Practical nursing is one of the most popular entry-level health care professions. Licensed practical nurses, who are also referred to as LPNs are health care workers who are responsible for taking vital signs, changing dressing, collecting blood samples and helping people with some of the activities of daily living. LPNs work under the supervision and direction of registered nurses. They also monitor patients and record changes. Most LPN programs can be completed in one or two years. However, the time that a person spends in school depends greatly on the education requirements of the school and state.Training Programs for LPNS
The practical nursing curriculum differs from state to state, but the core courses are very similar. These programs consist of a classroom session and clinical practicals that allow students to apply what they learned in the classroom.A student can complete an LPN program at a trade school, a traditional college or a private hospital. People can also study at one of the LPN programs online if they do not have the time or inclination to attend a conventional college. Courses in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, medical-surgical, pharmacology, communications, general health and professional relationships are some of the typical courses in LPN programs. Students complete their clinical skills under the supervision of a nurse practitioner or registered nurse.After completing the necessary education, students must past the state examine before they are allowed to practice as licensed practical nurses. Almost all nursing schools require that a person have a GED or high school diploma. However, there are a few that will accept people with no high school diploma if they make a passing grade on the entrance examination.One year LPN programs
Technical and vocational colleges usually have LPN programs. These programs include both a classroom portion and supervised clinical portion. Most students complete the clinical portion in the hospital setting, but some schools do allow students to compete their training at nursing home facilities. Most one-year LPN programs do not award students a degree, but rather award students a certificate. Students who graduate from a one-year course usually have the same job opportunities as those who have earned a degree.LPN programs at Hospitals
LPNS who complete their training at hospitals are awarded a diploma. It is important to note that hospital LPN programs are not offered at every state. However, hospitals that do offer these programs employ the students immediately after graduation. Prospective students have to complete an interview, background check and drug test before they are allowed to be employed. After completing the prerequisites, the person will be considered a trainee and then he or she will began orientation.Students who have complete the classroom portion will then complete the clinical portion under the supervision of a nurse practitioner or RN. Some states allow new nurses to work after they have completed the program even before they get licensed. However, student nurses cannot work on their own unless they have passed the exam and gotten licensed.People also have the option of completing a degree program or earning their degree online.