Porter and Chester Institute (PCI) offers a Practical Nursing program that can be completed in as few as 15 months. Graduates earn a diploma and can become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) after passing the NCLEX-PN exam, which PCI helps you prepare for. Not only will students learn tangible skills like administering medications, changing dressings, and assisting with personal grooming, but other knowledge such as anatomy and medical terminology will be taught, as well.

But what else is there to learn about practical nursing before enrolling? Here are some facts about the field that are helpful to know:

Employment

The employment of practical nurses is projected to increase by 9% through 2029, which is faster than the average for other occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for LPNs should be more favorable to individuals who work in more rural areas, as well as those who have a certification in a specialty area. Specialties within practical nursing can include areas like intravenous (IV) therapy, pharmacology, and urology.

Job Fields

Usual LPN fields include nursing home and residential care facilities, hospitals, physicians' offices, home healthcare services, and Government positions1. However, other fields LPNs can get involved in include emergency rooms, oncology, pediatrics, and others .

Job Functions

Main job functions for practical nurses include observing patients under treatments, recording a patient's medical history, taking and recording heart rate, temperature, etc., collecting lab samples, and more . Practical nurses can also verify and record patient conditions and treatments, set up exercise programs, interview patients about their medical history, and plan care according to patient needs.

Education

The schooling for practical nurses requires graduating from an approved and accredited LPN program, much like the one at PCI. After program completion, a graduate will also need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam to be fully qualified to apply for their license to work as a practical nurse or LPN. Included in the curriculum for the Practical Nursing program at PCI is the test prep students need to prepare them for taking the NCLEX-PN exam.

Position Growth

Mentioned previously, there are certain specialties that LPNs can be a part of if they attain the necessary certifications. Specialties include pharmacology, urology, IV therapy, nephrology, hospice and palliative care, transplant coordinator, and many more2.

By enrolling in the Practical Nursing program at PCI, you'll be introduced to techniques and knowledge that will assist you in getting an LPN position after graduation and licensure. To learn more, visit the program description page or go to the online application portal to get started.