LPN Classes Online
Have you been looking for the fast track to a challenging and rewarding career? As a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you’ll help care for patients in the hospital setting. While becoming an LPN can sometimes take months of attending classes and trying to fit coursework into your schedule, the internet has now made it possible for you to become an LPN on your terms. Want to learn more about how to take LPN classes online? Keep reading.
What are the Requirements for Taking LPN classes online?
The actual requirements to enrolling in LPN classes will vary by program. While there are many LPN jobs available, receiving training as an LPN can actually require you to put your name on a waiting list. Usually, you will have to complete college courses in order to qualify for a nursing program. Some of these classes may include:
- College reading and English
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- General math
You’ll need to check the specific program you want to apply for in order to know the exact requirements.
In addition to classes, it takes a certain type of person to become an LPN. You’ll need the following personality traits to become an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse):
- Patience when doing your own work and working with coworkers
- Dedication to doing your best at all times
- An understanding of people
- The ability to work and think quickly when in stressful situations
If you feel these traits describe you, you’re ready to apply to become an LPN!
Do I Need Post-High School Training Before Applying for Online LPN classes?
Yes, if you want to become enrolled in LPN training online, you generally need more training than just high school. You’ll usually need one to two years of college in order to meet the prerequisites to apply for LPN courses. Don’t worry if college sounds intimidating, though; you don’t have to apply for a major university to get those pre-reqs out of the way. You can simply enroll at your local community college in order to take those required classes.
What Kind of Research Should I Do Before Applying for a Program?
The actual LPN course program you graduate from can have a big impact on whether or not you’ll get a job. This means it’s very important to choose the right program for you. Here are some questions to ask before enrolling with a school or group offering online LPN courses:
- How big are the classroom sizes? Larger classes mean less time with the instructor, and that’s a bad thing.
- What background do the nursing instructors have? What kind of experience do they have in the nursing industry, and how recent is that experience?
- What are the school‘s retention and initial passing rates on state licensing exams for nurses? If these rates are low, you may want to consider a different school.
You don’t want to spend a lot of time and money in a program that won’t land you a job as an LPN, so it’s definitely worth taking a little bit of time before you apply to research a program.
What Types of Courses Can I Expect to Take?
When you’re taking online LPN classes, you can expect to take four different types courses. These are:
- Prerequisites
- General nursing courses
- Theory classes
- Study courses
Here is a breakdown of what to expect from each.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites are courses you take to give you the foundational knowledge you’ll need before taking nursing courses. This includes making sure you have the adequate science, math, and English skills to understand what you’ll be taught later.
General Nursing Courses
These include classes that will give you the knowledge you’ll use as a nurse. Even though general nursing courses are not always filled with information you will use as an LPN, they will give you medical knowledge. These can include courses like nutrition, psychology, and medical terminology, among others.
Theory Courses
The theory portion of your coursework will help you to find your niche as an LPN. This includes courses such as geriatric nursing, surgical nursing, and pediatric nursing. These often have an in-class portion and a clinical training portion where you actually receive training in person on the subject.
NCLEX Study Courses
The NCLEX-PN examination is required for you to finally become an LPN after your coursework. NCLEX study courses allow you to adequately prepare to take and pass the exam.
What can I Do to Pass my Classes?
While online classes may sound easy, they can actually be more challenging, sometimes, than classes taken in person. Here are some tips to do well in your classes.
- Always do the assigned readings. Do them twice if you have time.
- Treat your classes like a job. Don’t miss days, and don’t slack off.
- If you have trouble understanding a concept, don’t hesitate to speak with your professor or find a tutor.
- Remember that you’re preparing for a medical career. The work you put in now will pay off later.
Finally, an internet search for “how to develop study skills” should also give you some useful tips on how to succeed.
Can I Work While Taking LPN classes online?
Yes. One of the great benefits of taking an LPN courses online is that you are able to keep your current job while preparing for a career as an LPN. With an online classroom setting, you’ll be able to have the flexibility to fit your education into your schedule while being able to continue supporting yourself through your current employment.
Should I go Full Time or Part Time?
The choice between full time and part time LPN training is up to you. Basically, going part time or full time usually depends on whether or not you are working a different job while you take classes. If you have to work full time, it is recommended you only take LPN courses part time. If you work part time, you can consider taking either a full class load or only going part time depending on your schedule and time demands. Finally, if you are not working and can handle a full course load, it is recommended that you go full time in order to finish the program as soon as possible and become a certified LPN.
Being an LPN by taking LPN classes online can lead to a satisfying life where you get to help people in a meaningful way. Start looking for classes where you can begin your training today.
