LPN Programs: From Curriculum to Career Opportunities

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Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are integral parts of the healthcare team who provide direct patient care and assessments under a registered nurse’s (RN) supervision. In California and Texas, LPNs are called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), but their duties remain the same, including taking vital signs, changing wound dressings and assisting with personal care activities like bathing or toileting.

The LPN profession offers a wide range of job opportunities due to the growing healthcare industry and the increasing demand for patient care. LPN programs can be completed in as little as a year, compared to 2-4 years for RN programs, making it an appealing healthcare career choice for aspiring nurses. Read on to learn about  LPN program options, required prerequisites and typical program objectives and curriculum, and exactly how long LPN programs take. 

How Long Are LPN Programs and What’s Involved?

LPN programs prepare students with the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and succeed as entry-level licensed practical nurses upon graduation. Programs include didactic classroom learning and the required number of clinical hours by precepting with an RN or LPN. 

The time it takes to complete an LPN program can depend on several factors, including program type, classroom options and whether you’re enrolled full-time or part-time. For example, traditional LPN programs range from 12 to 24 months, while accelerated LPN programs are fast-tracked and take about 12 months to complete. 

Students accepted into traditional programs have both full-time and part-time enrollment options. Opting for a part-time program will take longer to complete than a full-time program. Accelerated programs are only available through full-time enrollment due to the rigorous coursework and schedule required.

Additionally, depending on the institution, you can opt for an in-person or online LPN program or a hybrid version that combines both. Many LPN programs allow students to complete all didactic coursework online without ever attending an in-person class. However, students must still attend in-person clinical rotations to practice their nursing skills and complete their required clinical hours.

Prerequisites for Enrollment

Licensed practical nursing programs have several prerequisites, which typically include:

• Possessing a high school diploma or general education development (GED) certification
• Taking the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
• Obtaining Basic Life Support certification

The TEAS exam evaluates your knowledge in reading, mathematics, science and English. A high overall score increases your likelihood of acceptance into an LPN program. 

Depending on the institution and program option you choose, you may also be required to complete prerequisite coursework. Some prerequisites may include: 

• Anatomy and Physiology
• English Composition
• General Psychology
• Human Growth and Development
• Intro to Pharmacology
• Microbiology
• Medical Terminology
• Nutrition
• Statistics/Algebra

However, program prerequisites vary. Some traditional programs don’t require any prerequisite coursework, while most accelerated programs require that you complete almost all the prerequisites listed above before applying. 

If the program requires prior coursework, you must meet a minimum grade point average, usually a “B” or higher. Obtaining an “A” in prerequisite coursework increases your chances of acceptance. Additionally, some LPN programs require prior experience or volunteering in a medical setting, especially accelerated LPN programs. 

Program Objectives

As mentioned, LPN programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be entry-level licensed practical nurses. Students learn about patient care, medical conditions, assessment techniques and other vital nursing skills. In addition to traditional nursing coursework, students gain an understanding of collaboration, compassion, empathy and communication. They also become proficient in problem-solving and critical thinking, which are an invaluable part of patient care.

Typical LPN programs require students to complete proficiency and competency exams that test specific nursing skills. Some of these skill areas may include:

• Obtaining vital signs
• Documenting findings accurately
• Understanding diagnostic tests
• Administering medications
• Assisting with procedure set-up
• Obtaining a full patient history
• Performing wound care and dressing changes
• Following proper safety guidelines and protocols

The competencies and proficiencies required depend on the institution. All competencies, coursework, and clinical rotations help prepare students to pass the NCLEX-PN exam. 

LPN Program Curriculum

The LPN program curriculum covers core coursework, often including the following:

• Fundamentals: To acquire basic assessment skills, perform patient care duties and generate nursing care plans. 
• Medical-Surgical Nursing: To become more proficient in patient assessment skills while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Maternal Nursing: To acquire skills in caring for newborns and mothers throughout pregnancy and birth.
• Mental Health Nursing: To learn about mental health conditions and communication techniques to foster the patient-nurse relationship. 
• Leadership: To gain knowledge and understanding of effective communication, leadership styles and conflict resolution.
• Pharmacology: To understand dosing calculations, medication administration and the common side effects and allergic reactions of various drugs.   
• Elective Courses: To choose nursing courses that specifically pertain to an area of your interest, such as nutrition, nursing ethics or development psychology.

Most LPN courses have a clinical rotation component, where students precept with a nurse at a healthcare institution to gain hands-on experience. For example, in the mental health clinical course, you might practice nursing skills at a mental health institution or substance use treatment and recovery center. 

Many LPN programs also have simulation labs, where students practice their clinical skills on specialized mannequins and become competent before performing these skills on a patient. Some clinical skills to practice might include taking vital signs, drawing blood or completing wound care.

Strategies to Excel in LPN Programs

Throughout your educational studies, several effective strategies can help you thrive. The following strategies can help aspiring LPNs navigate their programs with confidence and excel in both didactic and clinical practice, whether they’re prospective students or already knee-deep in their coursework.

1. Know your learning technique or style: Not everyone’s study style is the same, so learn what works for you. You may find reading and taking notes works better than listening or watching videos or vice versa.
2. Practice effective study habits: Cramming for an exam or writing a paper the night before it’s due is stress-inducing and often leads to poor performance. Instead, start studying for exams at least a few days in advance. If you have a big paper or project due, break it into smaller chunks and complete the portions over a few weeks or days, depending on the magnitude of the paper or project.
3. Prioritize your tasks: You may have several exams or projects due around the same time, so prioritize the items you must complete first. For example, if you have an exam tomorrow, study for that instead of working on a project due next week.
4. Practice time management: Everyone has a personal life outside of school. Develop better time management skills by planning your daily activities at the beginning of each week, including time to study, run errands and participate in self-care activities.
5. Utilize resources and support systems: Ensure you have a good support system in place, as many LPN programs have an intense schedule. Stay in contact with your support system regularly and consider utilizing resources, like childcare, when necessary.

You’ve Graduated, Now What?

After you complete an LPN program, you still have some tasks you must complete. First, you must research and understand your state’s requirements to become an LPN and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Once you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you earn your LPN credentials, but you must still obtain a state license that permits you to practice as an LPN within your state. 

State licensure requirements typically include graduating from an accredited LPN program approved by the state, passing the NCLEX-PN exam, completing a background check and fingerprinting. Once you meet all the state requirements and the State Board of Nursing or other regulatory agency in your state approves your application, you’re considered licensed.

Employment Opportunities for LPNs

There are numerous LPN job opportunities available since they can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, home health, physician’s offices and rehabilitation facilities. LPNs can also work in an array of specialties, including:

• Clinical Liason LPN
• Emergency Department LPN
• Home Health LPN
• Long-Term Care LPN
• Psychiatric LPN
• Telemetry LPN
• Utilization Review LPN

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a relatively robust job outlook for LPNs and LVNs, with a 5% increase in employment between 2022 and 2032. BLS data indicates that projected employment by 2032 will be 689,900 LPNs in all healthcare settings combined.

With the growing demand for LPNs, their earning potential will also likely increase. On November 21, 2023, the average staff LPN hourly rate was $31.26 per Vivian Health data. Average travel LPN wages were even better at $1,508 per week during the same period. However, overall earnings depend on your location, specialty and experience.

Continuing Education and Advancement

The healthcare field is ever-changing and new technological advances require LPNs to keep pace with new practice standards and guidelines. Thus, LPNs must understand the importance of being a lifelong learner and completing continued education. Most states require you to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to renew your LPN license, as this ensures continued professional relevance.

Many people choose to start their nursing careers as LPNs and then further their education by obtaining certifications or earning a higher degree. By doing so, you can increase your earning potential or earn your spot for a promotion. As mentioned, with the job outlook increasing for LPNs, so will the career advancement opportunities.

Follow your LPN career aspirations by exploring Vivian’s LPN career guide for additional insights into this gratifying healthcare career choice.