A licensed practical nurse (LPN) takes care
of patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RN) and doctors.
State-approved online practical nursing diploma programs prepare
students to become eligible for licensure.
Training in online LPN diploma programs prepares attendees for
state-approved licensure in the field. These programs focus on such
nursing subjects as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology and
first aid. Common prerequisites include courses on medical terminology,
nursing assistance, microcomputers and biology, along with certification
in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A background in science and
experience in the health care field are also helpful.
These programs take approximately one year to complete, but they may
vary depending on part-time or full-time attendance. Courses are
completed online, though on-campus lab work and in-person clinical
rotations in a health care setting is required. Instructors teach
students using traditional academic standards and work with attendees
online to ensure success in the programs.
Technical requirements include access to a personal computer and
Internet service provider (ISP) to attend classes, order books, and
access school-specific learning programs. For communication, e-mail
access is required, and some schools provide an e-mail account through
their systems. Also, it is suggested that prospective students have
skills in navigating the Internet, creating documents, saving files and
sending e-mails with attachments.
List of Common Online Courses
These programs focus on the writing, language and sciences related to
practical nursing. Courses vary by school, but some are common to all
online LPN diploma programs. General education requirements do not
normally apply to diploma programs; however, those wishing to continue
in a degree program should consult with a school counselor or advisor
for guidance.
Practical Nursing Course
This course focuses on basic nursing principles and roles. Students
also learn nursing-related concepts of rest and sleep, pain and comfort,
fluid and electrolytes, nutrition, communication, documentation,
elimination, psychological balance and legal issues.
Anatomy and Physiology Course
Basic functions and structures of the human body, including cellular
and organ systems, are the concentration of this class. Some of the
topics covered include tissues, cells, nutrition, homeostasis and
electrolytes. Prerequisite high school or college biology courses in
anatomy and physiology are highly recommended prior to enrollment.
Developmental Psychology Course
Human growth and development related to psychosocial, physical,
psychoanalytic, learning, humanistic and cognitive skills from birth to
death are the focus of this course. Other skills covered are research
analysis and application of data.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that licensed
practical and vocational nurses earned a median annual wage of $40,900
and held about 728,670 positions in May 2009. The industry with the
highest level of employment was in nursing care facilities, consisting
of 212,990 of the positions. Workers in these settings earned a median
annual wage of $42,320 (
www.bls.gov).
Online diploma programs in
licensed practical nursing
qualify graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination
(NCLEX-PN), and normally a preparation exam is included in the program.
Those wishing to continue their education or become registered nurses
(RNs) can continue in a nursing associate's degree program or enroll in
an LPN-RN program at many schools. Nurses can also continue their
education in bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. degree programs.
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