The 2014 U.S. News and World Report named licensed practical nursing as one of its top 40 U.S. professions. In its annual job rankings, U.S. News and World Report ranked Practical Nursing #38, overall. And within the healthcare field, the profession fared even better, with a ranking of #23.

One of the reasons licensed practical nursing is considered to be such a great career is because jobs in the field are plentiful.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession will experience a faster than average job growth through 2022.

Licensed practical nurses don’t just choose their profession because they want a good job. They do it because they want to help people! Practical nurses assist patients and their families –and all the healthcare workers who are working to make those patients well. They work directly with patients, taking vital signs, performing routine tests, delivering medication and offering comfort. They also serve as an important liaison between patients and healthcare staff, often communicating vital information to those treating patients.

Licensed practical nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings including nursing and residential care facilities, private, state and local hospitals and physicians’ offices. They can also work as home health care nurses, treating patients where they live. Training to become a licensed practical nurse begins with a solid foundation of coursework about the human body.  Students learn how to interact with patients and how to work within a modern healthcare facility. The best programs offer lots of hands-on training taught by career professionals using actual medical equipment for instruction.

If a healthcare career that gives you the opportunity to help patients sounds like your kind of profession, check out our How to Become a Practical Nurse Infographic for lots of detailed information. Porter and Chester Institute offers hands-on training in practical nursing at our Connecticut campuses. You could train to become a practical nurse in as little as 12 months!