a four year college or university that offers your degree. (“Licensed Practical Nurse,”
Unlike the common 4-year degree for a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN), many aspiring nurses receive training and education at a vocational or community school that offer 12-18 month part-time programs. Some schools offer full time day classes that last approximately 4 months, essentially getting you in and out quickly so you can start gaining experience. After a training program is completed, to become licensed you must pass an exam which is given at the end of the program. For LPN certifications, many states follow the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) who regulates the NCLEX-PN exam for which students need to take. (“Licensed Practical Nurse,” 2016) You must pass and complete an accredited training program and pass the exam to be a licensed practical nurse. Current legislation of most U.S. states today allow you to have a viable licensure two to four year (depending on the state) before expiration. Some states require you to submit an application to renew months before your license even expires including an application, the courses you have taken, the professional conferences you have attended, and the continuing education courses you have taken. (“Licensed Practical Nurse,” …show more content…
Many of these programs are part time because schools realize you more than likely already work and have a job as a LPN. Also many of these programs are online so they are more accessible to someone who does already have a job as a LPN. A bridge program from a LPN to earn an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) is an additional 18-24 months. ADN programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). A program to earn a BSN is approximately 3-4 years depending on the prerequisites you have already taken and which program you choose go with. A program to earn a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) will be an additional 2-3 years after the BSN bridge program. The total years of education you will have taken would be a 1-2 year program for a LPN, an extra 3-4 years for a BSN, and another extra 2-3 years to earn your MSN, for a total of 6-9 years. There are benefits to getting your LPN first however if your goal is to earn your MSN, it is a wiser decision to focus on that 6 year degree at a four year college or university that offers your degree. (“Licensed Practical Nurse,”