If you’re a Certified Nursing Assistant and considering a change in career, the CNA to LPN transition program will help you complete the educational requirements to become a licensed practical nurse. Transition programs take prior learning and experience into consideration and award credit, so you can complete the LPN requirements in less time. The training requires a commitment – some programs require full-time attendance – but it will pay in the end. Practical nurses’ salaries are almost twice that of CNAs and the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others are multiplied as you take a more active role in patient care.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Memphis
Certified nurse aides may receive credit for up to 400 hours in the Practical Nursing Diploma program at TCAT-Memphis. The credit granted will help them to complete the requirements for practice as a licensed practical nurse in less than 12 months. The curriculum covers 1,296 contact hours of classroom lectures, simulation labs, and clinical rotations at local health care facilities. Course topics include mental health concepts, medical surgical nursing, maternal child nursing, pediatric nursing, the transition to practice, communication, safety procedures, nursing leadership, and fundamentals of nursing. Participation in the full program is mandatory for achieving the Practical Nursing Diploma. The clinical sessions will be guided by expert faculty who have committed to supporting the development of nursing skills that are essential to the delivery of safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care. Upon successful completion of the requirements, students will become eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The program may be completed in 12 months or less. The class schedule at this location is full-time only.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET
- Must be 18 years of age
- Meet with Student Services to discuss career objective
- Complete an application for enrollment online
- Provide TCAT with sealed, official high school transcript/diploma, college transcript, or GED
- Attend a nursing information session
- Obtain a passing score on the Achievement Test – HESI score must be a minimum of 70 for both reading and math sections
- Provide names of three references
- Complete a satisfactory physical exam report with all required immunizations
- Pass a urine drug screen
- Complete a satisfactory background check
The program cost of $6664.20 includes tuition, textbooks, and supplies. Students must cover the cost for uniforms, background check, CPR certification, urine drug screen, immunizations, and state exam fee.
- Website: https://tcatmemphis.edu/
- Address: 550 Alabama Ave., Memphis, TN 38105
- Phone: 901-543-6100
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 95%
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Covington
TCAT Covington provides certified nursing assistants with the opportunity to continue their studies to prepare for the role of a licensed practical nurse. CNAs who hold current certification in the State of Tennessee may receive credit for the Basic Nursing module and complete the program in less than 12 months. The full curriculum covers a total of 1,296 contact hours of theoretical and hands-on instruction. Course modules include Basic Nursing, Fundamentals, Anatomy and Physiology, Mental Health, Pediatric Nursing, Pharmacology, Worker Characteristics, Maternity Health, Advanced Professional Vocational Relations, and Mental Health. Upon completion of the program requirements, students will receive a practical nursing diploma and be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for practical nurses. Full-time and part-time schedules are offered at this location. Full-time classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm for 12 months. Part-time classes meet Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm for 18 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET
- Must be 18 years of age
- Meet with Student Services to discuss career objective
- Complete an application for enrollment online
- Provide TCAT with sealed, official high school transcript/diploma, college transcript, or GED
- Obtain a passing score on the Achievement Test – HESI score must be a minimum of 70 for both reading and math sections
- Provide names of three references
- Complete a satisfactory physical exam report with all required immunizations
- Pass a urine drug screen
- Complete a satisfactory background check
- Attend a nursing orientation by invitation only
The program cost of $7,134.41 includes tuition, books, and supplies. Students will incur additional costs for CPR certification, urine drug screen, background check, immunization, and admission testing.
- Website: https://www.tcatcovington.edu/
- Address: 1600 Hwy 51 South, Covington, TN 38019
- Phone: 901-475-2526
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
The Healthcare Institute
The Licensed Practical Nursing Education Program The Healthcare Institute is open to certified nursing assistants who want to expand their skillset and knowledge to provide competent care as licensed practical nurses. They will learn how to provide superior care and engage in civic and community affairs. The rigorous program requires a full-time commitment, so students are encouraged not to work for the duration of the program to improve their chances of success. The curriculum covers 1,320 clock hours of knowledge and skills-based training. Course topics include fundamentals of nursing, mental health nursing, maternity nursing, medical surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, transition to practice, administration of medication, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, psychology, legal and ethical principles, and NCLEX preparation. Graduates will be eligible to take the licensure exam to become licensed practical nurses. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm for 12 months. Evening classes meet Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm for 16 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Schedule the HESI exam or request ACT score report to be submitted – if the composite score is 19 or higher. HESI score of 70 percent on reading comprehension and math required for admission
- Request high school transcript from the school to be sent directly to THI
- Complete the online application and pay the application fee of $55
- Download the health forms and documents and meet with a healthcare provider to complete them – to include documentation of immunizations and TB test results
- Provide two letters of recommendation from a previous supervisor or someone familiar with the applicant’s character and background
- Attend an admission interview
- Must have valid CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association
- Complete a negative drug screen
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
Tuition costs $12,630. Books, supplies, and fees cost an additional $2,982.
- Website: https://www.thi-tn.com/lpn
- Address: 7253 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38125
- Phone: 901-244-0844
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 93%
Crystal G
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.