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How long does it take to become a LPN?
Share your journey & guide aspiring LPNs on their path!
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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4 answers
Ola Aloba
People Ops
8
Answers
City of Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Ola’s Answer
The time it takes to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can vary depending on the specific educational path chosen and individual circumstances. Generally, it takes around 12 to 18 months to complete an LPN program.
However, Most LPN programs require completion of a high school diploma or equivalent as a prerequisite. LPN programs themselves can be found at vocational schools, community colleges, and some hospitals. These programs usually take about one year to complete if pursued full-time. Part-time options may take longer. OlaAlobaPOV
However, Most LPN programs require completion of a high school diploma or equivalent as a prerequisite. LPN programs themselves can be found at vocational schools, community colleges, and some hospitals. These programs usually take about one year to complete if pursued full-time. Part-time options may take longer. OlaAlobaPOV
Martin Schoen
APRN
288
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
The programs are usually 12 to 24 months in length depending on program.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6454
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear CVOH,
Want to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)? Here's How Long it Takes:
Embarking on a journey to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) involves completing a formal education program and successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The time frame to become an LPN varies depending on the chosen program and personal circumstances. Here's a simple breakdown of the steps and estimated time involved:
1. Education:
Diploma or Certificate Program: A popular path to becoming an LPN is enrolling in a diploma or certificate program at vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes. These programs typically take about 12 to 18 months.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Alternatively, some choose to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing, focusing on practical nursing. This usually takes around 2 years.
2. Clinical Experience:
Part of the education program involves completing a set number of clinical hours for hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. The duration of this experience varies and is usually incorporated into the program's timeline.
3. Licensure:
After fulfilling the educational requirements, LPN hopefuls must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to secure licensure. The preparation time for this exam varies based on individual readiness.
4. Total Time:
Overall, the journey to become an LPN can span from 12 months for accelerated programs to 2 years for associate degree programs.
Remember, these timelines are estimates and can differ based on factors like program structure, personal progress, and additional requirements from state licensing boards.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive information about the educational needs and job prospects for LPNs in the U.S.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The NCSBN manages the NCLEX exams and provides resources for those aiming for licensure as practical nurses.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): The AACN provides insights into nursing education routes, including the duration of LPN programs.
These sources were used to ensure the information provided about becoming an LPN is accurate and dependable.
Stay Blessed!
JCF.
Want to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)? Here's How Long it Takes:
Embarking on a journey to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) involves completing a formal education program and successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The time frame to become an LPN varies depending on the chosen program and personal circumstances. Here's a simple breakdown of the steps and estimated time involved:
1. Education:
Diploma or Certificate Program: A popular path to becoming an LPN is enrolling in a diploma or certificate program at vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes. These programs typically take about 12 to 18 months.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Alternatively, some choose to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing, focusing on practical nursing. This usually takes around 2 years.
2. Clinical Experience:
Part of the education program involves completing a set number of clinical hours for hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. The duration of this experience varies and is usually incorporated into the program's timeline.
3. Licensure:
After fulfilling the educational requirements, LPN hopefuls must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to secure licensure. The preparation time for this exam varies based on individual readiness.
4. Total Time:
Overall, the journey to become an LPN can span from 12 months for accelerated programs to 2 years for associate degree programs.
Remember, these timelines are estimates and can differ based on factors like program structure, personal progress, and additional requirements from state licensing boards.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive information about the educational needs and job prospects for LPNs in the U.S.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The NCSBN manages the NCLEX exams and provides resources for those aiming for licensure as practical nurses.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): The AACN provides insights into nursing education routes, including the duration of LPN programs.
These sources were used to ensure the information provided about becoming an LPN is accurate and dependable.
Stay Blessed!
JCF.
Hailey Hamilton
Nurse
96
Answers
Canton, Georgia
Updated
Hailey’s Answer
Most LPN programs take about 12 months. The prerequisites take anywhere from 6 months to a year.
I I started my prerequisites in 2006 and finished them in 6 months. I had to wait 6 months for the program to begin and finished the LPN program in 2008. It was a great way to get to work as a nurse more quickly.
I’ve now been a nurse for almost 16 years. I’ve worked in pediatric offices, long term care/skilled nursing facilities, hospice, ran an assisted living, and most recently wound care and nursing administration at a skilled facility.
I I started my prerequisites in 2006 and finished them in 6 months. I had to wait 6 months for the program to begin and finished the LPN program in 2008. It was a great way to get to work as a nurse more quickly.
I’ve now been a nurse for almost 16 years. I’ve worked in pediatric offices, long term care/skilled nursing facilities, hospice, ran an assisted living, and most recently wound care and nursing administration at a skilled facility.