Career Profile of a Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed practical nurses make up some of the lowest careers in the medical field. I don't mean to make that sound like a bad thing, as there is a big need for LPNs in the world. If you just want to jump right into healthcare, this is definitely a career to look into. You only have to spend about two years in school, and after that, you can handle most of the duties that registered nurses do every day. LPN training covers most of the prereqs for nursing, so you won't have to go through much more to become a registered nurse. Here is a look at what life may be like working as an LPN.

Employers for LPN Work

LPNs can work in a variety of venues, but most of them work in hospitals or health clinics. Those employers seem to have the best job opportunities for workers in this career field. The list below shows some of the many employers you may work under as an LPN. Feel free to apply for a job with any one of them when the time comes.

• Colleges
• Companies
• Doctor offices
• Fellowships
• Foundations
• Franchises
• Government Offices
• Hospitals
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Private Practice
• School Districts
• Teams

Industries for LPN Work

In addition to the number of employers that LPNs can work with, there are a lot of industries that need the help of licensed nurses. If you want to specialize in a certain area of nursing, you have the opportunity to do that as an LPN. If you choose the right industry, you might be able to increase your salary in the future. Here is a quick list of concentrations you may want to keep in mind:

• Family Medicine
• Healthcare
• Home Health Care
• Hospitalization
• Long-Term Care
• Rehabilitation
• Medical Services
• Nursing Home

Training for LPN Work

To become an LPN, all you need is an associate's degree in nursing or higher. Some students choose to obtain a bachelor's degree because they want to work in a higher paying position over time. You do not have to do this though. You can take most of the classes for your degree online, or you could take them in person if you wanted to. It just depends on the kind of education you want to go through. Possible degree programs include:

• Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
• Associate of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
• Certificate in Nursing
• Diploma of Nursing
• Technical Certificate in Nursing

Certifications for LPN Work

Once you get your degree in nursing, you will need to go through a certification exam to verify your knowledge. There are several certifications you may need to get, so check with your state nursing board to find out which one is right for you. Possibilities include:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Basic Cardiac Life Support
• Basic Life Support
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• Wound Care Certification

Pay Rates for LPN Work

If you decide that you do in fact want to work as an LPN, you should be able to make decent money. This job may not make you a millionaire, but it should help you support your family. If you find the right job from the beginning, you can make a great salary as an LPN. Here are some charts to show you just how great that salary can be:

Salary by Experience

• Less than 1 year of experience: $21,221 - $46,293 per year
• 1-4 years of experience: $23,673 - $48,483 per year
• 5-9 years of experience: $24,691 - $51,947 per year
• 10-19 years of experience: $26,717 - $59,138 per year
• 20+ years of experience: $26,711 - $56,084 per year

Salary by State

• Florida: $25,468 - $55,859 per year
• Georgia: $24,453 - $48,197 per year
• New York: $26,801 - $53,543 per year
• North Carolina: $25,125 - $48,262 per year
• Ohio: $23,064 - $50,811 per year
• Pennsylvania: $22,694 - $53,849 per year
• Virginia: $24,125 - $51,209 per year

Working as a licensed practical nurse may not be for everyone, but it could be a great opportunity for you. Take a look at the career a little closer, and you should be able to determine if you are destined to be an LPN.