Are you considering beginning a new career in healthcare? Practical nursing could be an excellent option if you’re looking for a rewarding career where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Practical nurses play an important role in patient care, working alongside registered nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to help patients receive the care and support they need.
Before choosing a new career path, it’s important to understand what the profession involves, what responsibilities you may have, and what you can expect from practical nursing school and your future career. Whether you’re just beginning to explore healthcare careers or you’re already considering becoming a practical nurse*, having answers to your questions can help you make an informed decision.
Keep reading this blog as United Career Institute (UCI) answers some of the most frequently asked questions about practical nursing.
What is a Practical Nurse?
A practical nurse is a healthcare professional who provides direct, hands-on care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
Practical nurses may be responsible for a variety of patient-care duties, including checking vital signs, administering certain medications, changing wound dressings, colostomy care, assisting with daily activities, monitoring patients for changes in their condition, and more. They also communicate with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team to help ensure patients receive appropriate care.
One benefit of becoming a practical nurse is the variety of environments where practical nurses can work. Depending on their interests and career goals, practical nurses may find opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, physician offices, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare settings.
If you enjoy helping others and are looking for a career in healthcare, practical nursing can provide an opportunity to develop valuable clinical skills while making a difference in the lives of your patients.
What is an LPN?
LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse. Is a practical nurse the same as an LPN? Yes, LPN and practical nurse refer to the same profession, except LPN means they have passed the required licensure exam. Once in the field, the terms become interchangeable, since a practical nurse can work only after passing the required licensure exam.
After completing an approved practical nursing program and meeting the other requirements set by their state’s nursing regulatory body, graduates can apply to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses)*. Until a graduate passes the NCLEX-PN and receives their practical nursing license, they are not considered a Licensed Practical Nurse. This distinction is important because completing the educational portion of the journey and becoming licensed are two separate steps.
How do you become a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Completing a practical nursing program is an important step toward becoming an LPN, but graduating from the program does not automatically make you an LPN. Students who complete their practical nursing education may earn a diploma in practical nursing. However, they must also meet their state’s licensing requirements before they can officially practice as an LPN.
One of the most important steps in this process is passing the NCLEX-PN. The NCLEX-PN is the licensure examination used to determine whether candidates have the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, effective entry-level practical nursing care.
Think of practical nursing school as preparation for your nursing career. Your education helps you build the clinical knowledge and hands-on skills needed for the profession, while the NCLEX-PN provides an opportunity to demonstrate that you are ready to enter the field as a licensed practical nurse. Once you pass the exam and obtain your license, you can officially begin practicing as an LPN within your state’s scope of practice.
How long does it take to become a Practical Nurse?
One of the benefits of pursuing a career as a practical nurse is that you can complete your education and begin working toward licensure in a relatively short amount of time. The length of a practical nursing program varies by school and program structure, but many programs can be completed in about a year.
UCI’s 12-month online/hybrid Practical Nursing program is designed to teach essential nursing concepts and build hands-on skills that prepare students for the responsibilities of working as a practical nurse. With an online/hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person learning experiences, the program can also provide added flexibility for students balancing school with work, family, or other responsibilities.
What is the difference between Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing?
Practical nursing and registered nursing are both rewarding healthcare careers, but they differ in education, licensure, scope of practice, and responsibilities.
Licensed Practical Nurses
LPNs provide essential hands-on patient care under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Practical nursing programs are typically shorter, making this pathway appealing to students who want to enter the nursing field and begin building their careers sooner.
Registered Nurses
RNs^ typically complete more extensive education and have a broader scope of practice. They may assess patients, develop care plans, administer treatments, educate patients, and coordinate care. When choosing between practical and registered nursing, consider your career goals, desired responsibilities, and educational timeline.
Become a Practical Nurse with UCI
Becoming an LPN can be a rewarding way to enter the healthcare field and make a difference in the lives of your patients. If you’re considering practical nursing in Pennsylvania, be sure to read our career guide on how to become an LPN in PA to learn more about the education, licensing, and career steps involved.
Ready to begin your nursing journey? Request information today to connect with an admissions team member.
*Passing the NCLEX-PN exam is required to become a Practical Nurse.
^Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is required to become a Registered Nurse.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to United Career Institute in any manner.