Do you have a desire to positively influence people’s lives? If so, pursuing a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) might be the perfect path for you. As an LPN, you’ll have the chance to make a genuine impact by improving the lives of patients and their families. However, before your life-saving work, you must first prepare for practical nurse school.
But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! We will walk you through some of the things you need to know about getting ready for practical nursing school, from understanding enrollment requirements to mastering the clinical skills necessary to become a licensed nurse and enter the healthcare industry.
Learn about our medical career training programs today!
Are you ready to begin practical nursing school?
Like many prospective licensed practical nurses before you, signing up for practical nurse school is that exciting first step towards pursuing a dream job in the healthcare sector. After all, nursing school is where you can gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on medical training you need to excel in a new LPN career after graduating and successfully challenging the NCLEX-PN exam.
One of the most compelling advantages of attending a certified practical nurse school is the opportunity to combine both classroom education and hands-on clinical rotations. With instruction on topics such as human anatomy and physiology, and the cultivation of crucial critical thinking and problem-solving skills, your journey to success starts here.
Something to think about is the time commitment that your training will require. If you’re curious about how long practical nursing school might take, you’ll be excited to hear that a practical nurse program typically can be completed in just 12 months.
What you will need to get started
While accredited nursing program enrolment requirements may vary from school to school, there are some important documents a practical nurse school may ask you to provide. The key requirement is to have your high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Furthermore, as many nursing training programs include clinical training, additional documentation may be required as part of the application process. These supporting documents will typically include proof of up-to-date immunizations and a background check.
When working directly with patients, these fundamental requirements ultimately help ensure patients’ safety and security during a student’s on-site clinical training.
Schools may also require entrance testing, references, an interview, and an essay from prospective students. Be sure to fully review the admissions requirements for the programs that interest you, in advance.
Training you will receive in practical nursing school
In order to best prepare you for the NCLEX-PN exam and become a licensed practical nurse, practical nurse school programs are designed to expose you to a range of core subjects critical to your success. Central to this curriculum are the fundamental components of nursing, such as studying anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care.
Practical skills learned at practical nurse school
Further enhancing your classroom learning experience, clinical training and experience can offer an excellent chance to hone your clinical skills by applying them in a real-world medical environment. Collaborating with doctors, and registered nurses (RNs), you can acquire the ability to:
- Monitor a patient’s vital signs, including blood pressure and pulse
- Administer prescribed medication
- Insert IV drips and catheters
- Deliver wound compression, care, and dressing
- Provide personal patient care, including bathing and dressing
- Update patient’s electronic medical records (EMR)
This is where the benefits of practical nurse school education become evident. Clinical training can solidify your understanding and expertise through supervised, practical, and real-life training experiences.
What things will you need to begin practical nursing school
Being well-prepared with the essential tools and resources is also vital to proactive learning. After you have been accepted into a program there are other things you will need to be prepared to succeed. For example, student planners are excellent at helping you to keep track of your assignments, exams, and clinical rotations. You can also acquire extra scrubs, medical attire, and comfortable nursing footwear. Before you make a purchase, you may want to check with your school first to see if they have guidelines or recommendations that you will need to follow when it comes to your uniform, both on-campus and during clinicals.
Success after graduation!
Completing your practical nurse school diploma or certificate is a fantastic milestone and sets the stage for an exciting profession as a licensed practical nurse. However, after graduating from practical nursing school, you’ll now need to put your training into practice by successfully challenging the NCLEX-PN exam.
Diverse career opportunities await you
Exciting news! Upon passing your state’s mandatory NCLEX-PN licensure exam, you’ll be eligible to earn your practical nurse licensure and become a fully qualified licensed practical nurse. As a result, you can apply to an exciting range of entry-level LPN job opportunities throughout the healthcare industry in various healthcare settings, such as:
- Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes
- Home healthcare service providers
- Private physicians and medical doctor’s offices
- Local and state-run hospitals
- Clinical, sports, and military rehabilitation facilities
Moreover, through practical experience and further education, the prospects for career growth are very appealing. After pinpointing your specialized area within the medical field, you can aim for higher-level roles such as an Occupational Therapy Assistant or a Registered Nurse (RN).1
Revitalize Your Career with Practical Nurse School!
Whether you’re seeking opportunities in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or other healthcare sectors, pursuing practical nurse training can be a game-changer for you. As a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of work settings, and prospects for career growth by pursuing further education and gaining on-the-job experience.
Therefore, enrolling in practical nursing school can be the perfect fast-track solution to attaining your career aspirations!
Invest in Your Future with Dorsey College’s Practical Nurse Program
Before you start searching for an ‘LPN school near me,’ look no further than Dorsey College. Because here at Dorsey College, you can benefit from our expertly crafted practical nursing program designed by industry professionals.
Our aim is not only to prepare you for the NCLEX-PN exam but also to offer you the ideal foundation for a thriving LPN career. We also offer a fantastic choice of five top-notch practical nurse school campus locations in Michigan situated in:
- Madison Heights, MI (Main campus)
- Roseville, MI (A branch campus of Madison Heights)
- Saginaw, MI (A branch campus of Madison Heights)
- Wayne, MI (A branch campus of Madison Heights)
- Woodhaven, MI (A branch campus of Madison Heights)
Here at Dorsey College, we’re proud to offer exceptional education to our students, making it easier for you to train to pursue a career as an LPN.
So, don’t settle for just any LPN program – choose Dorsey College’s Practical Nurse program and invest in your future. Join us and discover the possibilities that await you in the world of practical nursing!
Sources:
1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm#tab-8