Accelerated LPN programs can train a medical professional for licensing after a nursing program has been completed at a vocational school or a community college. Accelerated LPN programs allow students to complete a nursing program in a fraction of the time.
If you are ready to embark upon your career in the medical profession, try to enroll in one of the many accelerated LPN programs. Here are some tips for enrolling in accelerated LPN programs:
1. Obtain All the Pre-Requisites for Accelerated LPN Programs
- Applicants Must Hold a Valid LPN License. Most students obtain their licenses from vocational school or community college prior to community college nursing program.
- Pass the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam. A good score must be obtained on this particular exam to gain admission into accelerated LPN programs.
- Pass the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam. This exam tests LPN skills and determines whether the student is qualified to participate in accelerated LPN programs.
2. Select a School, Apply and Wait for Acceptance Letters
Select from the dozens of accelerated LPN programs and apply. Schools with accelerated LPN programs include: Auburn University, California State University, Arkansas University, Emory University, Idaho State University, Louisiana State University, University of Nebraska, and Binghamton University. Each of these schools has accelerated LPN programs and would provide a quality education for any student who enrolls.
Once you have applied, wait for a response regarding your acceptance. This process can take several months or more depending on the month the school receives and reviews your application. Choose the school that best matches your career goals and schedule.
Some schools are more flexible than others in terms of schedule. The selection should be taken seriously as the decision will determine the type of jobs you will be able to obtain based upon the reputation of the program.
3. Successfully Complete the Accelerated LPN Program
If you are accepted in on of the accelerated LPN programs, you should already have basic nursing skills. Immediately, you will be trained in advanced nursing skills such as pharmacology, medical nursing, pediatric nursing and maternal and newborn nursing.
Some LPN programs will require you to complete clinical work before completing performance finals. Standardized examinations are typically required after each component of the program. Once every phase of the accelerated LPN is complete, nurses can practice in a hospital, clinic or a home.
The accelerated LPN program will also teach students how to interact with patients in a variety of care settings. Emergency care and extended care are included in this training. The course work will also include anatomy, physiology, nursing, mental health, and psychology. Some accelerated training programs will teach students how to make decisions under pressure and how to apply theoretical knowledge.
The advanced classes will build on current knowledge. The program will prepare you to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). A certificate of completion will be awarded after this program is completed.
4. Determine How Long It Will Take to Complete an Accelerated LPN Program
The accelerated LPN training program can be accomplished in a year. Most people who complete training to become a LPN will require two years to complete the program. Some programs can condense the program into six months if the student has a certified nursing assistant (CNA) degree. This program will earn more pay in a respected field.
Over the course of the program, students may take weekend classes and classes that last for six weeks. Multiple classes may be taken per semester. This program will require a significant amount of time to complete. Every student should be committed to the program prior to applying.
Accelerated LPN Programs: What LPN Graduates Earn
In general, LPNs make $20 per hour. Some offices pay less and some pay more. Nursing homes typically pay more than $20 per hour. Nurses that work for agencies can earn between $25 and $30 per hour. Agencies do not pay benefits and do not guarantee hours. The annual earnings begin at $35,000 and increase beyond that point.
The pay will vary based upon the state where the nurse will be working. A LPN in New York, for instance, will make less than $20 per hour, but in some locations, nurses will make more. LPNs with experience in I.V. Therapy can earn between $25 and $40 per hour. Many nurses do not like these programs because no relationships between patients and doctors are developed and no benefits are provided.
Accelerated LPN Programs are in Demand
LPNs are in high demand and are expected to be in demand for the next couple of years until the retiring staff members are replaced. LPN programs can help you get on your road to being a practicing LPN faster than a two year program. Consider an accelerated program to complete your training in the coming year.