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How to Find the Best LPN or LVN Training Program Near Aiken South Carolina

Aiken South Carolina LPN looking over patient chart with doctorNow that you have decided on a fulfilling vocation in the field of nursing, it's essential that you find a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program near Aiken SC that will furnish the right instruction. If you live in Texas or California, then you will be looking for a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) school instead. There is no difference, aside from the names, between an LPN and an LVN. They both carry out the same job functions and work in health care facilities under the guidance of Registered Nurses (RN) or Doctors. However their functions do fluctuate depending on the state they practice in, which we will look at in the following section. When initiating their search for schools, many potential nursing students begin with those that are the closest to their homes or that are the least costly. Although tuition and location are important considerations, they are not the only criteria that you should base your decision on. Other factors, for instance if the schools are accredited or have high pass rates on the licensing exam are extremely important as well. Let's take a look at the job of an LPN and what is involved in the education and licensing process.

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LPN and LVN Job Description

Aiken South Carolina licensed practical nurse visiting with elderly woman in assisted living facility

Licensed Practical Nurses have many different functions that they complete in the Aiken SC medical facilities where they work. As their titles signify, they are mandated to be licensed in all states, including South Carolina. Although they may be responsible for supervising Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), they themselves generally work under the guidance of either an RN or a doctor. The medical facilities where they work are numerous and varied, for instance hospitals, medical clinics, schools, and long-term care facilities. Anywhere that you can find patients in need of medical attention is their dominion. Every state not only regulates their licensing, but also what duties an LPN can and can't perform. So depending on the state, their day-to-day job activities may include:

    • Measuring vital signs
    • Administering medicines
    • Setting up IV drips
    • Observing patients
    • Getting blood or urine samples
    • Maintaining patient records
    • Helping physicians or Registered nurses with procedures

In addition to their job duties being regulated by each state, the medical facilities or other Aiken SC healthcare providers where LPNs work can further limit their job roles within those parameters. Also, they can practice in different specialties of nursing, for example long-term care, critical care, oncology and cardiology.

LPN Certificates and Degrees

There are essentially two academic credentials available that provide training to become an LPN or LVN near Aiken SC. The one that may be finished in the shortest period of time, usually about one year, is the certificate or diploma course. The second option is to earn a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These LPN programs are broader in nature than the diploma alternative and normally require 2 years to complete. The benefit of Associate Degrees, aside from providing a higher credential and more comprehensive training, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor's Degree in nursing. No matter the type 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 attests that the syllabus properly prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

Enrolling in LVN and LPN Courses Online

Aiken South Carolina licensed practical nurse greeting patient with crutches at doorEnrolling in LPN programs online is emerging as a more favored way to get training and earn a nursing certificate or degree in Aiken SC. Some schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and virtually all programs require a specific amount of clinical rotation hours performed in a local healthcare center. But since the rest of the training can be accessed online, this method may be a more convenient answer to finding the time to attend school for some students. Concerning tuition, a number of online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus alternatives. Even supplemental expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be minimized, helping to make education more affordable. And a large number of online programs are accredited by U.S. Department of Education recognized organizations. Therefore if your job and family obligations have left you with limited time to pursue your academic goals, it could be that an online LPN school will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your active schedule.

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