Online LPN Certification Information

Online education programs for prospective licensed practical nurses are rare, but they may be found in hybrid formats that include some on-campus activities. Licensed practical nurses are more likely to find online certification options online to earn additional professional credentials in areas like pharmacology or long-term care nursing.

Online Programs for LPNs

There are very few online education options available for those who wish to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). The online options are typically found as hybrid programs that offer online lectures to students who then must complete a series of on-campus labs and a minimum number of hours of clinical training.

How Online Programs Work

The hybrid programs are generally offered through vocational or community colleges and award a certificate or diploma. Online courses may be delivered by an electronic course management system.
Programs often have set start and end dates and can be completed in about a year of full-time study. Students are expected to be able to use computers, send e-mails and attached files, and use word-processing software to create, edit, and save documents. Course topics include the theory and practice of nursing care, pharmacology, and human biology.

LPN Licensure

Completion of the LPN program prepares students for the required National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (www.ncsbn.org). The NCLEX-PN is a proctored, computer-based examination that covers four areas of competence, including physiological integrity, psychological integrity, health maintenance and health promotion, and effective management of care.
Aspiring LPNs may also need to complete additional state licensing requirements to be eligible for employment. For LPNs who have already earned a license, but allowed it to lapse, there are similar hybrid, refresher programs that include a combination of online classes, on-campus labs, and required clinical experience.

Online Certification Information for LPNs

Current LPNs can find training or examinations for some professional certifications online. For instance, the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) offers certifications for foot care, IV therapy, and gerontology. The National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc. (NAPNES) offers long-term care and pharmacology certifications. LPN-CLTC, which certifies LPNs in long-term care, is a professional credential offered by the National Association Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care. LPNs can also earn IV therapy certification through some schools.
In some cases, completion of an LPN education or training program may fulfill the eligibility requirements to sit for a certification exam. In other cases, online or self-directed study may be required. LPNs may also need to have a certain number of hours of work experience within a specified time frame.