A licensed practical nursing (LPN) career has lots of potential for people looking for job market stability and financial safety. In fact, there’s going to be a high order for LPNs until 2016. The growing need stems from more people being needed in nursing homes and doctors’ offices. On top of filling the need, LPNs should continue to expand their knowledge and clinical skills.
At one time, LPNs were not able to further their education and training because of this need. Due to this reason, they were often limited in employment opportunities. However, thanks to the Internet and other pieces of technology, both current and prospective LPNs have the ability to gain training and certification using online LPN programs as well as LPN-RN bridging programs. The best part about it is that they can take it any time they want, any where they are and however long they desire.
Colleges and universities are trying to increase the number of LPNs to meet the current and future demand. Thus, many have created online LPN courses to do this very thing. To make sure that LPNs are able to always advance on their degree and learn new skills, these online curriculums are patterned after those in the classroom.
Junior college, community colleges, technical schools, vocational schools, universities and hospitals offer these online LPN classes to those LPNs who meet the requirements. The sections, which have a specified number of credits attached to it, contain the topics that can be accessed online anytime… when needed. There are some sections that can be done entirely through the Internet and some sections that need students to be in a health care facility and do the specified number hours to fulfill their obligation and learn the skills to become a great LPN.
By getting hands-on practice, students can incorporate their theories and knowledge and put into practice what they know and have learned. They will be managed and assessed by experienced LPNs. Students have the option to go however fast or slow they want so long as they complete the entire program in a particular time frame. It’s imperative that students learn how to manage their time effectively.
The courses that are available online include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Case findings and management
- Client and family education
- Community health
- Drug calculation and administration
- First aid training
- Human growth and development
- Management
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Nursing treatment regimen classes
- Nutrition and dietetics
- Obstetrics and maternal care
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatric and mental health nursing
LPNs or prospective LPNs going after a bachelor of science in nursing degree will need to finish the online courses within a set time frame as well. They’ll still need to improve their skills by getting applied practice in a clinical setting. LPN-RN bridging programs include the following courses that LPNs must take:
- Advanced nursing
- Clinical practicum
- Health assessment
- Role development