If you’re a nurse interested in becoming an LPN, you might wonder what the process is like.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the education requirements to become an LPN.
Do LPNs Take the NCLEX
Yes, licensed practical nurses (LPN) and licensed vocational nurses (LVN) take the NCLEX. The NCLEX they take is called the NCLEX-PN.
LPN Do Take the NCLEX
There’s a lot of confusion about whether Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are required to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
The simple answer is yes, they are. To obtain an LPN license in most states, candidates must first pass the NCLEX-PN, the practical nursing version of the NCLEX exam.
Education Requirements to Become an LPN
To become an LPN in the United States, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
You will also need to complete an accredited practical nursing program. These programs typically take about 1 year to complete and will prepare you for the NCLEX-PN exam, which is required for licensure.
What is the NCLEX-PN?
The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is a computerized exam that tests your knowledge and skills related to practical nursing.
It is used to determine whether or not you are prepared for entry-level practical nursing practice. The exam is administered by the national council of state boards of nursing.
How to Become an LPN
Here are the steps you need to take if you want to be a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN).
Step 1: Complete an accredited nursing program
To become an LPN, you must first complete an accredited nursing program.
These programs are typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities. Most programs take about one year to complete and include both classroom and clinical instruction.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
After completing your nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
This exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is used to ensure that all new nurses have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective patient care.
Step 3: Obtain a state license
Once you have passed the NCLEX-PN exam, you will need to obtain a license from your state’s Board of Nursing.
Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so be sure to check with your state board for specific information.
Step 4: Find a job
After you have obtained your license, the last step is to find a job! There are many different settings in which LPNs can work, so take some time to explore your options and find the perfect fit for you.
You can search for open positions on the NurseMoneyTalk job board or contact local hospitals or clinics directly.
To take the NCLEX-PN, you must first submit an application to your state board of nursing and pay a fee. Once your application has been approved, you can schedule your exam date and time.
Key Takeaways
Becoming an LPN in the United States is a relatively straightforward process.
As long as you have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete an accredited practical nursing program, you should be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam.
Once you pass this exam, you’ll be well on your way to beginning your career as an LPN!