Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a quick way to enter the healthcare industry and can be a great entry point for those who want to gain experience with various patient populations before pursuing an advanced degree. This path can quickly build an aspiring practical nurse’s medical terminology, technical skills, and provide hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings. It can also be a rewarding career path with many opportunities for career growth and advancement.
Despite this, there are rumors that becoming an LPN may no longer be a viable career path.
Are LPNs Being Phased Out?
During your research into practical nursing programs, you’ve likely come across questions like, “will LPNs be needed in the future” or “why are LPNs being phased out.” Contrary to what these searches may have you initially believe, practical nurses are seeing an increased job demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for LPNs is expected to grow by five percent across the nation between 2022 and 2032. Should these projections hold, about 54,400 positions will be available each year.
While hospitals are upping their educational requirements for nurses, practical nurses can work in a number of environments like home health, long-term care facilities, physician’s offices, and more. Having so many options for work environments means practical nurses can find positions in many different areas, offering a diverse range of work experiences.
What Can You Expect in an LPN Program?
Beginning a Practical Nursing program is an exciting start to your nursing career. While it involves learning a lot of information in a short period, this is an invaluable step in your journey. A Practical Nursing program is designed to help you quickly build the knowledge and experience to enter the healthcare industry as a skilled entry-level practical nurse.
Some topics you may cover during a Practical Nursing program can include, but aren’t limited to:
- anatomy
- physiology
- pharmacology
- ethical and legal considerations as a healthcare worker
- growth and development
- mental health issues
- sterilization techniques
- patient examinations and more
Practical Nursing programs can consist of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and clinical experience. You can practice calculating different dosages based on mock client files and maintaining sterile environments to minimize the risk of patients getting infections. During the clinical portion of a Practical Nursing program, you can learn how to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
In addition to the technical skills used in this exciting field, Practical Nursing programs can also help you develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. As you learn how to assess patient needs and changing conditions, you can gain confidence in your ability to make quick decisions in emergency situations. These skills are essential in providing quality care and ensuring patient safety.
As you work through a Practical Nursing program, you may be exposed to the skills and competencies covered on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Upon successful completion of a Practical Nursing program, you may be eligible to take NCLEX-PN and become a licensed practical nurse.
While it may seem like a lot to take on, if becoming a practical nurse is your goal, it can be worth it.
What are the Benefits of Being an LPN?
Choosing to become an LPN is a quick way for those interested in healthcare to enter the industry. Since LPNs can complete their training in about a year, this pathway offers a much shorter training period than an Associate of Science in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
This is a great way to quickly break into the industry and begin gaining hands-on patient experience under the guidance of a registered nurse or physician.
LPNs can also have a variety of job opportunities available in different healthcare settings. They can work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and even in-home care. This flexibility can allow them to choose a work environment that best suits their preferences and lifestyle.
LPNs can also choose to continue their education at a later date and advance their career by pursuing further training or obtaining additional certifications. This can allow them to take on more specialized roles or even become an RN in the future.
Becoming an LPN is a great option for those looking to enter the healthcare industry quickly and make a meaningful difference in patient’s lives. With its short training period and potential for career advancement, this can be a great entry into a lifetime of helping others.
Next Steps
Despite the rumors suggesting that the role of LPNs might be diminishing, the demand for compassionate and skilled practical nurses remains robust. Training to become an LPN offers numerous benefits, including the ability to enter the healthcare field relatively quickly. These programs can help ensure you’re equipped with essential medical terminology, technical skills, and invaluable hands-on experience. Practical Nursing programs can help prepare you to work in various healthcare settings and provide care for diverse patient populations.
Furthermore, becoming an LPN can serve as a stepping stone for further career advancement at a later date. The blend of rapid entry into the workforce and numerous opportunities for growth makes becoming an LPN a rewarding and pragmatic choice for many aspiring healthcare professionals.
Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. Miller-Motte does not assume or guarantee certification/licensures, specific job/career positions, income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Miller-Motte. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at Miller-Motte.
