When enrolling in a CNA to LPN program, students should prepare for increased academic rigor. The program will be more challenging than CNA training, with a focus on more advanced medical concepts. The curriculum expands significantly, covering subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and more specialized nursing care techniques.
The duration of the program is also longer, typically taking 12-18 months to complete, compared to the shorter CNA training. This extended timeframe allows for a more comprehensive education in nursing practices.
Clinical Experience and Skill Development
A key component of the LPN program is extensive hands-on training in various healthcare settings. This clinical practice builds upon the experience gained as a CNA, but introduces more complex nursing tasks and decision-making responsibilities. Students will develop enhanced skills and greater autonomy in patient care.
Personal and Professional Challenges
Time management becomes crucial as students balance coursework, clinical rotations, and possibly work or family responsibilities. This juggling act contributes to personal growth, helping students develop greater confidence and professionalism.
The program also offers networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with instructors, healthcare professionals, and fellow students in the field. These connections can be valuable for future career development.
Licensing and Career Transition
A significant part of the program focuses on preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam, which is required to become a licensed practical nurse. Upon completion of the program and successful licensing, graduates can expect a shift in job responsibilities and potentially higher pay, marking an important step in their nursing career.
CNA to LPN Programs in Greensboro
ECPI University
ECPI University’s College of Nursing, Medical Careers Institute, offers a Practical Nursing (PN) diploma program designed to prepare students for a career as Licensed Practical Nurses. The program emphasizes critical thinking, clinical reasoning, effective communication, collaboration, and nursing theory.
Key Features:
- Duration: Can be completed in as little as 15 months
- Comprehensive curriculum covering nursing theory and practical skills
- Hands-on clinical experience in various healthcare settings
- Preparation for the NCLEX-PN exam
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program are expected to:
- Function within the role of a practical nurse in patient care
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members
- Use critical thinking for safe nursing practice
- Integrate ethical and professional responsibility into their work
- Commit to personal and professional growth
Career Opportunities
LPN graduates can work in various healthcare settings, including:
- Nursing homes
- Physicians’ offices
- Public school systems
- Hospitals
- Corporate occupational health
NCLEX Pass Rates
While specific data for the Greensboro campus isn’t provided, ECPI University’s other campuses have shown strong NCLEX-PN pass rates, with most locations achieving over 90% pass rates in recent years.
Curriculum
The program consists of 48.5 semester credit hours, including classroom instruction, laboratory/simulation experiences, and clinical practice. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in nursing theory and practical skills across the lifespan and in various healthcare settings.
This program offers a solid pathway for those looking to enter the nursing profession, with a focus on practical skills and knowledge necessary for success as an LPN.
Guilford Technical Community College
GTCC offers a Practical Nursing diploma program that prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The program emphasizes holistic patient care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.
Key Features:
- Duration: 3 semesters (approximately 15 months)
- Limited enrollment with a cap of 30 students annually
- Fall admission only
- Approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program are expected to:
- Participate in evaluating holistic patient care concepts
- Practice professional nursing behaviors within legal-ethical boundaries
- Provide evidence-based nursing care
- Implement teaching plans developed by registered nurses
- Participate in the nursing process under supervision
- Demonstrate culturally-competent care
- Contribute to quality improvement initiatives
- Use informatics for patient care and best practices
- Collaborate with the healthcare team
Career Opportunities
LPN graduates can work in various healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Physicians’ offices
- Home health agencies
Curriculum
The program consists of 41-44 credit hours, including:
- Nursing theory courses
- Laboratory and clinical experiences
- General education courses (English, Biology, Psychology)
Admission Process
The program has a selective admissions process. Prospective students must:
- Complete prerequisite courses
- Meet minimum GPA requirements
- Submit a program application
- Comply with health and background check requirements
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
While specific data for GTCC isn’t provided, the program prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure.
Estimated Costs
The total estimated cost for the program is around $5,000, including tuition, fees, textbooks, uniforms, and licensing exam fees.
This program offers a pathway for those seeking to enter the nursing profession as LPNs, with a focus on practical skills and knowledge necessary for patient care in various healthcare settings.
Forsyth Tech Community College
Forsyth Tech offers a one-year Practical Nursing diploma program with selective enrollment beginning each fall. The program prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
Key Features:
- Duration: One year (3 semesters)
- Admission: Up to 80 students admitted annually
- Two campus options: Main Campus (daytime, up to 56 seats) and Stokes County (evening/weekend, up to 24 seats)
- One seat reserved for a current year high school graduate
Admission Process
The program has a selective admissions process. Applicants must:
- Apply to Forsyth Tech
- Meet minimum readiness levels
- Submit official transcripts
- Take the TEAS test and submit scores
- Submit a Minimum Admissions Requirements (MAR) application
Program Outcomes
Graduates will gain skills in:
- Nursing practice
- Patient care
- Medical knowledge
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Teamwork
Curriculum
The program includes courses such as:
- NUR 101: Practical Nursing I
- PSY 150: General Psychology
- Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 163 or BIO 168/169)
Additional courses are taken in Spring and Summer semesters, but specifics weren’t provided in the given information.
Career Opportunities
LPN graduates can work in various settings, including:
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Long-term care facilities and nursing homes
- Home healthcare
- Rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities
- Physician’s offices and outpatient clinics
Additional Information
- Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure
- The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and individualized care
- Applicants can only apply to one health program at a time
This program offers a pathway for those seeking to enter the nursing profession as LPNs, with a focus on practical skills and knowledge necessary for patient care in various healthcare settings.