Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse

If you are looking for a healtcare career without a college degree then this is it. Also know as LPN or LVN, these nurses care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.  As a matter of fact LPN or LVN can be the first step into becoming a RN for a nurse who doesn't have an Associates or Bachelor's degree.  LPNs often provide basic bedside care and record patients’ vital signs such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, dress wounds, and give alcohol rubs and massages.

Education and Training Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required .  In some high schools, training is part of the high school education.  All States and the District of Columbia require LPNs to pass a licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-PN, after completing a State-approved practical nursing program.

How to become a Licensed Practical Nurse

The computer-based NCLEX-PN licensing exam developed and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing is required. The exam covers: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.

Career Advancement for LPNs

Experienced LPNs can become supervisingnurses who oversee the work of other LPNs and of nursing aides. They can become registered nurses by joining a LPN-to-RN training program.

Job Opportunities for LPNs

Currently there are about 800,000 LPNs.  According to US Department of Labor, roughly 100,000 new LPN jobs will be added every year.  Also, for several LPNs this is an entery level job in healthcare.  A lot of them move up to become RNs or puruse other education fields, which will keep this as a high demand profession.

How much money LPNS make

The starting salary for LPNs is $25,000 / year.  Experienced LPNs can make up to $50,000 / year without any formal college education.