Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (LPN and LVN, respectively) are slightly different from registered nurses, or RNs, as are the nursing colleges for LPNs or LVNs. It's important to understand these differences for when you are attempting to make a choice between these colleges.
If you're more interested in learning about the path to becoming a registered nurse, then follow the link. Also, in trying to make the decision of whether or not you want to be an RN or an LPN, you might want to think about your nursing career goals.
(Note: The difference between licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is often just a matter of terminology; more frequently, they perform the same role and duties, and as such, for the rest of this article, LPN is the term that will be used.)
What is an LPN?
In general, an LPN works with unhealthy individuals, much like a full RN or physician would, but the LPN works under the direction of the RN or physician. The relationship between LPNs, RNs, and physicians changes depending upon the state, as each state has different regulations. For the most part, however, an LPN will perform such tasks as recording vital signs, administering injections, dressing wounds, and helping patients with basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, or walking.
LPNs have many other similar duties that play an important role in the overall scope of healthcare. They do the individual necessary tasks instead of doing any of the major operations. They do not prescribe medications, as that falls under role of the physician.
What are nursing colleges for LPNs?
Nursing colleges for LPNs are generally junior or community colleges, specifically licensed by the state to provide the necessary certifications. Most fully-fledged top nursing colleges are more oriented towards RNs, although this is not always true.
Some top nursing colleges may have their own LPN programs. It is always worth checking to see if any given school or nursing college has an LPN program.
Nursing colleges are not the only means by which an individual might become an LPN; there are some other programs available, including technician school programs, hospital programs, or even high school programs.
If you are interested in becoming an LPN, you should check with your state's government to find a list of nursing colleges that provide the necessary education to become an LPN.
How do I attend top nursing colleges for LPNs?
In order to attend nursing colleges to become LPNs, students should have high school diplomas. As mentioned above, however, there are LPN programs that do not require high school diplomas and that actually are administered through high school curriculums.
What do I study at top nursing colleges for LPNs?
Nursing colleges with LPN programs will ensure that students both study the necessary subjects in the classroom, and receive hands-on experience in clinics or hospitals. Students will study subjects such as anatomy, pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, and more in nursing colleges.
Nursing colleges will require students to put in about a year's worth of study in order to earn the necessary certificates or degrees from the programs.
Other necessities beyond nursing college
A degree from nursing colleges with LPN programs is not always necessary for students to become LPNs, but taking the National Council Licensure Examination is absolutely necessary. Going through nursing colleges with programs for LPNs will prepare students for this test and thus for licensure.
Should I go to a nursing college for LPNs?
If you're interested in working in the medical industry, but you are not sure if you want to put in the time or pay the costs necessary to become an RN, then becoming an LPN or LVN may be the course for you. Look into top nursing colleges for LPNs to get started on your future today.