Licensed practical nursing may be your next step on the career ladder if you’re looking to move up from certified nurse assisting. Like CNAs, LPNs provide routine care and assist patients with the activities of daily living. Practical nurses provide patient care under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses, and may perform more complex procedures that CNAs are permitted to perform. These include inserting catheters, feeding patients through nasogastric tubes, administering medications and vaccines, executing patient care plans developed by demonstrate why practical nurses require an educational preparation that exceeds that of nursing assistants. Whereas nursing assistant programs may be completed in 2 to 3 months, practical nursing programs require at least 12 months of theory and practical training. CNA to LPN bridge programs may reduce the training time by one month or, at the very least, give CNAs an advantage in the competitive selection process.
Delgado Community College
Certified nursing assistants may apply for extra points in the selection process when applying to the practical nursing program at Delgado Community College. Once enrolled, they will build on their existing patient care skills and prepare for licensure as a licensed practical nurse. The first part of the program will seek to build the foundations of nursing care in the classroom and laboratory setting. Clinical experiences will commence as the program progresses. These will be conducted under the direct supervision of qualified instructors. The final hours of the program will emphasize preparation for the profession of nursing and for the licensing process. Course topics include introduction to anatomy and physiology, medical nutrition therapy for nursing/allied health, introduction to practical nursing, essential nursing skills, pharmacology in nursing, medical surgical nursing, pediatric, obstetrics and mental health nursing, and career preparation for the practical nursing student. Students must successfully complete a total of 59 credit hours to graduate from the program. Graduates are eligible to apply to write the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The program is a limited and competitive admission program. The duration of the program is 16 months. The application period for Spring is September 1st-30th. Fall application period is May 1st to 31st.
Admission criteria:
- Must be registered as a student with Delgado Community College
- Must be a high school graduate or have a high school equivalency
- Must be eligible to take MATH 120 and ENGL 101 by the application date – must have completed or tested out of developmental English, math, and reading via Delgado’s placement test or qualifying ACT scores
- Must complete BIOL 161/163 and HESC 109 with a grade of C or better within three years of entry to the nursing program work attempted at DCC and a CSN GPA of 2.00 for all courses required for the program
- Must be in good health
- Complete the KAPLAN Pre-Nursing Admissions Exam with a score of 70% Math, 68% Reading, and 60% in Writing. Scores lower than the minimum will be ineligible for admission. The Kaplan exam must be taken within three years of application
- Must have valid CPR certification before enrolling in the first nursing course
- Must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the US.
- Complete recommended prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Nutrition for Allied Health
- CNA applicants must submit current certification
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Complete a criminal record check
- Submit to mandatory drug screening
Tuition and fees cost $2,339.52 per semester. Additional expenses for uniforms, LSBPNE initial fees, books, CPR, nurse cap, credential evaluation, computer testing fee, fingerprinting, FBI check, cap and gown, graduation fee, liability insurance, health, and drug screen will apply.
- Website: https://www.dcc.edu/
- Address: 615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119
- Phone: (504) 671-5000
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 75%
Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College prepares certified nursing assistants for licensure as a practical nurse. Theory and clinical instruction emphasize the knowledge of scientific principles and application of critical thinking skills, demonstration of cultural sensitivity, safety and proficiency in performance of basic nursing skills and medical administration, professionalism in practice, and knowledge of entry-level duties of the LPN. Course topics include fundamentals of nursing, medical surgical nursing, pharmacology and math for nursing, intravenous therapy, mental health nursing, maternal/newborn nursing, nursing care of children, and professionalism and leadership. General education courses include introduction to anatomy and physiology and nutrition and diet therapy. Students must complete a total of 66 credits to graduate from the program. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for state licensure as practical nurses. The duration of the program is 16 months. Admission to the program is limited and competitive. Applications for the Spring semester runs from August 15th through October 15th and from February 1st through March 30th for the fall semester.
Admission criteria:
- Applicants must be registered students at Nunez Community College
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit acceptable placement exam scores from a recognized placement exam – ACT (Math 18, Reading 20, Language 17), Accuplacer Next Gen (Math 243, Reading 250, Writing 241)
- Obtain acceptable score in the HESI Pre-Nursing Admission Assessment exam
- Must have a minimum 2.0 GPA on previous college coursework
- Must have US residency or citizenship
- Provide documentation of immunization – MMR, Varicella, TB test or chest x-ray, Hepatitis B or declination
- Must maintain current CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association)
- Provide proof of certification as a nurse aide
- Obtain criminal background clearance
Tuition costs $2,127.52 per semester for LA residents. Students will need to cover expenses for books, uniforms, equipment, CPR certification, insurance, immunization, and the licensure exam.
- Website: https://www.nunez.edu/
- Address: 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA 70043
- Phone: 504-278-6467
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%
Delta College
Certified nursing assistants may enroll in the Practical Nursing Program at Delta College to acquire the skills to obtain entry-level employment as a practical nurse. The curriculum is based on the concept that nursing is an art and a science designed to promote health, to prevent illness, to restore health, and to alleviate suffering. Theory and hands-on skills will provide students with knowledge and skills to function as an essential member of the health care team. Course topics include fundamentals of nursing, medical surgical nursing, pharmacology and math for nursing, intravenous therapy, mental health nursing, maternal/newborn nursing, nursing care of children, and professionalism and leadership. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for practical nurses. Delta offers job placement assistance, quality instructors, affordable tuition, convenient day and evening classes, clinical experiences at local health care facilities, and financial aid to qualifying students. The duration of the program is 16 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must be at least 17 years of age to start and 18 years at the anticipated graduation date
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Must complete a personal interview with an admission representative
- Must be a US citizen or legal immigrant – appropriate documentation must be provided
- Must submit to random drug testing at any in the program
- Must have current immunization MMR, Varicella, TB test or chest x-ray, Hepatitis B or declination
- Must provide current CNA certification for extra point in the admissions process
- Must maintain current CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association)
- Obtain criminal background clearance
The program cost of $29,882 includes registration, tuition, books, four uniforms, and most supplies. Other required fees paid to outside entities include LA student application, FBI background check, fingerprint cards, NCLEX exam registration, LA application for licensure by exam.
- Website: https://deltacollege.com/
- Address: 105 Gause Blvd W., Slidell, LA 70460
- Phone: (985) 250-3078
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 90.48%
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.