Making a decision to pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse, or LPN is a great initiative to pursue in the field of health care. They perform an important function in taking care of patients and collaborating with other physicians and registered nurses. Most LPN programs often require some prerequisites. The requirements, however, may differ from one school or program to another.
What are the prerequisites?
Prerequisites are the requirements that one has to fulfill before attending an LPN school. These are like stepping stones in the preparation of coursework in training that you will be exposed to. Make sure to look at prerequisites as the fundamentals that need to be grasped before proceeding to the advanced-level courses.
Do you need prerequisites?
Prerequisites are necessary because:
Building a strong foundation
The nursing profession can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. Prerequisites do offer you the basic knowledge that you will need when you join the program and later as an LPN nurse.
Ensuring success in the program
LPN programs are intense and quick. The linear progression of knowledge prepares you for the workload and, more importantly, solidifies your understanding of the concepts before the start of the course.
Patient safety
As an LPN, you are trained to provide care to patients. Therefore, the institutions make sure that you possess elementary skills and information to provide safe, effective, and quality care to the patients.
Common prerequisites for the LPN program
Every educational institution is different, but these are the majority of the prerequisites that you will most probably suppose are the requirements.
A high school diploma or GED: Most LPN programs call for the possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. This indicates that you possess fundamental education skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Basic science courses: Courses that involve biology, physics, and chemistry are sometimes required by a few institutions. Nursing entails a lot of learning about the body’s structure and functions, which is why these courses are very important.
English or communication skills: Nursing practice is greatly communication-dependent. For that reason, some programs may require students who have taken courses in English or some form of communication to enhance their written and oral skills.
Math skills: To become a nurse, one should not be a mathematician, but simple math is essential. It is common for nurses to do some calculations on the dosage of medication or the measurement of some fluids and documentation of the same. Some colleges may require students to score a certain grade in algebra or math.
CPR certification: some LPN programs do not take students who have no current CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification. This is a skill that every nurse should have because it can save lives.
Health and background checks: Because you’ll be working with patients, schools, and employers want to ensure you’re healthy and have a clean background. This might include:
- A physical exam to show you’re in good health.
- Proof of vaccinations, like Hepatitis B and TB tests.
- A criminal background check to ensure patient safety.
Entrance exam: Many LPN programs require you to take an entrance exam, such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). This test evaluates your knowledge in areas like math, science, and reading comprehension. It’s not too hard, but preparing for it can increase your chances of being accepted.
Can you start an LPN program without prerequisites?
It varies according to the specific program. Certain institutions may provide “bridge programs” or might let students fulfill some requisites while already in the LPN program. Nevertheless, this practice is quite rare, and most institutions would prefer you to complete the prerequisites before enrolling in the LPN program. Reach out to the institution in question if in doubt. They will clarify the applicable requirements and if any deviations from them are permitted.
What happens after completing prerequisites?
When all prerequisites are completed, the next step is to make an application to an LPN program. Once you are admitted, training will begin in approximately 12-18 months, in which you will cover the following topics:
- Patient care techniques
- Medical terminology
- Administering medications
- Basic nursing skills
When the course has been completed, you have to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become a licensed LPN.
How to meet the prerequisites?
There are some tips to meet the prerequisites:
- Check the requirements
- Enroll in class or different courses
- Prepare for entrance exams
- Get your CPR certification
- Complete health screenings and required vaccinations
Final thoughts
It may be true that some might consider these prerequisites a burden, but they are useful in making one a competent LPN. They prepare you to face the rigors of nursing school and help you to become a professional nurse. If you really want to pursue this career, find the time to finish all the necessary courses or certification programs. This is for your own good, and it is the first step in building a rewarding as well as long-lasting career in medicine.