How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse
As a Licensed Practical Nurse, you are responsible for direct or indirect care of your patients in clinics, hospitals, home settings or other health facilities. You work under the supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed physician. You must be intelligent and compassionate. You may make anywhere from $33,920 to $47,220 a year. To become a Licensed Practical Nurse, you must take classes and pass an exam to earn a license.
- Take high school courses to help you become a nurse later. These include the math classes, algebra and geometry; science classes, biology and chemistry; health classes, food and nutrition, child growth and development, psychology and first aid. Also on your school list should be computer skills, emergency medical technology, English and history. You have to have a high school diploma before you take the program for License Practical Nurse.
- Contact your state's Board of Nursing for the correct nursing program for you. Training is held at a community or junior college or a technical or vocational school. You should train to become a nurse within one year. To qualify for your nurse's license, your state's Board of Nursing must approve the program that you choose.
- Check for tuition costs. Tuition costs start around $2,000, but you may receive financial aid and grants to help pay for your education.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN, after you graduate from your state-approved program. Each state gives this exam to any qualified applicant.
- Check your state's Board of Nursing website to learn more about the fees, how to apply and the requirements you need to take the exam.