A high school diploma or adult GED is required for all students wishing to become a licensed practical nurse. Your chosen LPN school will require proof of your high school diploma or GED.
LPN schools typically require students to attend and complete a one-year program of study in the field. This may be completed on a college campus, vocational school or even at a hospital. Courses consist of a range of different classes, all of which are meant to instruct you on some aspect of practical nursing. This includes how to properly take a patient's vital signs, how to find and read patient's health care information, how to collect lab samples and how to deliver injections safely and efficiently. Your LPN program will also teach you how to work with physicians and registered nurses.
Typical classes found in nursing programs include mathematics, psychology, first aid, nutrition, obstetrics, anatomy, adult health, pediatric health and mental health. The student is free to choose any school that offers an LPN program, but schools must be accredited with your state's board of nursing to obtain the proper licensure upon completion.
Upon successful graduation from a certified LPN program, students will need to complete and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination, also known as the NCLEX-PN. This is a five-hour long, computer-generated test that is unique to the individual who is currently taking the exam. Registration for the NCLEX-PN typically costs the student $200. Because the NCLEX-PN is administered by each individual state, however, additional fees and certain eligibility requirements may differ, depending on your location.
Because the health care industry as a whole is constantly evolving and changing, every profession within the industry must keep themselves up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations--this includes LPNs. Refresher programs can be taken online or at a local college campus, while on-site tests can be done at a local hospital or medical facility.