Educational Benchmarks: Postsecondary LPN Training
In order to become an LPN in Connecticut, you’ll need to achieve the right balance of educational components. A high school diploma or GED is necessary. Next, you can seek out a state-approved LPN program, at the postsecondary level. This is required to become licensed as a practical nurse. According to the state of Connecticut, all LPN programs “that prepare the graduate for licensure by examination as a Licensed Practical Nurse shall be approved by the board with the consent of the commissioner.”
Connecticut’s LPN education requirements are outlined by the CT Department of Public Health. Before taking the mandated licensing exam, aspiring LPNs must complete at least 1,500 hours of theory in their training program, over the course of 10 months or more. At least half of the training hours must have been in supervised, direct client care experiences and observational experiences. Generally, there are minimal prerequisites needed to get into an LPN program.
Practical nursing programs come in a variety of formats – You can find online and traditional classroom courses, part or full-time programs, plus clinical hands-on training in part with an LPN program. So long as your school is accredited and approved in Connecticut, you can select the type of format that makes the most sense for your lifestyle and personal educational goals. This is very important. Selecting a program that is not accredited or approved will create roadblocks for you, in the long run. How can you tell if a program is up to state standards?
Check for Accreditation
Investing time and money on postsecondary education, only to find it does not comply with the state, would be a truly unfortunate result. The CT Board of Examiners for Nursing reports which nursing-specific programs are accredited. Institutions like the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation decide which programs will fully prepare students for the national licensing exam. The decision to accredit is based on the program’s ability to provide a certain level of rigor of education. That’s why earning your diploma from an accredited program will position you for success – it will prepare you for the national LPN exam, make your job applications competitive, and ensure that you have the right skills to succeed in nursing. All-around, accreditation is a great thing, because it ensures standards of patient care, both state-wide and nationally.
Do your research carefully, and you’re sure to find the right accredited LPN program for you and your unique needs. There are many benefits of higher education institutions becoming accredited, including enabling students to achieve federal, state, and foundation financial support, and assistance with transferring student credits should they want to continue their education.
Study Up with LPN Coursework
There are several foundational courses for nursing that accredited LPN programs must cover. These include biology, chemistry, anatomy, psychology, emergency medical technology, first aid, physical education, foods and nutrition, and child growth and development. Such coursework prepares LPNs to work in environments such as long-term care, home care, rehabilitation center, hospice, and more. With this combination of coursework and career-readiness prep, students may also decide to work in roles such as emergency room technicians, dialysis technicians, public school nurses, scheduling supervisors, and many other entry-level nursing jobs, once graduating and passing the CT licensing examination.
Exam Time!
Finally, in order to practice as an LPN, you will need to earn your official LPN license. You’ll have to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN), provided by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. The exam is multiple-choice and tests on various aspects of nursing practice, from physiology to health promotion, and care environments to psychosocial integrity.
Career-Readiness
Training to become an LPN in an accredited program, with the NCLEX-PN exam at the end of the tunnel, is only the beginning of LPN requisites. Selecting a program that partners with you towards your professional goals is also a must for aspiring nurses. At Stone Academy’s LPN school, students receive career placement support with personalized care. We offer Professional Development courses, which prepare you with telephone skills, resume writing practice, interview tools, and more. Additionally, after graduation, a Placement Director will assist you in your job search, to find the right opportunity for you. Finally, when you’re out living your dreams in the workforce, Stone Academy stays by your side with loan repayment assistance, to ensure that your payments are comfortable for your unique situation.
Now with all of the LPN education requirements outlined, do you feel ready to get started on your career path? Call 800-585-1315 to find out more about how Stone Academy could be the right choice for you. You may also learn more about our nursing programs online, by visiting https://www.stone.edu/nursing-programs-in-ct/.