Nursing is an important and challenging field, but one that can be very rewarding. If you’re considering becoming a practical nurse in Indiana, you’re in luck! The Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant covers tuition fees of eligible practical nursing programs. First, we’ll guide you through the process of becoming an LPN in Indiana, from the coursework you’ll need to take, degrees and certifications you can pursue, as well as important testing information.

WHAT IS AN LPN?

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a person who is trained to work under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses. In fact, they can also perform many procedures that a physician or a registered nurse has delegated. LPNs can give patients medications orally and topically and start intravenous lines.

PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAMS

To become an LPN, you will need to enroll in a practical nursing program. This will prepare you to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which you must pass to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Practical nursing programs in Indiana are available at different colleges and universities across the state.

Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant provides funding to selected students to cover the costs (tuition and fees) of practical nursing programs at Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University.

Both programs are competitive, highly selective and take 2-3 semesters (one year) to complete.

Students at both Ivy Tech and Vincennes can complete their Practical Nursing Certificate on their way to acquiring their Associate of Science Degree in Nursing.

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

While the Workforce Ready Grant does not cover the costs of continued education toward an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), getting a Practical Nursing Technical Certificate can be a stepping stone to more educational and professional opportunities.

Once they’ve attained their Practical Nursing certification, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. They can also continue in the program to attain their ASN or apply to transfer to a nursing program at a four-year college or university.

LPN TO RN BRIDGE PROGRAMS

Many colleges and universities—Ivy Tech and Vincennes included—offer a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) track. If you apply to a practical nursing program to later get your Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), you can apply for an LPN to ASN track program.

Students who earn their Associate of Science in Nursing degree can sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. Upon passing, they are officially Registered Nurses (RNs).

LPN CLASSES

Practical Nursing classes are typically completed in 2-3 semesters. Examples of courses you can expect to take include

• Anatomy and Physiology I
• English Composition
• Introduction to Psychology
• Quantitative Reasoning

Your course load will be determined by whichever career track you enroll in.

For more programmatic information, visit:

• Nursing & Practical Nursing – Ivy Tech Community College
• Practical Nursing – Vincennes University

You can find a more comprehensive breakdown of coursework and timelines for each school at their respective program sites.

HOW TO ENROLL IN LPN CLASSES

If you’re interested in obtaining grant money to cover the costs of your Practice Nursing Technical Certificate, please visit our Workforce Ready Grant program page for more information.

Most practical nursing programs will require you to submit education transcripts as well as records of any related certifications you may already hold. From there, you will submit an application and wait to receive confirmation of whether you have been accepted.

WHICH CLASSES ARE REQUIRED TO BECOME AN LPN?

To become an LPN, you can expect to take courses related to math and science. One of the criteria many programs look for during the admissions process is how candidates performed in math and science classes in high school or previous postsecondary courses.

Most programs will require you to take prerequisite courses that you must maintain an average of C or better to continue with your studies.

For Ivy Tech, students must pass the following classes to continue in the practical nursing program:

• Anatomy and Physiology I
• Introduction to Psychology
• English Composition
• Anatomy and Physiology II

Once you’ve taken your prerequisite courses, you can expect to take more nursing courses, labs and hands-on coursework to prepare you for the LPN role.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME AN LPN?

Typically, you can complete your coursework in as little as 12 months.

NCLEX-PN VS. NCLEX-RN EXAMINATION

The NCLEX-PN examination tests a candidate’s knowledge of practical nursing. It is the accrediting exam you must take to become an LPN.

Registered Nurses take the NCLEX-RN to demonstrate their knowledge of professional nursing.

HOW MUCH DOES A PRACTICAL NURSE MAKE?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, practical nurses in Indiana earn around $44,690 to $48,380 per year (approximately $23 per hour). For Registered Nurses, that hourly rate jumps to an average of $29.95 per hour.

The employment of licensed and practical nurses is projected to rise 9% between 2020 and 2030. Needless to say, there are plenty of opportunities available to those interested in the field.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PRACTICAL NURSE?

If you’re interested in a career in the medical field but don’t want to spend years in school or thousands in tuition, Practical Nursing is an excellent professional choice. With a Workforce Ready Grant, you can become a Licensed Practical Nurse in as little as a year at no cost to you. We can’t wait to help you start your new career!

If you’re interested in exploring career options in the nursing field, you probably came across several initialisms like LPN, RN, or CNA. What’s the difference? Which type of nursing accreditation should you pursue?

We’ll explore practical nursing – what it is and options for getting started in Indiana.

WHAT IS A PRACTICAL NURSE?

A Practical Nurse or LPN is a nurse who does basic nursing and medical care under an RN or doctor’s supervision.

Practical nurses perform basic nursing tasks such as:

• Taking vital signs
• Giving injections
• Changing dressings
• Reporting patients’ status and concerns to RNs or physicians
• Educating patients on surgical aftercare, medical treatment, symptoms, and side effects.

Practical Nurses also help patients with activities of daily living, such as

• Bathing
• Eating
• Inserting catheters
• Emotional Support

Practical Nurses have one of the most important roles, which is to take care of the patient and make them feel comfortable.

If you are compassionate, detail-oriented, patient, and have a heart for people in the community, then becoming an LPN is the career for you.

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WHERE DO PRACTICAL NURSES WORK?

Practical nurses typically work full-time with a variety of shift options.

The areas that hire LPNs most frequently are:

• Maternity wards
• Emergency wards
• Surgery facilities
• Schools
• Long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and hospices
• Rehabs
• Home health settings

IS A PRACTICAL NURSE THE SAME AS AN LPN?

Yes, Practical Nurses and LPNs are the same things.

Practical nurses, also called licensed practical nurses (LPNs), primary nursing care. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a doctor. Some nurses start as LPN and work toward becoming an RN through continued education.

DO I HAVE TO BE A CNA BEFORE AN LPN?

No, you do not have to be a CNA before an LPN. However, many people choose to become a CNA first because it provides them with invaluable experience that can help them in their career as an LPN. It’s solely a personal choice and isn’t required.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN LPN AND AN RN?

The main difference between an LPN and an RN is that one works under the supervision of an RN or a doctor. In contrast, a Registered Nurse works independently with more responsibility. Other differences include the scope of practice, salary, and training required.

HOW TO BECOME AN LPN IN INDIANA? 

You will need to complete an accredited practical nursing program which you could go to for free through one of our partnered schools such as Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University. After completing the program through the schools, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Once you have passed the exam, you will be able to obtain a license from your state’s board of nursing and start your journey as an LPN.

Practical Nurse is a perfect career path for those who want to pursue nursing without taking 2- 4 years to become an RN.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A PRACTICAL NURSE?

Practical nursing programs typically take 12 months to complete. It depends on the student’s lifestyle and time invested; sometimes, it can take up to 2 years.

Start your LPN journey through the Next Level Job’s Workforce Ready Grant, which helps qualified students become an LPN for free!

Our Program averages about one year to complete (2-3 semesters). Once a student completes the LPN program, they will take the (NCLEX-PN), which you must pass to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

It’s important to note that students will receive a Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate. If students would like to obtain an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), they will have to enroll in a qualified degree program.

Getting a Practical Nursing Technical Certificate can be a stepping stone to more educational and professional opportunities. You can stack your certificate into an associate degree. Going through Next Level Job’s Workforce Ready Grant is one less financial worry so that you can focus on your studies.

WHAT’S AN LPN SALARY IN INDIANA?

According to Salary.com, a Licensed Practical Nurse makes an average of $49,159 in Indiana.

In comparison, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the nation’s average salary for LPN is $48,070

HOW TO BECOME AN LPN FOR FREE IN INDIANA?

Yes, you read that right! If you are interested in becoming an LPN without paying thousands of dollars, qualified residents of Indiana can become an LPN for free through the Next Level Job’s Workforce Ready Grant!

This career is in high demand and projected to continue growing!

The Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant is best suited for those with a high school diploma and looking to start a career now.

Learn more about the Next Level Job’s Workforce Ready Grant. 
We partner with Ivy Tech Community College & Vincennes University

If you’re a licensed practical nurse (LPN) looking for a job, you’re in luck!  LPNs are in high demand, but finding the right job can be challenging.

How do you know where to look?

How do you make yourself stand out from the crowd?

In this article, we’ll discuss finding a job as an LPN. We’ll also offer tips on making yourself stand out from the competition.

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TYPICAL LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE JOB DUTIES

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most LPNs work in healthcare facilities, including hospitals, doctors’ offices and nursing homes.

Their duties generally include providing routine care, observing patients’ health, assisting doctors and registered nurses, and communicating with patients and their families.

Specific examples of their duties and responsibilities of an LPN include:

• Changing dressings or inserting catheters
• Taking patient histories and maintaining documentation
• Assisting with tests or procedures
• Providing personal care, such as helping with bathing and toileting
• Consulting with RNs on care plans

As well as providing primary medical care under the supervision of an RN, those medical duties include:

• Recording the patient’s history
• Giving medication as prescribed by the physician
• Taking vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature and weight
• Basic wound care includes cleaning and bandaging injured areas
• Giving injections of medications
• Providing immunizations

Source: https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/what-does-an-lpn-do/

LPN SALARY RANGE

The salary range for LPNs varies depending on experience, geographical location and employer. However, the median annual salary for LPNs is $46,240.

The top 10% of LPNs earn more than $61,330 per year, while the bottom 10% earn less than $36,090 per year. Salaries also vary depending on the type of facility in which an LPN works.

In Indiana, the median annual salary for an LPN is $49,736 reported by Salary.com.

HIGHEST PAYING LPN JOBS

The following healthcare sectors that pay the highest salary to LPNs:

• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation
• Hospice
• Geriatric Care
• Nephrology

LPN CLINICAL JOBS

Clinical LPN administers medical treatment and works with patients directly.

Most LPNs work in assisted living; they typically care for the patient by taking their vitals, changing bedding, feeding them and keeping track of their medical file. Clinical LPNs provide immunizations and give the patient their daily medication.

LPN HOME HEALTH JOBS

There is a high demand for Home Health LPNs. If you have patience, hospitality and communication skills, going for a Home Health LPN job may be the right fit.

Home Health LPNs provide one-on-one care to the patient from the comfort of the patient’s home. They monitor the patient’s health, create care plans and spend time with them.

HOW TO FIND PRACTICAL NURSING JOBS

First, you must become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN); to do so, you must pass the NCLEX-PN Exam to earn your license from your state board. You can become an LPN in as little as one year.

If you are a Hoosier, apply for the Workforce Ready Grant with Next Level Jobs. You could become an LPN at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University for free if you qualify.

If you are already an LPN, let’s dive in!

After you earn your LPN credentials, it’s crucial to stand out.

• Create a resume showing you are knowledgeable and ready to grow.
• Take on an internship to gain hands-on experience with actual patients.
• Do your research on healthcare employers who are looking for an LPN.
• Network with medical professionals in your area to learn more about open roles available.
• Create a profile on LinkedIn and Indeed to show employers your skillset, as well as be easy for recruiters to find you.

It’s essential to focus on developing the right skill sets that are needed to be a successful LPN; these skills include:

• Helpful communication skills
• Empathy
• Time management and organization
• Kindheartedness
• The ability to lift and move patients
• Teamwork and independent skills
• Robust knowledge of primary health care procedures
• Understanding how to measure and administer medication to patients
• Ability to walk or stand for long periods
• Ready to learn, adjust and grow

With LPN jobs increasingly in high demand, you’re sure to find one that’s a good fit.

Are you interested in becoming an LPN? Here is our comprehensive Licensed Practical Nurse Guide that can help you get started.

You could get free training to become an LPN within one year by visiting Next Level Job’sWorkforce Ready Grant Page.