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Employment of LPNs is expected to grow by 21 percent!
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Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs, as they are called in California and Texas) care for the sick, injured, and disabled under the direction of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. Most LPNs and LVNs provide basic bedside care and take vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration.

Job Description:
LPNs and LVNs observe patients and report adverse reactions to treatments or medications. The nurses collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. Some LPNs help deliver, care for, and feed infants. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides.

Job Schedule:
Patients require care around the clock, so healthcare facilities need LPNs and LVNs on duty 24 hours a day. Many hospitals and medical institutions offer nurses a variety of schedules, from part-time work to daytime, evening, or weekend hours in order to fill their needs. This flexible scheduling can be a benefit to LPNs with other commitments such as family or continuing education courses.

Education and Training Requirements:
LPN training usually takes 12-18 months, and it includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. LPN training is often quite flexible, just like the job itself. Most nursing programs offer evening and weekend courses, so you don't have to leave your current job to pursue your new career in nursing. There are usually few entry requirements for LPN schools - often no more than a high school degree.

Skills:
The job itself demands good problem solving and time management skills, the ability to multi-task, excellent communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. While LPNs work as part of a medical team, at times they are required to react quickly to emergency situations before doctors or other members of the team can assist.

If you think you have what it takes to join the growing field of nursing, a rewarding career awaits you. Hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare institutions across the country are recruiting trained and licensed practical nurses. Start your training as a Licensed Practical Nurse by requesting information from one of our featured schools. All schools will provide you free information upon your request.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Licensed Practical Nurse Program

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  • Practical nursing training programs are approximately 1 year, and can be taken at vocational and technical schools. LPNs and LVNs must be licensed in order to practice in the field.
  • The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN, is required in order to obtain your license as an LPN or LVN. The exam is developed and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The NCLEX-PN is a computer-based exam and varies in length.
  • Classroom study covers basic nursing concepts and subjects related to medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics nursing, patient care, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, and first aid. Clinical practice usually takes place hospitals but sometimes may include other settings.

Site Map

View the featured schools in your state. Click a state below:

Online / Arizona / California / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii /Indiana / Kansas / Louisiana / Michigan /Minnesota / Missouri / Nebraska / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / Ohio / Oklahoma / South Carolina / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Virginia
 Online LPN Schools
University of Phoenix Health Administration (Bachelors and Masters), Nursing
Kaplan University RN to BS in Nursing
Walden University Health Services, Psychology, Nursing (with various specializations including Education), Public Health, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling
Chamberlain College of Nursing RN to BSN in Nursing
National University Health Care Management, RN to BSN in Nursing
 Arizona Schools
Kaplan University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Management/Healthcare Management, Nursing
University of Phoenix (Phoenix , Southern Arizona - Ft. Huachuca ) - Health Administration, Nursing, Counseling, Family Nurse Practitioner, Counseling: Family and Child Therapy, Human Services, LPN to BSN, Nursing Informatics, School Nurse, Counseling: Family and Child Therapy
 California LVN Schools
Everest College (Alhambra - El Monte, Anaheim, City of Industry - Whittier, Gardena, Hayward, Los Angeles - Wilshire, Ontario, Reseda, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Jose North, Torrance, Los Angeles West) - Ultrasound Diagnositc Technician
University of Phoenix (Northern California - Bay Area , Northern California Central Valley , Sacramento, San Diego , Southern California ) - Health Administration, Health Care Services, Human Services, Nursing, Counseling: Family and Child Therapy, Family Nurse Practitioner
 Colorado Schools
University of Phoenix (Aurora , Southern Colorado ) - Human Services, Nursing, Counseling, Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
 Florida Schools
ATI College of Health (Miami) - Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician
Keiser University (Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Kendall, Lakeland, Melbourne, Orlando, Pembroke Pines, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Laboratory Technician, Radiologic Technology, Radiology, Ultrasound Technologist
University of Phoenix (Fort Lauderdale , Jacksonville, Orlando , Tampa ) - Health Administration, Nursing, MBA Health Care Management
Virginia College (Pensacola) - Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology
Everest Institute (Hialeah) Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Surgical Technology
Sanford-Brown College (Jacksonville) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Surgical Technology
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
 Georgia Schools
Sanford-Brown College (Atlanta) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding
South University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
University of Phoenix (Atlanta, Columbus, Augusta) - Health Care Services, MBA / Health Care Management, Nursing (BS and MS)
 Hawaii Schools
University of Phoenix (Wailuku) - Health Administration, Human Services, Nursing, Health Care Management, Counseling, MS in Nursing
 Idaho LPN Schools
Kaplan University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Management/Healthcare Management, Nursing
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
University of Phoenix (Boise) - Nursing Health Care Education Certificate, Master of Science in Nursing
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
 Indiana Schools
University of Phoenix (Indianapolis) - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing
 Iowa Schools
Kaplan University (Cedar Falls , Cedar Rapids , Council Bluffs , Des Moines , Mason City ) - Practical Nursing
 Kansas Schools
University of Phoenix (Wichita ) - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
 Louisiana Nursing Schools
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
University of Phoenix (Baton Rouge ) - BS and MS in Nursing
 Michigan Schools
University of Phoenix (Metro Detroit - Ann Arbor , West Michigan - Portage ) - Nursing, MBA / Health Care Management, Human Services
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
 Minnesota School
Minnesota School of Business (Richfield/Bloomington) - Medical Assistant, Medical Administration, Nursing
Sanford-Brown College Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant
 Missouri Nursing Schools
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
University of Phoenix (St. Louis) - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Sanford-Brown College (Fenton , St. Charles , Hazelwood ) - Healthcare Administration, Respiratory Therapy, Radiography, Medical Assistant, Medical Coding and Billing, Nursing, Surgical Technology, Health Information Technology, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy
 Nebraska Schools
Kaplan University (Lincoln , Omaha ) - Medical Assistant, Practical Nursing, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy
 New Jersey LPN Schools
CDM Institute (Marlton , Wayne ) - Medical Billing, Coding, & Office Administration, Nurses Aid
 New Mexico Schools
University of Phoenix (Albuquerque) - Human Services, Nursing, Counsling - Marriage and Family Therapy, MBA in Health Care Management
 New York LPN Schools
Sanford-Brown College (New York) - Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sanford-Brown College (Garden City) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Management/Healthcare Management, Nursing
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
Sanford-Brown College (New York City) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
 Ohio Schools
Sanford-Brown College (Oklahoma City) - Associate of Occupational Studies- X-Ray Medical Technician
University of Phoenix (Cleveland - Independence ) - Health Administration, Nursing
 Oklahoma LPN Schools
Sanford-Brown College (Oklahoma City) - Associate of Occupational Studies- X-Ray Medical Technician
University of Phoenix (Oklahoma City , Tulsa ) - MBA in Health Care Management, Health Administration, Nursing
 South Carolina Schools
Kaplan University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Management/Healthcare Management, Nursing
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
University of Phoenix (Savannah) - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Health Care Administration
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
South University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
 Tennessee Schools
University of Phoenix (Nashville) - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
 Texas Schools
Kaplan University (San Antonio ) - Nurse Aide, Medical Assistant, Vocational Nursing
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
University of Phoenix (Savannah) - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Health Care Administration
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
South University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
 Utah Schools
University of Phoenix (Salt Lake City ) - Human Services, Nursing, Counseling
 Virginia LVN Schools
Academy of Healthcare Professions (Manassas ) - Medical Assisting, Practical Nursing
Medical Careers Institute (Newport News , Richmond , Virginia Beach ) - Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Specialist, Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing
Virginia College (Austin) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
South University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
Sanford-Brown College (Houston) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Surgical Technology


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JOB OUTLOOK FOR LPNs and LVNs

spacerEmployment of LPNs is projected to grow much faster than average. Overall job prospects are expected to be very good, but job outlook varies by industry. The best job opportunities will occur in nursing care facilities and home healthcare services.

- Bureau of Labor Statistics



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