CNA to LPN classes

CNA to LPN

Deciding to advance from being continue your education from CNA to LPN will require approximately one year of college courses at an accredited LPN school. The salary increase for moving on to becoming an LPN is usually quite a bit higher then what the average CNA earns. As a CNA you more then likely had an LPN or RN as your supervisor. Whereas CNA's are only allowed to give a certain amount of care to the patient, LPN's have a greater amount of responsibility. LPN's are in high demand in the work force. There are many job offers for LPN's due to the rising number of elderly patients that need care that an LPN can provide.

If you are currently working as a CNA you can continue to work at your regular job while attending classes in the evening. To take LPN courses you will usually need a high school diploma or GED and a clean background record. If you have experience working as a CNA it will make the course easier because you will be much more familiar with general medical terminology and the basics of hands-on nursing skills. Attending classes for the LPN license will teach you the practical knowledge you will need to be successful as a working LPN. You will have in-class work along with a clinical course where you can practice your new skills under the guidance of your teacher who is usually an RN. Much like the training you received as a CNA the hands-on training part of the courses are extremely important. The LPN classes usually consist of studying topics such as anatomy, pharmacology, physiology and geriatric care. You will also study subjects such as pediatrics, CPR and first aid, nutrition, psychiatric's and more.

When you decide to advance from CNA to LPN you will need to find a program or school and apply for an opening. You will need to check to make sure you have all the requirements needed to attend the classes. Just as in CNA classes each state differs on their requirements for becoming an LPN. Once you complete the course work you will take a state exam which includes four main categories on what you have learned in class. You will be required to pass this test before you can earn your state license.

Going from working as a CNA to a LPN will not be a drastic change for you due to the fact that you are already experienced in patient care. Although you will have more responsibilities as an LPN the raise in pay is a benefit that makes it worth the extra effort. As a CNA you have already learned that all health care providers need to be patient and compassionate care givers. You also need to be in excellent health and of sound mind. Nursing on any level can be quite stressful unless you learn to be very professional in the care you give to patients.

Just as when you worked as a CNA, being an LPN means you will need to be quick thinking in case an emergency situation arises. Changing careers from CNA to LPN is a wise choice that you will reap the benefits from in the long run. Although attending school to become a CNA training is much shorter in length then it is for LPN training it is still a good idea to go one more year to enable yourself to become an LPN. Being an LPN may allow you to be employed at a much higher rate of pay in a facility that you choose yourself. If you would like to work in a specialty care area the extra on the job training is available at most places of employment.