How To Become An LPN

Nursing is a rewarding career that comes with some big benefits. Nurses are in high demand, so it’s easy to find a job. And nurses are well paid. Plus, you can begin a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in just about a year.

If this sounds like a job you would enjoy, you can be on your way to a career as an LPN by following a few easy steps.

Education

Your first step to becoming a licensed practical nurse is to get a good education. You will want to enroll in an accredited institution. Schools accredited by national agencies like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are reputable and held to high academic standards.

LPN programs prepare students with a mix of core classes, nursing courses, labs, and hands-on experience. You will take classes like anatomy & physiology, nursing concepts, pharmacology, and more.

Licensing

Once you finish classes and graduate, you will need to get your nursing license. This means you must pass the National NCLEX-PN Nursing Board Exam. This test ensures you have basic understanding and knowledge of nursing practice, and proves you’re ready for a high level of patient responsibility. The nursing exam covers topics such as healthcare safety, along with social and physiological integrity.

Experience

Of course, hiring managers want to bring nurses on board who have experience. This is why internships, externships, and clinical experiences are important. Make sure you spend time working in practical settings that lend themselves to nursing. This will expose you to the demands of healthcare as a whole, and will help you sharpen your skills. You can boost your resume by working in an entry level job at a clinic or physician's office while you wait on the results of your licensing exam. Many hospitals also have volunteer programs that can give you some experience working with patients.

Apply to Athena Career Academy

Athena Career Academy has new practical nursing classes starting every three months, so you can start any time of the year. It is also an all-inclusive LPN program. This means your training, clinical practicum, uniforms, books and materials, lab fees and supplies, and State Board of Nursing test fee are included in the cost of tuition. Contact Athena to talk to one of our Admissions Department staff to enroll today.