Requirements To Becoming A Licensed Practical Nurse

The role of a licensed practical nurse is physically and emotionally demanding at the same time.

Due to this reason, there are very important requirements that you have to meet if you are planning to take on the role of a licensed practical nurse. Before you start looking into all of the specific requirements needed to become a LPN, you must first contact your local state’s Board of Nursing to see if you are even eligible for the course.

Initial Requirements

First and foremost, you need to have a high school diploma or an equivalent certification. Second, you must have completed and scored at least a 2.5 in a few preparatory courses such as Math, Biology, Psychology, and English, prior to submitting your application to the college you want to attend. These may have been part of your high school electives, since they are a common part of the curriculum of almost all high schools. It is also imperative that you have a good GED score, and that you get reasonable scores for the nursing admission tests or you will not be able to gain entry into the course. Having volunteer experience in nursing will give you more chances of being accepted as well. Be sure to include the proper certificates and transcripts in your application letter. If you fulfill all of the initial requirements and you are chosen by the admission committee of the college you are applying to, then you will have to take a drug test and you will have a background check to see if you have a criminal record.

Training Program And LPN Degree Course

The training program, which you may find in community colleges or vocation schools, will usually take at least one year to complete. However, if you choose to get your Associate degree in Nursing, the whole program may take up to two years. During this whole period of training, you will be applying your learning in an actual medical setting, such as a community hospital or a health care facility.

Physical Requirements

There are several physical requirements that you need to fulfill in order to become a licensed practical nurse. This job will require you to physically move patients from one area to another and it will also require you to bathe them, change their clothes, plus many other physically demanding chores. Because of this, you must have good physical strength to be able to handle these tasks. There may also be times when the patients are uncooperative and they will resist you in any way they can. You might severely be injured, if you are not prepared.

Mental Requirements

It is part of the job of a licensed practical nurse to deal with the anxieties of the patients and their family on a daily basis, so it is important that you understand the pain and trauma that the patient is experiencing. You should also be capable of carrying out and responding to the physician’s printed and verbal instructions. Moreover, you should be able to do many tasks, all at the same time.

Pass The Exam

When you have already completed your training, plus the other degree requirements, you will need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) exam. This exam is only administered to qualified candidates. If you pass the exam, you can start working as a licensed practical nurse. Although at that point, you may opt to continue your study and become a registered nurse.