LPN PrerequisitesBecoming an LPN is not difficult from the study point of view, but it is the procedures that make it difficult. Today there is a long queue for people wishing to get into the nursing profession. These people are looking for either an LPN degree or an RN degree. Hence, there is a lot of crowd here. It helps if you have the required LPN prerequisites. The LPN course is a one-year course and is provided by several major schools and colleges in various states across the US. Being just a one-year course and a point of entry into the nursing profession, there is a lot of demand. There are not nearly as many schools and colleges providing this kind of education as there are people wanting to join these programs. However, that does not mean you should seek admission in whichever medical school comes your way. When looking for programs providing LPN programs, make sure that their certification will be nationally valid. It is a good idea to check into their accreditation and even crosscheck the reputation of the accrediting body. The education and training provided by them should be of good standard too; make sure you seek information on how many hours of classroom education and how many hours of practical training they will provide. Therein lies an important point - be wary of all the online LPN degrees, even if they promise jobs. An LPN has to have hands-on experience. Most healthcare institutions will not provide jobs to a nurse with only an online degree because of this reason. It is best to seek nursing education in a traditional brick and mortar school. So what are the qualifications for becoming an LPN? Quite surprisingly, the qualifications are not too rigid. You will need to have a high school diploma in order to qualify. An alternative qualification is the GED. Most institutions that offer LPN training will conduct an entrance test too. However, the test itself is not too difficult. You can pass it out with flying colors if you have basic English proficiency and are well acquainted with a bit of college level science and algebra. The test is in fact a method of weeding out indecisive candidates and retaining those that are serious about joining the course. This is quite lax compared to what you need to be an RN. Candidates who are looking at RN qualification will need to take eight subjects at a minimum, which include anatomy, physiology, psychology, microbiology and nutrition among others. LPNs will also have to learn the same subjects, but not in as great detail as RNs will have to. With these LPN prerequisites, you can be all set to enter into the nursing profession. The LPN course itself does not extend beyond a year; and after this time you can apply for a job as a licensed practical nurse. After being in the profession for a while, you can check out how it goes and if you enjoy it here, you can look for a bridge course to qualify for becoming a registered nurse and take up lucrative assignments as a par diem nurse or a travel nurse. |