Need some guidance to be an LPN!!!!

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I am interested in being an LPN, I'm 26 and have a 7 month old son. Is it best to complete the online Excelcior courses or go to a community college? Is it possible to work as a CNA and get through the LPN program in 1 year? What should I do? , I really need a blueprint for how I am going to make this happen! HELP!!

:monkeydance:

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I don't know if there are any LPN programs on-line, at least not any that are accredited. I've tried looking but couldn't find any. Maybe someone else will know of one. But anyways, your best bet is to either go to a community college or a private college around your area. Community colleges usually have pre-reqs to be completed before you can even apply to the LPN program, but they are much cheaper than private colleges. I'm applying to an LPN program at a private college, and although it's a little pricey, there are no pre-reqs required- just a HS diploma, TEAS test, and recommendation letters.

And yes, many LPN programs can be done within a year. The one I'm applying to is about 12 months long, but there is another one in my area that lasts 2 years, so it depends on the school. Hope this helped you a little---and good luck!!

P.S. I think working as a CNA is great thing to do before and/or during nursing school! I'm getting certified this summer and plan on working for a year as a CNA before I enroll in LPN school. Once I start school, I'll only be working weekends so I can devote my time during the week to studying.....because I know there will be a LOT of studying to do....:smackingf

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I could be wrong, but I don't think you can do Excelcior w/o already being an LPN. I would check out their website first.

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i could be wrong, but i don't think you can do excelcior w/o already being an lpn. i would check out their website first.

:yeahthat: i checked their website and didn't see anything that would indicate that you can get an lpn certificate with strictly online training. i'm not the authority on this subject, but i don't think you can do that.

i don't think they offer lpn certificates through an online program. i think they offer lpn-rn transition degrees instead. (and of course you'd still have to do your clinicals elsewhere, i think.)

anyway, a one year program is definitely do-able if you can fit it in into your life.

best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.
:yeahthat: i checked their website and didn't see anything that would indicate that you can get an lpn certificate with strictly online training. i'm not the authority on this subject, but i don't think you can do that.

i don't think they offer lpn certificates through an online program. i think they offer lpn-rn transition degrees instead. (and of course you'd still have to do your clinicals elsewhere, i think.)

anyway, a one year program is definitely do-able if you can fit it in into your life.

best of luck to you!

we have a license,not a certificate.

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Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.

Dear Goget,Lpn programs in my part of the country are 1 year full time.I would recommend working as a CNA for experience.It will definetly help you.Youll learn people skills,techniques and experiences,that you wouldnt normally have learned and will use in school.Good Luck!!

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You guys are right that Excelsior does not have an LPN program. They do have an ASN program for people who are already healthcare providers like LPN's/LVN's, paramedics, or respiratory therapists.

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We have a license,not a certificate.

While LPN's and LVN's are licensed, the state board of nursing grants this license. The school usually awards a certificate or, less commonly, an associate degree. (But Excelsior does not have an LPN program.)

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Specializes in Geriatric (LTC & SNF).

I am currently an Excelsior LPN to RN student and they do not offer an online LPN course. You have to go to an actual school for that. Most LPN courses are about a year long. It is hard work but definitely worth it in the end.

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Specializes in Rehab.

I know this is true for Michigan, and I can imagine it would be the same for other parts of the country.

I don't think that they are able to offer accredited LPN programs online because these programs require clinical hours which you don't get through online programs. My understanding is the reason Excelsior, ISU, etc are allowed to offer these LPN-RN programs is because they consider your work experience as an LPN to count toward clinical hours with the national board that does accreditation.

That's just my understanding.

Blessings,

Crystal

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you can DO IT!! ;) ... but in the LPN program you learn so much of the skills and you really need the hands on experience in order to become familiar with it.. personally I would never do any LPN online class because you could never get the hands on skills that you need to do... If it was an LPN-RN program online, then I would do it, because then you would have the experience already... I was never an NA when I started the LPN program and I got through it fine.. being an NA does really help though, but after 1 rotation of clinical, I felt so comfortable with basic patient care already... I even bought a BP cuff and stethoscope (which I had to have for the program) to practive vitals at home... you will do fine.. I also have a todder and I got through it

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