Accelerated LPN Programs – What to Expect As a Prospective Student
You want to learn more about the accelerated LPN programs available at present. Such a program can really provide a fast track to starting your career. However, you should definitely learn more about this option, before you decide to take it or not.
The reality is that there are no accelerated LPN programs in the true sense of the word. Basically, an accelerated program is usually available to students who can meet higher prerequisites, such as having work experience on a similar position or having completed certain academic courses. Since practical nursing is a very different profession from the ones of nursing aides and other lower-level medical professionals, there is no prerequisite that can make you prepared for accelerated learning.With all this being said, there are actually more intensive programs that can be completed within a shorter period of time. These courses are usually labeled as “accelerated”, so you can easily recognize them when choosing between different LPN schools. These accelerated LPN programs usually last 9 months, instead of the usual 12 or 18 typical for traditional courses. The mode of study is full time. You will have a busier class schedule with classes usually running all day long. In some cases, you will have to attend school during the weekends as well.
The clinical practice module of the course will be more intensive as well. You will have to stay longer hours in the health care facility in which the clinical practice takes place. You can expect the practical classes taught by the instructors to include more practical coursework material. In general, you will be expected to learn faster how to get around the health care facility and perform different tasks.
The accelerated LPN programs are offered by different schools, such as community colleges and technical schools. In this respect they do not differ much from their traditional counterparts. However, there are some schools that provide accelerated programs which are not approved by the respective state’s board of nursing. Even though such courses can provide you with a certificate or diploma, you may not be able to sit the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurses, NCLEX-PN. More importantly, you will not be able to obtain a license from the respective state’s board of nursing. That is why it is essential for you to be extremely careful when looking for such a fast track program.
Now you can decide whether the available accelerated LPN programs can provide you with the right level of training for becoming a licensed practical nurse.
