Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) offers a quick pathway into the nursing field. Traditional schools provide LPN training courses, but not everyone can attend in person. For those seeking greater flexibility in their training, online LPN courses present a viable option.
Reasons for Online LPN Training
Many individuals may struggle to complete LPN training due to busy work, family, and other obligations. While attending classes in person may not be feasible, completing most LPN training requirements online can be more manageable. Online LPN training typically matches the quality of traditional classroom instruction.
Structure of Online LPN Training
Given the practical nature of LPN work and the direct interaction with patients, it’s important to understand the limitations of online training. All online LPN courses are hybrid programs; most training can be completed online, but the clinical skills training required by state nursing boards must be done in person at local healthcare facilities.
Admission Requirements for Online LPN Courses
Most online LPN courses have relatively straightforward admission requirements. Common requirements include:
Being at least 18 years old
Holding a high school diploma or equivalent
Passing a background check
Completing a health assessment
In some cases, taking an entrance exam
Accreditation of Online LPN Courses
A key goal of any LPN training program is to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Completion of this exam is a prerequisite for obtaining an LPN license. To qualify for the exam, proof of completion of an accredited LPN training program is required. This rule applies to both online and traditional courses, making it crucial to ensure that the selected program is properly accredited. The course should be approved by the state’s licensing agency, typically the state nursing board, and accredited by a recognized organization.
Key Information About Online LPN Courses
Before searching for accredited online LPN education programs, it helps to understand a few key points:
Course Format: Online LPN courses can be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous courses require students to log in at specific times for classes and lectures, while asynchronous courses allow students to complete assignments within a set timeframe, offering flexibility for those with busy schedules.
Duration: The length of online training is generally similar to that of traditional programs. The time required varies depending on whether students are enrolling part-time or full-time.
Costs: Most LPN training schools offer online versions of their programs, and costs are typically comparable to traditional training.
Components of Online LPN Training
Understanding the structure of online LPN courses can help alleviate concerns about online education. Here are some details about typical course components:
Online Component: While online LPN education is not entirely conducted online, a significant portion can be. Typical online LPN courses include:
Online Classes and Lectures: Students access daily classes and lectures via an online portal, usually delivered through video.
Discussion and Chat Groups: Many online course platforms provide chat and discussion features to facilitate interaction among students.
Communication with Instructors: Instead of traditional office hours, online LPN courses often provide convenient options for communicating with instructors, such as email and chat.
Assignments: Most assignments for online LPN courses are completed online, covering the same subjects as traditional campus courses. Topics may include:
Health assessment
Human anatomy and physiology
NCLEX-PN exam review
Nursing ethics
Pharmacology
Clinical Training Component: All states require LPN applicants to complete a certain number of hours of supervised clinical training. Therefore, clinical training is an integral part of all online LPN programs, typically arranged in several ways:
Assigned Locations: Many online LPN programs automatically assign clinical training opportunities to students.
Selection from a List: Some programs provide a list of clinical training opportunities for students to choose from.
Self-Arrangement: In rare cases, students may need to arrange their own clinical training opportunities.
Accelerated Online LPN Options
Most full-time students can complete online LPN courses in a relatively short period, leading to little concern about completing them more quickly. However, individuals with prior experience as certified nursing assistants may qualify for accelerated training programs that allow them to complete their education in a shorter time frame.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Online LPN courses offer a flexible solution for many aspiring LPNs, but they may not suit everyone. Understanding the potential pros and cons of this type of training is essential.
Advantages of Online LPN Courses:
Convenience
Flexibility
Affordability
Shorter completion time
Quality comparable to traditional training
Potential Disadvantages of Online LPN Courses:
Part-time training requires a similar amount of time as traditional programs
Clinical training requirements cannot be fully met online
Some students may find it challenging to focus without the structure of traditional classroom settings
Being aware of these factors can help individuals make informed decisions about their pathway to LPN education.
