What are the pre-req courses for LVN

kids · Dec 17, 2009

The pre-reqs will depend on your school. It's not standardized and varies from school to school, even different schools in the same state can have different requirements.

Yes, there will be math, what the class is called will again depend on the school.

You'll want to research the different schools in your area and ask your questions of them. You don't want to wait until you're ready to 'enroll' in the LPN program to do it, start researching NOW. Many schools have waiting lists even for the LPN and most of them (in my experience) require the pre-reqs be done before you can even apply to the program.

You'll want to do some reading in the student forums.

It varies by location but in general nursing programs are not a course of study you can just pop over to the community college and enroll in like you can many other trades.

AshiPanda · Dec 17, 2009

Here in Sarasota FL, they require a little general school entrance exam that tests basic math and reading (and I think science), but it's easy. Then you must take their online anatomy and physiology test. I have a friend entering now, and now they require some kind of HESI test or something...this wasn't present when I went through the class.

LPN generally doesn't require an associate's degree or anything though, lol.

branda1218 · Dec 17, 2009

Im going to school in the fall of 2010. And my school, Navarro College, they don't require pre-req's for the LVN program, but there a must for the ADN program. But you can take them, they would be more of help to you in the long run. And you might not even have to take the class if you have already took the pre-req.

Ms. Branda

tavia_yeung · Dec 20, 2009

thank you guys for the replies and sharing your experiences.

i know that different school/state might have different name for the courses but i hope someone can please tell me what kind of classes do you take for your lvn/lpn program so i can get an idea of the subjects that are covered. i'm sure it would helpful if i know that:-)

i heard someone said that they take anatomy, nutrition, medical terminology ...that's all i know so far. but i'm wondering what is covered in medical terminology class...is it about medicines, diseases or something?

jrw03282009 · Dec 20, 2009

Hmmm, we did pretty much basic stuff this semester (1st). It was growth, anatomy, calculations, nutrition, disease process, basic nursing skills. I cant explain concepts, you will have to experiance that one yourself. I know that I took some pre-algrebra and algebra before I started b/c I have been out of highschool for 15 years. It helped a TON. Prepare for your first semester and getting through that semester will prepare you for your next semester. You will learn your weaknesses quickly.

tavia_yeung · Dec 20, 2009

hmmm, we did pretty much basic stuff this semester (1st). it was growth, anatomy, calculations, nutrition, disease process, basic nursing skills. i cant explain concepts, you will have to experiance that one yourself. i know that i took some pre-algrebra and algebra before i started b/c i have been out of highschool for 15 years. it helped a ton. prepare for your first semester and getting through that semester will prepare you for your next semester. you will learn your weaknesses quickly.

thanks very much for providing the names of courses that you're taking b/c at least now i get the idea what are covered in the program so i can be more prepare before i'm enroll in the program soon. thanks again!!!!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2009

I attended an expensive, private, proprietary trade school in southern California that did not require any prerequisite classes. Anyone who could pass the minimally difficult entrance exam and pay for the course got admitted into the program.

The vast majority of LVN/LPN programs in the U.S. award certificates or diplomas upon completion, but some will issue an associate of applied science degree in practical nursing.

John--RN · Dec 31, 2009

Hi all, I'm planning to enroll in the LVN program somewhere next year so I would like to know what are the pre-req courses do I need to take and what others kind of classes do you take during your LVN program. Also, do we need to take math for this program, if yes then what level is it like Algebra I or II, ect...because I'm not good at math at all. Since 2005 I have taken pre-req classes for 2 yrs RN program and now I only need to take Micro, Bio, and Anatomy and I'm done and ready to apply into the program but since my GPA is kinda low so I decided to forget about applying for the RN program...I felt like I'm wasting years for taken those classes and end up nothing cos I choosing the wrong path and didn't realize until this summer. But I'm glad that I'm a CNA now (just got my cert # this December), also kinda regret that I didn't find out about the CNA program earlier cos I never notice or heard about that there is a CNA program existed at all. If I know about this earlier then I would choose a CNA path as a first step into the nursing field...then when I have experience I would be a RN but forget about being RN now cos I already screwed up w/ my GPA and wasted all that years in school:cry:. Anyway, now my big dream is just to be a LVN.
Another question is: is LVN/LPN is a Associate Degree or Diploma? I live in Cali if that matter.
Thanks!!

Whoa, lets step back here for a second and take a breath. Education is never wasted, and don't be so fast to give up your dream. The math on my enterance test was harder then anything I am seeing in the actual LPN program, and the enterance test was not that bad.

RN programs can be tough to get into, but LPN to RN programs seem to be easier so your gpa may not be an issue and you will have your pre reqs done already.