So just how intense is it?

LPN programs do not even compare to high school. In today's public high schools, you can pass your classes and graduate by simply engaging in rote memorization and following orders from your teachers. You do not need to learn to apply or analyze any of the material you learn in high school, simply because teachers are more concerned with getting students to pass the yearly standardized tests.

I honestly believe that you don't have to be the smartest person to get through an LPN program, because LPN programs are not that academically challenging in my opinion. They are, however, extremely time-consuming. It is common to have tests and quizzes every other day. The care plans stump some people. You will spend plenty of your free time studying, and you might lose some friends in the process. However, you must be very disciplined with the time management aspects of school. You must study daily, read a whole lot, and learn to become a "predatory learner."

You'll need to take the initiative and learn as much as you can on your own time, because not all of the instructors will be good. During school, I had to teach many things to myself. Several of my classmates had similar experiences with having to teach themselves. Good luck!

I felt that while the program wasn't difficult per se, they give you a voluminous amount of work to learn within a certain time frame. I didn't have many pop quizzes or tests, but the percentage of the exams were heavy; at least 25% each of your overall grade in that class. As TheCommuter stated, most of the work may have to be learned independently, so, if you are not a self-starter or self motivated, you may have a hard time. There are performance evaluations where you will have to do an assigned skill, and you need time to practice as well as know the rationales of why things are done a certain way (such as strict sterile technique). I was fortunate because I worked in a hospital where I used to obtain supplies to practice at home. Time management is of essence; and you have to adhere to a strict schedule of when you will sleep, study, cook, and whatever else. You will have to cut some friends loose for awhile. But, the determined will make it. Good luck!

I strongly suspect that you will need more than one hour to study the material. There may be papers due, and with pop quizzes, you have to be prepared. I think that at least 3 hours will be a bit more realistic. There are days that you can take a break, but, you may see that this hour may be too quick.

I agree with Pagandeva. 1 hour per day of study typically will not be sufficient for most people in LPN programs. You should plan on at least 2 hours per day if you're in a 12 month program, because so much information is crammed into that small amount of time. I would set aside 2 hours per day of study time as a minimum, and try to set aside more if possible.

At times, you may feel as if you are neglecting your family to pursue this schooling.

First, you have to assimilate all that you learned for that day. There will be several things that may confuse you, or you may miss the main points. Think about it; how can you successfully recover and comprehend each of the words you heard in 8 hours within only 1 hour? Even though for some, the program was not that difficult, there is usually an area that causes some grief; and for me, it was fluid and electrolytes.

Most people have had to place many things on the side, or limit their social interactions, even with family. I was fortunate in that my son was a independent and trustworthy teenager and my husband worked evening/night tour (off alternate weekends). I didn't have to cook and clean for them that much (in fact, they did it). I used to clean and do laundry the Saturday my husband worked and leave time for him when he was off the opposite weekend. My son was an adlib sort of kid; he is a homebody, so, we did have our time, but he also understood, somehow, that this was serious business.

Even for the most successful student, LPN school was NOT a pure walk in the park.

Anjieleelee, Just wanted to let you know that 'The Commuter' & 'pagandeva' know whereof they speak!!! I have just completed my 5th week of LPN school. There has not been a day since I started that I studied less than 2 hours. That includes weekends! Average study time for me is 2-3 hours. More if needed. As far as the house work--let it go!! I usually don't even do dishes all week. I get caught up with laundry & dishes, etc. on the weekend.
No, you do not have to be extremely 'smart' to get through the program. However, determination is a priority. As well as time management/organization. Is the program intense? YES! Can you do it? YES! It's all up to you.

I'm starting to worry now!!! Not that I thought my course would be a piece of cake, not by a long shot. But I have a 4 year old and a 7 year old who are very demanding of my time (and rightly so).

I'll get home between 4:15-4:45. I KNOW I won't be able to pick up my books until at least 8pm, after the kids are in bed and most of the stuff is ready for the next day, lunches, pack packs, etc.

That leaves from 8-10 to study and 1 hour to chill out before bed. Man, I'm going to be tired!! My course is Mon-Thurs and my oldest is in school, but my 4 year old will be missing me all week and want my undivided attention on Fridays, as well as my house will need a good cleaning....ahhh.

However, I did take a biology 12 pre req through correspondence last fall. When we wrote our final, one girl there was already in the LPN program, at my college. She said that the LPN course was WAY, WAY easier than the biology course we just took. She also said she is getting good grades and "you don't even have to read everything right away". I have no idea how she's doing now (this was in February).

Oh, yeah, now I'm nervous!!!