Requirements for LPN
Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) within the United States consists in two steps: first, one must fulfill an education requirement; second, one must pass a licensing exam. Here I will be discussing the general national LPN requirements for licensure, though it should be noted that there exists some state variation. The authority on each state’s conventions lies with that state’s Board of Nurses, and I would advise those interested to begin their investigation by contacting their local board. Since 2000 there has been a push by the National Council of State Boards of Nurses (NCSBN) to standardize licensure requirements through a Nurse Licensure Compact. States which have agreed to the compact recognize a single LPN license; states not involved may or may not recognize licenses granted by another state. To see which states belong to the compact, visit the NCSBN website.
The education requirement is satisfied by completing a LPN program, typically offered by a vocational school or community college. This program must be approved by its respective state’s Board of Nurses, and upon completion qualifies the candidate to take the licensing exam. Programs take about twelve months to complete, in which students pursue both supervised clinical practice and classroom study. Subjects include anatomy, biology, physiology, nutrition, chemistry, obstetrics, pediatrics, and first aid. In 2006 there were over 1,500 state-approved LPN training programs. There exist a number of online resources for finding an approved program in your area.
The PN licensing exam, fondly referred to as the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse), is administered by state boards under the supervision of the NCSBN. The five hour test has a general cost of $200, with additional charges determined by local boards (international test takers face an additional $150 scheduling fee). In 2007, 74,933 candidates took the NCLEX-PN, with 78.4% passing. The test is computer-adaptive, meaning that the content is uniquely generated as the test unfolds. The program relies on a pool of questions assigned difficulty ratings; as the test taker proceeds, new questions are selected based on the difficulty of those already correctly answered. Scores reflect the difficulty of questions, as well as percentage correct. Fail on the initial questions and easier questions will appear, though correctly answering an easier question will yield a lower score than correctly answering a difficult question.
The content of the NCLEX-PN is complicated, so I will only gloss over it here. It is based upon the perceived needs of clients, as found in studies and as judged by the NCSBN. Topics include: health promotion and maintenance, psychological integrity, physiological integrity, and maintaining a safe and effective care environment. For more information see the NCSBN website. PN licenses require periodic renewal; conventions vary from state to state, and may include a continuing education requirement as well as a fee.