There are generally two scholastic credentials offered that provide training to become an LPN near Wilmington NC. The one that can be concluded in the shortest amount of time, typically about 12 months, is the certificate or diploma program. The next alternative is to obtain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These LPN programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma alternative and generally require 2 years to complete. The benefit of Associate Degrees, besides offering a higher credential and more in-depth instruction, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. No matter the kind of credential you pursue, it needs to be state approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or some other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC attests that the core curriculum effectively prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that the majority of graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

What is an LPN?

Licensed Practical Nurses have many duties that they perform in the Wilmington NC health facilities where they work. As their titles imply, they are mandated to be licensed in all states, including North Carolina. Although they may be accountable for managing Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), they themselves typically work under the guidance of either an RN or a doctor. The healthcare facilities where they work are numerous and diverse, for instance hospitals, medical clinics, schools, and long-term care facilities. Anywhere that you can encounter patients seeking medical treatment is their domain. Each state not only oversees their licensing, but also what duties an LPN can and can’t perform. So depending on the state, their everyday work functions may include:

• Measuring vital signs
• Administering medicines
• Initiating IV drips
• Observing patients
• Taking blood or urine samples
• Maintaining patient records
• Assisting doctors or RNs with procedures

In addition to their work functions being regulated by each state, the medical facilities or other Wilmington NC healthcare providers where LPNs work can additionally limit their job roles within those parameters. Also, they can work in various specialties of nursing, for instance long-term care, critical care, oncology and cardiology.

Online LPN Programs

Enrolling in LPN schools online is emerging as a more in demand way to receive training and acquire a nursing certificate or degree in Wilmington NC. Some schools will require attending on campus for a component of the training, and nearly all programs require a specific amount of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local healthcare center. But since the balance of the training can be accessed online, this alternative may be a more accommodating answer to finding the free time to attend classes for some students. Pertaining to tuition, some online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus choices. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more affordable. And many online programs are accredited by U.S. Department of Education recognized organizations. Therefore if your job and household commitments have left you with little time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online LPN program will make it easier to fit a degree into your active schedule.

LPN Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) was $45,030 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,970, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $61,030. Most licensed practical nurses near Wilmington NC work full time, although about 1 in 5 worked part time in 2016. Many work nights, weekends, and holidays, because medical care takes place at all hours. They may be required to work shifts of longer than 8 hours. Employment of LPNs is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026.  Job prospects should be favorable for LPNs who are willing to work in rural and medically under served areas.

Things to Ask LPN Programs

Once you have decided on obtaining your LPN certificate, and if you will attend classes on campus or on the internet, you can use the following guidelines to begin narrowing down your options. As you probably realize, there are numerous nursing schools and colleges near Wilmington NC as well as within North Carolina and throughout the United States. So it is important to decrease the number of schools to choose from so that you will have a manageable list. As we already discussed, the location of the school as well as the expense of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the initial two points that you will look at. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your only qualifiers. So before making your final choice, use the following questions to see how your selection measures up to the other schools.

• Accreditation. It’s a good idea to make sure that the certificate program as well as the school are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. In addition to helping verify that you receive a premium education, it may assist in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are often not provided for non-accredited schools near Wilmington NC.
• Licensing Preparation. Licensing requirements for LPNs differ from state to state. In all states, a passing score is required on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) as well as graduation from an accredited school. Some states require a certain number of clinical hours be completed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s important that the school you are attending not only delivers an outstanding education, but also prepares you to meet the minimum licensing requirements for North Carolina or the state where you will be practicing.
• Reputation. Check internet rating companies to see what the reviews are for each of the LPN schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews too. Also, get in touch with the North Carolina school licensing authority to check out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some nearby Wilmington NC healthcare organizations you’re interested in working for after graduation and ask what their judgements are of the schools as well.
• Graduation and Job Placement Rates. Find out from the LPN programs you are considering what their graduation rates are as well as how long on average it takes students to finish their programs. A low graduation rate may be an indication that students were dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. It’s also imperative that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only confirm that the school has a superb reputation within the Wilmington NC healthcare community, but that it also has the network of relationships to help students obtain a position.
• Internship Programs. The most ideal way to obtain experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse is to work in a clinical environment. Virtually all nursing degree programs require a certain number of clinical hours be completed. Many states have minimum clinical hour mandates for licensing also. Check if the schools have a working relationship with local Wilmington NC community hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placing of students in internships.

Enrolling in an LPN Program near Wilmington NC?

If you are considering enrolling in and attending an LPN school near Wilmington NC, you may find the following information both interesting and useful when making your final decision.

Select the Right LPN Program near Wilmington NC

Deciding on the right Licensed Practical Nurse program is perhaps the most crucial step to beginning a new career in the health care field. There are numerous variables that you should take into account when deciding on a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career objectives, obligations, and economic status. As we have pointed out in this post, it is critical that you select an LPN college and a certificate or degree program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the healthcare community. You originally decided to visit this website because of an interest in Licensed Practical Nurse Colleges. However, by using our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to create a short list of schools to pick from so that you can make your final selection. And with the proper degree and training, combined with your dedication and desire to succeed, you can become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Wilmington NC.

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Bing: North Carolina LPN Programs Search results

• LPN Programs in Charlotte, North Carolina | PracticalNursing.org

  The North Carolina Board of Nursing licenses nurses and approves LPN training programs in the state. Prospective students will find that a typical LPN program features the following subjects: Human Physiology. Human Development. Nutrition & Diet. Pharmacology for Nurses. Surgery Nursing. Maternity Care & Pediatric Care. Gerontology Care.

• Approved Nursing Programs | North Carolina Board of Nursing

  Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): A nursing program leading to a diploma is generally one year in length. The nursing curriculum includes classroom and clinical experiences for patients across the lifespan. Clinical practice settings are primarily long-term care or outpatient clinics upon graduation.

• 15 Best LPN Programs in North Carolina – 2024 - NursingProcess.org

  15 Best North Carolina LPN Programs – 2024. Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org. If you live in the state of North Carolina and would like to become a licensed practical nurse, we have good news for you. Graduates from LPN programs in North Carolina are more likely to pass the NCLEX-PN licensure exam than graduates from other states.

• 2024's Top LPN Programs in North Carolina: Online and Campus - EduMed.org

  College Spotlights: Popular LPN Programs in NC. With a wide array of LPN programs in North Carolina, you’re certain to find one that is able to well prepare you to pass the NCLEX-PN exam and begin your career as a practical nurse.

• Practical Nursing (PN) - Wayne Community College | Goldsboro, NC

  The Wayne Community College (WCC) Practical Nursing (PN) Program has full approval by the NCBON to provide nursing education. Graduates of the WCC PN program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) that is required for practice as a Registered Nurse.

• 2024 - Best LPN Programs in North Carolina - Licensed Practical Nurse

  Approved programs in North Carolina are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 39 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 10 programs.

• LPN Programs in North Carolina [2023 Guide] - Accredited Schools Online

  With over 17,000 LPNs working throughout North Carolina, licensed practical nursing has become a popular career choice for those seeking to enter the medical field. These nurses work in various health care settings, including nursing homes, ambulatory care service facilities, and hospitals.

• 2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs in ...

  Start your North Carolina nursing career by enrolling in one of the state’s LPN programs. We ranked each school by its students’ NCLEX exam pass rate. 2024 Rankings: The Best Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs in North Carolina | NursingSchoolsAlmanac.com

• Top LPN Programs in North Carolina - LPN.com

  Top LPN Programs in North Carolina. Last Updated/Verified: September 15th, 2023. The state of North Carolina offers a wide range of employment opportunities in the nursing field, from nursing aides to registered nurses.

• Practical Nursing | Wake Tech

  The graduate of the Practical Nursing (PN) program at Wake Technical Community College is prepared to practice as an entry-level nurse. Graduates of this program meet the education requirements to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).

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