Obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent, which is usually required for entry into a hospital-based nursing program.
Enroll in a one-year LPN nursing certificate program through a local hospital. Applicants will need to fill out an application, take a physical exam, receive specific immunizations and submit professional and personal references.
Complete all classroom coursework and clinical experiences required by the hospital-based LPN certificate program. Classroom coursework includes anatomy, pharmacology, medical ethics, microbiology, nutrition, first aid and patient care techniques. Clinical experiences involve supervised rotations in different areas of the hospital, such as pediatrics, obstetrics, surgery, cardiology and orthopedics, where students have the opportunity to practice their skills in a real-world setting.
Take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam to be able to practice as an LPN. The exam is offered by each state's nursing board.