Online LPN to ASN Programs
For many looking to move from Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse, an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing is a great first step. But new nurses often work long shifts on odd days, so finding a continuing education program that fits into your work schedule can be a challenge. Thanks to online learning, now you can find online LPN to ASN programs that allow you to complete your education from the comfort of your sofa, home office, or even during breaks at work, which makes getting your degree easier than ever.
What are the Pre-Requisites?
Before choosing a college, you’ll likely want to take a look at any courses you’ve already taken. Many colleges have pre-requisites before being admitted to an Associate of Science program in the Nursing field. English, math, and writing skills may come under fire before you are admitted. Because open slots at popular colleges can be very competitive, some schools may require a 3.0 GPA or higher in high school science classes to be considered. You may also find schools require having such classes as algebra, chemistry, and anatomy—with some colleges requiring that those classes having been taken at the college level rather than high school. Some colleges will also require you have taken relevant classes within the past five years.
Why Get an ASN?
Because of an increasingly aging baby boomer population, nurses are in more demand now than ever. RNs make, on average, more than $65,000 per year. Jobs for registered nurses are also in heavy supply, making up one-third of the 21.4% growth for healthcare workers expected by the year 2018.
An Associate’s of Science in Nursing is a great first step on the way to your future career as an RN. In order to become an RN, you’ll take the NCLEX test, which ASN degree programs help prepare you to take. In addition, having a nursing degree helps you land jobs, as well as promotions, possibly taking on eventual positions of leadership in medical facilities.
A Few Good School Choices
For those considering whether online LPN to ASN programs are for them, Distance Learning Systems has a compatibility quiz on its site. Based in Indiana, Distance Learning Systems warns potential students, via this test, of the weekly commitment that will be required in order to complete an ASN degree online. DLSI provides study modules and learning materials to help students complete the coursework necessary to get an ASN and move on to excel in the healthcare field.
Depending on where you live, Kaplan University may have an online ASN degree available to you. San Diego and Las Vegas are two cities in which this option is open to you. The University of Phoenix also offers online associate’s degrees with an emphasis on healthcare, preparing you for the NCLEX.
Excelsior College has both Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees in the nursing field. With a focus on adult education, Excelsior not only provides online learning, but also distance learning, allowing those located anywhere to login and take classes. Excelsior is located in Albany, New York.
Rasmussen College offers an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, allowing students to complete courses through its online college. With six campuses in Minnesota, Rasmussen has been approved by the boards of nursing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida.
If you’re looking for online LPN to ASN programs, several options are available to you. Choose an online associate’s degree program that has the online learning method that works best with your busy schedule. Before making your final choice, though, you should check with your state’s licensure board to make sure your chosen degree program will qualify you for the RN license you are seeking.
Please note that the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is called the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) depending on which state you are in.
Online LPN Programs
As a LPN, what work will I handle?
The LPN scope of practice is varied and all accredited LPN training reflects this. As a LPN, your work will entail basic care of patients. You will have the capacity to perform nursing procedures like patient injections, massaging patients, wound dressing, maintain patients hygiene, monitoring catheters, recording major health aspects like temperature, pressure and blood sugar.
In some instances, as a LPN, also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) in Texas and California, you will have the mandate to take samples from patients and testing them in the laboratory. It is worth noting that all the activities of LPNs are carried out under the supervision of a registered nurse or a senior clinical officer.
What to look for when choosing an online LPN/LVN program
You may not be willing to waste your time and money after a long period of study. To ensure you will be on the safe side with online programs, you must ascertain that the school you enroll in for the online LPN nursing program is accredited to do so by the respective Department of Education.
You must also ensure that the online degree program offered by the said school is recognized by the national accrediting body of nurses. As an added advantage, you may wish to enquire from practicing nurses who have taken such online LPN programs successfully.
Doing a bit of research on the school online programs and their credibility could shed some light on the worthiness of their distance and online LPN courses.
In addition, the best online LPN programs must have the capacity to:
- Allow you transfers your credits in the case you want to change the school
- Avail teaching and research resources for student nurses
- Ensure efficient course coverage for all nursing units
- Offer an interactive LPN Students- tutor teaching style e.g. video and audio conferencing
- Prove the credibility of the nursing lecturers/tutors
- Offer transparent and up-to standards nursing exams and testing methods
How will I take my Practical nursing lessons with an Online LPN program?
Practical lessons pose the biggest challenges of taking healthcare degrees online. To be a fully qualified medical practitioner, you must at least have access to practical hospital procedures and a real-world patient care environment experience
For this reason, it is advisable that you choose an online based school that is close to where you live. In this case, you will be able to take your theory nursing lessons online and arrange practical medical lessons at the school. The practical nursing lessons can be done fortnightly, on an arranged crush-program on a monthly basis or depending on your availability.
The online nursing school may also liaise with your local hospital or a renowned health facility close to your locality to allow you take your LPN clinical rotations.
Qualifications to enroll for an online LPN Degree program
LPN programs, like all healthcare careers, are very noble professions. It requires that a person be patient, compassionate, and above all, have the willingness to help people recover from illness and disease and out of their pain and suffering.
Another prerequisite for taking a LPN/ LVN online program includes a high school diploma. This is used to enroll for the basic certificate as a LPN.
Do I have chances to advance my LPN?
Nearly all schools that offer online LPN courses allow qualified LPNs to advance to higher levels of the nursing profession. The advantage of taking an advanced program from as a LPN is that, chances are high you will be exempted from doing a bunch of courses.
The most common advancement observed is from LPN to RN. LPNs who wish to become RNs take a shorter time to finish their programs than fresh entrants. This entails training that enables the LPN to bridge the gap between their mandates and that of Registered Nurses. At the end of this course, the LVN earns an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).
Other online programs that LPNs can easily take are:
- Associate in Applied Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Administration and Management
What is the course duration for an online LPN degree?
Depending on the online nursing LPN degree program you want to enroll for, the duration of study will vary. Usually, most online Licensed Practical Nurse program falls between the periods of 1 to 4 years. It takes one year to complete the curriculum for the basic LPN certificate and up-to 4 years for the Bachelor of Science in nursing programs.
The 4-year LPN programs can also take a shorter duration if the distance learning nursing school offers crush programs to students.
Curriculum details for Licensed Practical Nurse programs
The courses covered in LPN programs are all related to what RNs take but with lighter details of the course content. Basic medical courses taught include:
In this course, training student nurses learn how to keep the privacy and confidentiality of any patient’s information. It also aims at enlightening the student nurse on how to treat patients according to their human rights. It ensures the graduate does not infringe the rights of the patients they are taking care of.
Anatomy is the backbone of all medical related careers and as such, LPNs must have hands-on –knowledge about the body anatomy. This includes the learning of various organs and tissues of the body, their anatomical features and location in the body. An online LPN program cannot comprehensively cover the anatomy course and as such, online LPN students must have access to a few practical anatomy lessons by means of a human cadaver.
Physiology courses help a student understand the disease process. Courses on this bracket cover the important aspect of living systems like cells, tissues and organ functions. Enzymes, hormones and other body fluids and their functions in the body are also taught at this point
- Laboratory and testing procedures
This does not entail taking a full course on Medical laboratory practice; rather the basic use of laboratory equipment like x-ray equipment, microscopes, testing kits and incubators. Safe laboratory techniques are also taught. This part is what makes the online LPN programs to be questioned as you may not be quite conversant with vital laboratory practices.
However, many online schools are trying to overcome this hurdle by offering the theoretical protocols to the students online but summoning them onsite to take the laboratory lessons. This again translates back to the need of enrolling in online LPN programs with schools that have you have close proximity to.
As LPNs work under doctors or registered nurses supervision, you must understand the use medical terms. This helps you take doctors notes and do as per the treatment plan outlined by the doctor. Medical terms include drugs names, action plans, therapy protocols and medical disease terms. You may also be required to learn a bit of pharmacology.
After taking an online LPN degree program, what next?
Qualified graduates who have taken online LPN programs have great career opportunities. There are emerging needs for basic patient and the elderly care. With a LPN program under your belt, you can easily get career openings with hospitals, home care facilities and Not-for profit organizations.
Many graduates of LPN also get to work in charity organisations that take care of the health-wise marginalized groups. These include the disabled, the elderly, convalescents and other groups of ailing persons who are in constant need of special care and attention.
Other career choices for LPNs depend on what you choose as your area of specialization. This may range from laboratory assistants to physiotherapists to junior nursing administrators.
What is my earning potential with an online LPN program?
According to the US Department of labor and Statistics, the salary of LPNs range from as low as $19000 to as high as $56000/year. However, these statistical projections vary from state to state with New Jersey, California, Connecticut and Rhode Island keeping an all time high salary margin.
Examples of accredited schools that offer recognized Online LPN programs.
The list does not follow any order of preference
University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix College of Nursing has been offering nursing education for more than a quarter of a decade. University of Phoenix offers a large variety of online nursing programs that offer students the flexibility they need in a nursing program. Programs include LPN / LVN to BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN degrees. The curriculum is often updated so it is always current and meets state requirements. Nursing programs are accredited through the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and are taught by licensed and experienced health care professionals.
Kaplan University
Kaplan University College of Nursing offers a large selection of online nursing programs. Kaplan is accredited and licensed. The instructors are experienced professionals with a strong background in nursing. Online instruction allows students to learn on their own time, giving them the opportunity to maintain a full-time job while attending classes online. Online nursing programs include MSN, RN to MSN, BSN, ASN, and certificate programs in nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, nurse educator and informatics.
Indiana State University
Indiana State University College of Nursing offers several online programs for nursing students. BSN programs include LPN to BSN¸RN to BSN. Advanced practice nursing programs include FNP, Nursing administration, Nursing education, and doctor of nursing practice. These programs allow you to complete the coursework online with no trips to campus necessary. Online teaching allows students to take classes to complete a degree while still being able to work full time. Online courses are flexible yet offer high quality education necessary to learn the skills needed to achieve success.
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing offers on-campus and online programs for nursing degrees. The college is known for providing high quality nursing education. The online programs include RN to BSN completion, MSN, RN to BSN to MSN, and MSN and MBA track options. Online programs are designed to provide students with complete coursework that can be completed by students who are employed full time. The programs are taught by faculty who are experienced in the nursing field. Students do not need to complete on-campus work.
Grand Canyon University
The Grand Canyon University School of Nursing offers a variety of programs that can be taken online. Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university located in Arizona. They offer both on-campus and online programs. The online courses include a bridge to MSN Leadership, bridge to MSN Health Care Informatics, bridge to MSN Nursing Education, bridge to MSN Nursing Leadership, bridge to MSN Public Health, and bridge to MSN Acute Care Nursing Practitioner.
Sanford Brown College
Sanford Brown College offers a variety of online learning options including a practical nursing program. The program offers students the ability to attend school online in their own time. The LPN program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to work in the medical field in a variety of healthcare environments.
Walden University
Walden University is an online school that offers programs in a variety of areas. The nursing programs are quite diverse. They include the BSN completion program, MSN RN track, MSN BSN track, Nursing Informatics MSN tracks, Nursing Leadership and Management MSN tracks, and DNP program. Walden offers a student-centered approach to learning. Students are provided with plenty of resources to enrich the online learning experience. Faculty is involved in every class and assist in your personal learning.
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University is part of the University Alliance. They offer online nursing programs including the online RN to BSN degree program. The program curriculum includes a wide range of nursing subjects to give you a broad scope. Some of the course offerings are community health, critical care, nutrition, statistics, anatomy, physiology, and research and assessment. All courses are available online to allow students the flexibility to work and go to school.
American Sentinel
American Sentinel offers a wide selection of nursing programs that can be completed online. The RN to MSN program is an accredited, fast-track program that is designed to provide experienced nurses with the education needed to achieve a Master of Science degree in nursing. Licensed nurses with experience can apply their associate degree toward the MSN without the need to earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Students must complete 18 baccalaureate level nursing credits and then complete 36 graduate hours in the MSN program.
Western Governors University
WGU offers a complete selection of online programs including bachelor degrees and master’s degrees. The College of Health Professions degree programs are accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students can achieve their degrees with online studies. Choose from RN to BSN, BSN, BS in Health Informatics, MSN in Education or MSN in Leadership and Management. Students can take courses on a full time or part time basis. The flexibility of online programs allows students to better reach their educational aspirations. Assessments are used to determine specific student needs.
Capella University
Capella University offers online education in nursing ranging from certificate programs through bachelor and master degree programs. The accredited programs offer students a good option for earning a degree without the need to attend campus-based courses. Faculty is experienced in the health care professions. Students can collaborate with their peers across the country. Programs offer the latest information to provide you with up-to-date knowledge. Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed.
Keiser University Campus Online
Keiser offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (RN to BSN). The program is designed for nurses who already have their license and some practical experience in the nursing profession. The RN to BSN program offers nurses credit for their previous experience and education in nursing. Keiser programs are accredited. Online programs allow nurses the flexibility to work at their nursing positions while they take courses to achieve their BSN degree. Courses may be taken on a part-time or full-time basis. Students must be able to take proficiency exams and prove that they are currently licensed.
If you plan to enroll for an online LPN program, you must ensure that the program is scheduled to meet your expectations in terms of time, achievements and cost efficiency. Choosing right and doing a lot of research on available options for the online LPN programs will help you get a satisfying CV showcase.
Types of Online LPN Programs
Online Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs are a great way to start on the road to a rewarding healthcare career that offers many job opportunities, very attractive salaries, and excellent long-term career prospects.
Benefits of Online LPN Programs
With the continuing aging of the population combined with advances in technology, people are living longer with an increased need for healthcare services. As a result the demand for LPNs is very strong with an anticipated growth rate of 21 percent through the year 2018 as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There has never been a better time to begin a career in this highly rewarding profession!
Online study offers flexibility of time and place so that it is a great option for those who are working or who have family responsibilities.All that is needed to participate in online LPN programs is a laptop with a consistent Internet connection. Lectures are prerecorded so that students may listen to them at a time of their convenience. Students may easily contact their professors or peers via the many communication tools that are part of online LPN programs. These tools are in the form of chat rooms, discussion forums, email, and webcams. Because online study does not necessitate commuting and dining costs, it also reduces the total cost of attendance. Many LPNs have stated that online LPN programs provided them the opportunity to complete their education in a timely manner since many programs may be completed with a one year period. It is hard to effectively balance work with study so that distance learning has become the preferred mode of education for students across many disciplines, including the healthcare sector.
Types of online LPN program degrees available:
The most popular online LPN programs include the following:
- Associate in Science in Nursing (A.S.)
- Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing- LPN to RN (B.S.N.): This is an especially attractive option for those LPNs who wish to advance their career and become registered nurses. It can take less time to complete the 4 year degree since coursework taken in the online LPN program may be transferable to the bachelor’s degree. Also important to note is that all or part of your tuition may be paid for by your employer in exchange for committing to remain with the facility for a certain number of years following graduation.
A high school diploma or GED diploma is usually required for admission to either of the above programs. Some programs may also require that certain prerequisite science courses, such as biology and chemistry, be satisfactorily completed.
Onsite LPN training requirements
Although online LPN programs are designed to allow you the opportunity to study from home, the clinical component of training will necessitate hands-on work with patients. No online LPN program can be completed without some onsite training. Indeed, clinical training can be considered the most critical aspect of a nurse’s education. For those who are already working in the healthcare sector, clinical training hours may be completed at your current facility. For others, you will need to schedule the clinical hours around your other work or family responsibilities. In many cases you will be able to complete these hours on a weekend or evening basis.
Curriculum in typical online LPN programs
A good online LPN program will include such coursework as anatomy and physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, pharmacology, nutrition, obstetrics and gynecology, psychology, as well as clinical training within a hospital or other healthcare setting. The curriculum will also cover how to effectively communicate with patients and their families,doctors, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team.
The clinical portion of the program will cover such topics as
- Medical/Surgical Nursing (working with patients suffering from a variety of medical conditions/caring for patients pre and post surgery.
- Pediatric Nursing (the care of children and adolescents)
- First Aid and Emergency Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
In most cases the both clinical and didactic (instructional) courses will be taught by registered nurses with advanced degrees who will also serve as your clinical training supervisor.
Where to find online LPN programs
When you are ready to begin study to become an LPN, you will find that there are many excellent programs available. Just be sure to enroll in a school that has been approved/accredited by your State Board of Nursing as this will attest to the quality of education you will receive and will enhance your employment prospects after graduation..
Not all online LPN programs are created equal and you will need to perform some due diligence so you may select the program that will best meet your career goals. The choice you make will have a huge impact on your future career success so take the time to thoroughly research each program of interest. Factors to consider include whether the school has been approved by your State board of Nursing, percentage of coursework that may be completed online; number clinical hours required for graduation, academic advising and faculty support, as well as flexibility in terms of handing in assignments and logging in for lectures. Keep in mind that online programs also differ in the degree of independence they provide Some online programs require that students log on at certain times when the professor is logged on for a “virtual lecture” of an especially important topic. Other programs leave students to themselves and all work is completed independently with no required log in times.
Below are some further suggestions to guide the selection process:
– Compare costs and course fees among several programs. Be sure to include the costs of books and supplies, along with any other miscellaneous materials (e.g. uniforms when starting clinical training).
– Ensure that you meet all prerequisites for enrollment, such as having high school diploma or GED, and satisfactory completion of any previous science coursework that may be required.
– Evaluate whether you have the self-discipline necessary to successfully complete an online LPN program. Although in theory it sounds great, it will take a great deal of persistence and focus to finish the program.
– Do you have space in your home that you can devote to study and that is privately located to minimize disturbances?
– Does the school offer assistance with clinical training placement. This is an important question with regard to online LPN programs since the “campus” is not necessarily located in the same area you wish to practice so that the school has no affiliation with area facilities. In many cases it will be up to you to locate an appropriate placement. However, the relationships you develop during the clinical placement can (and very often do) lead to employment upon graduation.
– What type of support is available for online students? How can you connect with academic advisors and faculty? Do they have consistent “office” hours during which you may log in to chat and ask questions? Or is communication limited to discussion boards and email?
Licensure
Once you graduate from an online LPN program you will need to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-LPN in order to obtain licensure. Although licensing requirements do vary by state, all states and the District of Columbia require this exam as part of the licensing process. The exam was developed and is administered by the National Council of State boards of Nursing. The NCLEX-LPN is a computer based test that covers four major Client Needs areas: patient safety and fostering an effective care environment; health promotion and maintenance; psychosocial aspects of patient care; and physical well-being.
How to become a LPN
There are many pathways to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Depending on which state one lives in, an LPN may also be referred to as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). When choosing a career path as an LPN or LVN, one can first choose a career as a Certified Nurse Assistant to prepare for further studies in healthcare.
Becoming a CNA may also slightly reduce the coursework or time required to become an LPN. The LPN is an intermediary nursing career. It’s a step above the CNA. LPNs earn about 1.5 times a CNA, approximately $40,000 annually and are generally given more independence in their duties. However, RNs are a step above LPNs, and in most cases provide them with instructions to be carried out under minimal supervision. RNs are more likely to implement or modify a plan of care, while LPNs carry out steps.
Prerequisites
Most LPN programs have little if any prerequisites. Applicants should be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or GED. Some colleges may have GPA requirements, which are usually low, such as a 2.0. In the event that a student’s GPA is low, they can usually be admitted to the program upon completion of one-two college semesters with a satisfactory GPA. In certain cases, students may be required to take an entrance exam, usually testing general math and English skills.
Training
LPN training traditionally involves three parts-the coursework, clinical practicum experiences and exam preparation. When searching for an LPN program, students should pursue a program that is accredited by or pursuing accreditation with the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. NLNAC is the only nationally recognized accrediting authority for LPN programs. Students begin their LPN program by completing general education courses, with an emphasis on math, sciences and health related material.
Clinical Practicum
Once the training portion of the LPN program is complete, students will then pursue a clinical practicum. Each state has different requirements for the LPN, specifically as it relates to length and type of clinical training, so it is imperative to review these requirements before pursuing nursing education. Some states may require a prospective LPN to have a certain amount of hours in various areas of practice.
Certification
Taking the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure is the last step in becoming an LPN. It’s important to take the test as soon as possible after graduation. Some students may take time to study, but in favorable circumstances, the test should be taken within a year of graduation. For example, in Delaware, students who wait more than a year to test are required to submit a formal petition to take the certification exam.
Career
Finally, students must secure a job in the field. The nation has seen a surplus in the geriatric population, which has created a need for more health professionals, particularly in nursing and extended care homes. Most LPNs find work in a nursing or assisted-living home, though some work in hospitals, doctors offices and home healthcare settings.
How long does it take to become a LPN?
For people who would like to work in the healthcare field, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a viable alternative to becoming a RN (Registered Nurse). LPN roles are performed by what are called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in the states of Texas & California. A LPN requires less time and study than a RN, but still does require licensure.
Universities may offer LPN training as part of the RN program. Some four-year BSN programs, offer students the opportunity to opt-out and become a LPN after two years of study in the program.
Typical Duties
The typical duties of a LPN are a step above those of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Licensed Practical Nurses may assist patients with personal care, but their primary duties are assisting patients in gathering and preparing samples and injections. In some cases, LPNs may administer injections or assist with more complicated procedures such as labor and delivery. LPNs work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and other senior health professionals.
Licensed Practical Nurses record the vital signs of patients and also their height and weight, which are passed onto senior nurses or other professionals that make a diagnosis and recommend treatment. Ultimately, each state has guidelines of what duties LPNs are able to carry out. In certain states, LPNs carry out more senior duties such as administering medication or tests.
Prerequisites
Prior to pursuing education to become a LPN, prospective students should have a high school diploma or GED. LPN courses may require prerequisites in English, math or a passing score on an institutional placement test.
Community Colleges
More commonly, students pursue LPN training at the community college level. The actual LPN program consists of coursework, followed by a clinical practicum and is just over a year long. Programs are at minimum 12 months, but can be as long as 18 months. Though there are several accrediting nursing bodies, aspiring LPNs should look for a program that is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) does not accredit LPN programs.
While the LPN program cannot be completed online in its entirety, many programs are offered in a hybrid format, in which some theoretical classes may be completed online. Clinical practicums must be completed in person. LPNs who choose to pursue an ADN can often to do so in so in a year, and a BSN in three years, as they receive credit for their previous nursing coursework.
LPN vs RN – What is the Difference?
As with the RN, after completing coursework in a LPN program, students are required to take the National Council for Licensure exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Students may take additional time off to study for their exam, before officially becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. The main difference between LPNs and RNs, is that LPNs typically assist RNs and do not perform administrative or supervisory duties. However, LPNs still make a good salary, often above $36,000 yearly and as high as $50,000 in some areas. Licensed Practical Nurses complete slightly more education than Certified Nursing Assistants, yet earn a higher salary.
