Online and Distance Learning

A licensed practical nurse program may be exactly what you are looking for if helping people is something that has always interested you. 

But what is a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?  As an LPN it would be your job to tend to the needs of people when your skills are most needed, i.e., when they are ill or recuperating from sickness or surgery. 

This page has further details of the content of the programs, where they can be taken, what the career prospects are on completion, and more ...

You might also like to check out the licensed vocational nurse programs, which are the same as LPN programs.  And also check the LPN to BSN programs for an idea of how you can extend your education and training after qualifying as an LPN of LVN.    

Licensed practical nurse training programs are an important start to a career in nursing

At present, the world of medicine is begging for qualified nurses.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the United States and many other country's are suffering from a nursing shortage. So explore the many opportunities to be had with a career in nursing. The job may not be a glamorous one, but knowing that your training has in some way contributed to the saving of a human life will fill you with a gratification that can never be equaled in any other career. 

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN), or licensed vocational nurse (LVN), by taking a suitable program is a useful way to start your career in nursing.  Note that licensed practical nurse programs are essentially the same as licensed vocational nurse programs. 

But you shouldn't stop your education and trainig at LPN or LVN.  By contining with your education, you can progress your career in nursing by becoming a registered nurse.  You'll then have access to even more interesting jobs in nursing.

What does a typical LPN program cover?

The main priority of becoming an licensed practical nurse is training. You will need to have a high school diploma or an equivalent GED before you would even be considered as a candidate for the program. Once enrolled you would have to complete the program and go on to take the testing necessary to become licensed. These exams can vary from state to state, but obtaining an LPN license is impossible unless the tests are completed and passed.

The actual LPN education you will receive will take approximately one year of study. There will be class lectures to attend as well as hands on training classes that will show you how to administer the techniques that you are taught in class. Some of the subjects that will be covered in your studies are, physiology, pediatrics, obstetrics, basic anatomy and nutrition. The clinical, or hands on part of your study program, will be done in a nursing home, a hospital, or a doctor's office.

Finding a suitable school and program

Find an online program or a school near you

A licensed practical nurse program can really only be provided on campus, though there are some parts that can be provided online.  Use the link above or the search box provided here to find suitable schools and programs.  Request information from several schools and then compare program content and admission requirements.  Consider applying for more than one program so as to increase your chances of an offer.

Online schools:

Use this link to find an online program or a school near you.

Campus-based nursing schools in the US:

You can find out more about the location of campuses in the US and find one near you by clicking on the relevant links in the US universities and colleges web page.

Finding a licensed practical nursing program in Canada:

You can find out more about the location of campuses on the Canadian universities and colleges web page.  Also, check the following selected schools and programs.

• Vancouver Career College
  • Practical Nursing

• CDI College
  • Nursing Assistant

What are the career prospects after completing a licensed practical nurse program?

Licensed Practical Nursing offers a wide variety of jobs. Obtaining a position in a hospital can be particularly exciting as nurses are often expected to work in many different areas of the hospital. One day may find you working with various illnesses in the emergency room, and the next day you will be assisting with bringing a new life into the world on the maternity ward. There are also many openings in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and doctor's offices. With a licensed practical nurse degree you could even go on to become an educator that trains others in your field.

A Licensed Practical Nurse also has the option of working for the federal government. There are many areas where the expertise obtained in a licensed practical nurse program can be used and along with excellent pay, there are numerous benefits. The Veteran's Administration may be a good place to begin your search.

A licensed practical nurse salary is above average. Most people can expect to earn anywhere between $25,000 and $40,000 a year in the United States. These figures do not take overtime pay into consideration. Pay is usually commensurate to the place you work. A doctor's office will bring you less pay that a position held in any hospital atmosphere.

If so desired, an LPN can continue their schooling to obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing (LPN to BSN), and then take the registration exam to become an RN (registered nurse).  The advantage of being a registered nurse vs licensed practical nurse is that it enables you to take on more interesting work in trauma units, emergency rooms, or pediatrics, or administrative jobs.  It will also give you the potential for making an even higher salary.

For schools in Canada

Click here for a page that links to campus universities and campus colleges in Canada.  It also provides some advice on choosing a suitable campus.

Click here and then enter your Canadian postal code to search for Canadian college or university campuses.

Find out more about a licensed practical nurse program

Read more about the program and the career on the licensed vocational nurse program page.

If you don't find what you want here, you can use the search facillity on this site using licensed practical nurse program as your topic.

Check the range of nursing programs available.

You can also search here for online nursing schools and programs

You also use this link to search for online degree programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for programs or top health care schools near you.