HOME >> MONTANA >> KALISPELL >> LPN OR LVN CLASSES
 

Receive Free Information on LPN or LVN Schools In Your Area Kalispell MT 59901

How to Find the Best LPN or LVN Classes Near Kalispell Montana

Kalispell Montana LPN reviewing patient chart with doctorNow that you have decided on a rewarding career in the field of nursing, it's essential that you select a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) college near Kalispell MT that will furnish the necessary instruction. If you reside in Texas or California, then you will be looking for a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) school instead. There is no distinction, other than the names, between an LPN and an LVN. They both perform the same job functions and work in health care facilities under the guidance of Registered Nurses (RN) or Doctors. However their responsibilities do fluctuate depending on the state they practice in, which we will cover in the next section. When beginning their search for schools, many potential nursing students begin with those that are the nearest to their houses or that are the least costly. Although cost and location are significant factors, they are not the only criteria that you should base your decision on. Other factors, for example if the schools are accredited or have high pass rates on the licensing exam are very important too. Let's look at the role of an LPN and what is involved in the training and licensing process.

It Only Takes a Few Minutes to Start Your LPN or LVN Career Below

Job Duties of an LPN or LVN

Kalispell Montana licensed practical nurse visiting with elderly woman in assisted living facility

Licensed Practical Nurses have a number of functions that they carry out in the Kalispell MT health facilities where they practice. As their titles indicate, they are required to be licensed in all states, including Montana. Although they may be responsible for overseeing Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), they themselves normally work under the direction of either an RN or a doctor. The health care facilities where they work are numerous and varied, such as hospitals, medical clinics, schools, and long-term care facilities. Anywhere that you can encounter patients seeking medical care is their dominion. Each state not only oversees their licensing, but also what work activities an LPN can and can't perform. So based on the state, their daily job functions might include:

    • Taking vital signs
    • Administering medications
    • Initiating IV drips
    • Observing patients
    • Collecting blood or urine samples
    • Maintaining patient records
    • Helping physicians or Registered nurses with procedures

In addition to their job functions being controlled by each state, the healthcare facilities or other Kalispell MT healthcare providers where LPNs work can additionally limit their job roles within those parameters. Also, they can work in various specialties of nursing, such as long-term care, critical care, oncology and cardiology.

LPN Courses

There are generally two academic credentials available that provide education to become an LPN or LVN near Kalispell MT. The one that can be completed in the shortest time period, commonly about 12 months, is the certificate or diploma program. The second choice is to obtain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These LPN programs are broader in nature than the diploma option and typically require 2 years to finish. The benefit of Associate Degrees, besides supplying a higher credential and more in-depth training, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor's Degree in nursing. No matter the kind of credential you pursue, it needs to be state approved and ideally accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or another national accrediting organization. The NLNAC warrants that the core curriculum properly prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

Attending LVN and LPN Online Courses

Kalispell Montana LPN greeting patient with crutches at doorAttending LPN programs online is growing into a more in demand way to receive instruction and attain a nursing certificate or degree in Kalispell MT. Many schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and nearly all programs require a specific number of clinical rotation hours performed in a local healthcare facility. But since the rest of the training may be accessed online, this method may be a more practical answer to finding the time to attend college for many students. Pertaining to tuition, many online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus alternatives. Even supplemental expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more easily affordable. And a large number of online programs are accredited by U.S. Department of Education recognized organizations. So if your work and household commitments have left you with little time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online LPN training program will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your active schedule.

Learn How to Become an LVN or LPN in Kalispell



 

KALISPELL LPN OR LVN SCHOOLS NEAR ME | KALISPELL LPN OR LVN COURSES