Questions about becoming an LPN

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Hi There!

I am trying to find out more info about becoming an LPN and then an RN. I have gone through some of the treads on this wonderful site, but I find conflicting info from different sources that I found. Hopefully, some of you could clear it up for me. Thank you in advance.

  1. Does one need to become a Nursing Assistant before going to school for an LPN?
  2. As far as choosing the school for LPN, I hear that the school should be accredited by National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). What if the school is not? I saw a few colleges offering degrees in LPN and then immediately RN without being accredited. Is that a scam of some sort?
  3. I also see some schools having 1 year and others a 2 year program for LPN, what is the difference and why?

All information is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Ann-

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Specializes in Med-Surg, gynecology.

Ann,

I am currently half-way through an LVN program. (In Texas, LPNs are called LVNs). Here are some at-least partial answers to your questions.

1) You do not HAVE to be a CNA before entering nursing school, however the experience will be helpful if you do become a CNA. I entered school having no prior medical experience, and my fellow-students who were CNAs usually have a better handle on the clinical side of school.

2) Check with your state board of nursing to verify accredidation of any programs you are considering.

3) Different schools offer different timeframes for completing your studies. My school offers a full-time, 1-year program. The good part is that it's all over in a year...the bad part is that you work your tail off for that one year! Other programs may be 15 months or 18 months, or perhaps 2 years if you are attending on a night-school basis or some such.

4) After completing your program, you will sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. Passing that test is what will get you your nursing license.

5) I have a few fellow-students who are not US citizens, but are permanent residents, so I don't believe being a non-citizen should be a problem.

Hope this is helpful--good luck!

Laura

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Hi Laura!

Just wanted to thank you for your post, it's very helpful.

Cheers,

Ann-

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Hi,

Our program didn't require us to be a CNA first but I have heard of some that do. We did have the option after our first semester to just pay the licensing fee and get our CNA if we wanted.

I wouldn't go to a school that isn't accredited and I'm also not a fan of the LPN schools that don't have the same pre-reqs as the ones you need for your ADN or BSN. It seems to me that if I'm going to spend my time taking A&P I want the credits to be transferrableas I continue on in school.

I went to a CC for my LPN program which was 12 months, 3 semesters. I am now at a CC for my LPN to ADN bridge program where I joined the second year RN students for their last 2 semesters.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

While it is best for LPN programs to be accredited, this is not mandatory. Thousands of LPNs have received their education and training from unaccredited, fast-track trade schools and have had no problems finding work. The main problem with unaccredited LPN programs is that the credits earned will not transfer. But as long as the LPN program is approved to operate by the state in which you reside, you'll be eligible for licensure upon graduation.

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