I want to be an LPN by 19 yrs old

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I am 17 and I won't finish highschool until I'm 19 and I would like to become an LPN. But I'm not sure if they have programs for 18 year olds that still attend highschool since majority of the programs state I need either a GED or a highschool diploma. And I would really like to be able to do a nursing program I can finish by my 19th Summer year or finish it so I can start nursing by 19. If anything I would like to know what could I do in this case or if there is any nursing programs besides LPN that I could do whilst I'm in highschool.

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5 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Wants LPN Program,

It sounds like you want to be independent once you graduate high school. I don't know your circumstances, but I admire you for wanting to take responsibility for yourself.

You indeed need a high school diploma or GED for acceptance to an LPN program. But it doesn't hurt to ask if there is any exception for a high schooler nearing graduation. (This is generally true in life- asking doesn't hurt.)

Your best option is probably dual enrollment, which allows high schoolers to earn college credits, specifically general ED classes required for the LPN program.

Here is what the coursework could look like: dual enrollment LPN.

It will require some investigative effort, depending on where you live. Google dual enrollment LPN program and your city. Make an appointment with Admissions at your local college and find out what options are offered. 

Enlist the help of a counselor you trust at your school.

Other options include asking your local college or university about STEM classes and concurrent enrollment. Also, contact your local adult school for information about programs, such as nursing assistant training. You might decide to start by going the certified nursing assistant route, typically offered by adult schools.

The more you talk to admissions counselors at different schools, the clearer your options will become.

I wish you the very best,

Nurse Beth

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

In some US areas, high school vocational technical programs offer practical nursing education certificate in Senior year. Community colleges and private education schools also provide this education.

The National League for Nursing (NLN) : Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.  is the leading authority in nursing practical education accreditation.  Use their Search Programs  link to find programs in your state/area.

Completed my LPN program at age22; BSN, RN 5 years later ---best decision made as still practicing 45+yrs later.  Best wishes in your journey.

Specializes in School Nursing.

Hi all, I started my nursing career as an LPN, graduated at 18 in 1987. In Illinois they had the LPN program at my highschool I attended, Spent my junior and senior year in class and clinicals, summers off. When I graduated highschool, I also graduated from the LPN program. Check with your highschool counselor and see if they have any kind vocational programs or sometimes some outside programs may have a highschool start LPN program where you can start now and finish up the program after you have graduated highschool. Even getting your CNA at this time would be a good jumpstart on your path to Nursing. Have my BSN and an array of experience in different areas from hospital to school nursing at this time in my life. So do your research, ask help from your counselor and good luck on your journey.

Specializes in Critical Care.

Hi there. I graduated from high school in 2009 when I was 17, enrolled in community college the following semester, completed 18.5 units worth of prerequisites (at two different colleges), and was accepted to a 1-year vocation nurse program. I was 19 when I graduated, took the NCLEX-PN, and got my first LVN job. That said, I had a high school diploma and high enough grades so I could defer general ED courses until after I got my LVN. I'd recommend finding out what are the basic vocational nurse program requirements, see if you can dual-enroll in your local community college, and start taking those courses. Earning a nursing degree fresh out of high school is more common than people realize, and it's incredibly useful if you want to continue your education beyond vocation nursing. There are a lot of RN programs (associates and bachelors) that count the education gained in vocational nurse programs towards an RN degree, and reserve spaces so you can integrate halfway with an RN cohort.

I wish you luck as you pursue your future goals! 

Could you just get your GED and then drop out of high school?

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