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This question is about licensed practical nurse.
How hard is it to become a LPN?
It is moderately hard to become an LPN. LPNs, or licensed practical nurses, are healthcare professionals who provide basic medical care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. It takes about 12 to 18 months a year of educational training to become an LPN, which includes completing a state-approved LPN vocational program and passing a national exam.
The LPN program covers patient care, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and other nursing-related topics through classroom lectures and clinical experiences. LPN programs are usually offered at community colleges or vocational schools and include both classroom and clinical training. Some programs may be shorter or longer depending on the specific curriculum and requirements of the state licensing board.
In addition to the educational requirements, LPN candidates must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) in order to become licensed to practice. The NCLEX-PN covers topics such as health promotion, infection control, pharmacology, nursing process, and patient care management and the pass rate on the exam for first-time takers is 86.6%
While the path to becoming an LPN may be time-consuming, it is generally less difficult than becoming a registered nurse or a physician. There is also a high demand for LPNs with a projected job growth rate of 9% from 2020 to 2023.
Demand for LPNs is expected to be particularly high in residential care facilities and home healthcare services, as the population ages and requires more medical care. Your location also makes a difference. For example, states with the highest demand for LPNs include Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, and New York.
On the other hand, LPNs remain a popular career choice for many individuals interested in healthcare, but who don't want to spend a lot of time in school. Consistent with this, many LPN programs have waiting lists due to high demand and limited availability of spots in the program. Although this can vary depending on the program and where you live, it is not uncommon for students to have to wait several months to a year or more to be accepted into an LPN program.
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