LPN Training Programs in Louisiana (LA)

Training Programs to Become an LPN in Louisiana

The field of nursing in Louisiana is continuing to be an up and coming profession.

Qualified Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s) are in demand and that demand will continue, especially for long term and home care. Nursing is a very rewarding profession for the individual who has the passion to care for ill and injured people.

LPN Education in Louisiana

The shortest distance to becoming a nurse is to become an LPN. Most educational and training programs take about 12 to 18 months to complete. It is important to choose a school and program that is accredited and recognized by the State Board of Nursing. Most programs result in a certificate while some schools offer an Associate’s degree in Nursing. The LPN educational programs include two parts, one being class work and the second part is clinical training. LPN programs include course work in nutrition, medical terminology, pharmaceuticals, obstetric, pediatric and geriatric care, nursing procedures and administration, anatomy and microbiology.

LPN students are required to meet the admission requirements of the school of choice including age, high school diploma or equivalent and the necessary passing grades in high school. The application to most nursing schools include a criminal background and drug check, TB and Hepatitis test with clear results and MMR vaccinations.

The clinical training portion of the program takes place in an affiliated heath care facility. Students have the opportunity to work in each of the departments on the facility. Clinical training is taught by a trained medical professional, usually a registered nurse and trains students in bedside care. Students are responsible for providing their own uniforms and medical equipment such as stethoscopes.

Students are graded on their clinical skills and must achieve passing grades in the class work and clinical training to pass the course. The LPN programs are designed to prepare students to take the NCLEX-PN exam, the state mandated licensing exam. LPN’s are required to be licensed by the State of Louisiana in order to work as an LPN.

LPN License in Louisiana

Upon completion of the LPN program, graduates are required to apply to take the state licensing exam. The application to test is submitted to the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners, the regulators for LPN licenses. The application will be reviewed and the information will be verified by the Board. The applicant will be notified of the approved application and the applicant will then register with Pearson VUE, the NCLEX-PN administers. The applicant will have 90 days to take the exam and applicants should keep in mind no extensions will be granted if the 90 day time frame is missed. The applicant has to make an appointment to test within the 90 days and will be assigned a day, time and place to take the test. The applicant will be required to pay a fee to the Nursing Board and to Pearson VUE.

Results of the test will be sent to the applicants about 4 weeks after the exam. If the applicant passes the test, they will receive notice of the passing, but will not receive the score. If an applicant does not pass the exam, they will receive a breakdown of their score. They will also have the opportunity to retake the test in 90 days.

All LPN licenses expire on 31 January and beginning in 2013, all LPNs in the State of Louisiana are required to renew their licenses online only. The paper license will be sent to the LPN via postal mail within 14 days of the completion of the renewal. Reminders to renew will be sent to the LPN in October. LPNs who do not renew their license by 31 January but continue to work will be subject to finds and/or disciplinary action.

Louisiana LPN Salary and Job Description

LPNs make up 34% of the nursing force in Louisiana, and the average LPN salary is $49,000. The entry level salary for an LPN is $24,500 and tops out at $73,500. The actual starting salary and incremental salary increases throughout an LPN’s career depends on the level of responsibility, the type of facility where employed and years and type of experience. The salaries for an LPN in Louisiana are about 2% less than the national average.

LPNs handle a variety of nursing duties including dispensing medication, implementing and maintaining care plans, dressing wounds and changing bandages, monitoring vital signs, tracking behavior changes, provide emergency care and perform diagnostic tests.

Nursing in Louisiana will continue to thrive and grow at the unprecedented rate of 22% through the year 2020, especially for LPNs. The opportunities will continue to increase as medical care advancement provides more opportunities, and health care extends beyond hospitals and nursing homes.

LPN Training Classes in Louisiana

Sorry, we could not find any matching schools

Training Programs to Become an LPN in Louisiana

LPN Training Classes in Louisiana

List of Approved LA Practical Nursing Schools

Natchitoches Campus LPN Program (NWLTC)

Find LPN Schools by State