Lpn Programs in Colorado

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a medical professional who takes care of patients in hospitals, private homes, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. These nurses work under the supervision of a doctor or a registered nurse. Licensed practical nurses do "essential care." This means they perform activities like:

• Help patients in actions like walking, dressing, eating, and showering
• Check patients' temperatures
• Administer medication
• Insert IVs

The demand for nurses in Colorado is on the rise, so you should enroll in one of the many LPN programs in Colorado if you want to practice nursing. These programs are offered in community colleges, technical schools, and vocational institutes.
 

How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse

• Earn a high school diploma or GED certificate
• Successfully complete a LPN program
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
• Get a license from the Colorado State Board of Nursing to practice in Colorado

LPN Programs in Colorado
If you would like to enroll in a licensed practical nurse program in Colorado, you must meet minimum admission requirements. These vary by institution so please confirm admission requirements before applying. General admission requirements include:
Be CPR certified
Pass an entrance test
Meet the minimum high school GPA required by the school you choose to attend or have GED certificate
1-2 letter of recommendation
An essay or statement of purpose
Have a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in Colorado
 
Courses Required in a LPN Program
Courses will depend on the school you attend; although, there are similar courses offered at every school (they may have a different course title). Some theoretical and clinical (practical) courses include:

• Pathophysiology
• Principles of Anesthesia
• Primary Care Nursing of Families

For clinical courses you need to find a preceptor (a nurse practitioner who will guide you) and then practice onsite at a local hospital or clinic. This practical component is mandatory. Most colleges help by pairing you with a preceptor, but you may want to check with the school when applying for admission.
 
Online Programs
Online LPN programs are becoming more common, and are being offered by more and accredited institutes. These programs are ideal for:

• People with full time jobs
• Married persons
• Older students
• Students who cannot travel
• Students on a tight budget

You are sent course outlines, material, books, and assignments through email. You will interact with instructors through video conferences or email. You will have to travel to a clinic for the practical courses though.
You can save time and money by enrolling in online programs. There are benefits to taking online courses: flexible scheduling if you have full time jobs or other commitments, being able to take classes at home and not travel to on-campus classes, and saving money by not having to pay for additional expenses (dorm rooms, gas or public transportation fares, and any fees that on-campus students must pay).
 
Career Outlook
The nursing sector is booming in America, so your job prospects look promising. The job growth rate is predicted to be 22% for licensed practical nurses from 2010 to 2020, and is higher than the national average of all occupations combined. By 2020 an estimated 160,000 jobs for licensed practical nurses will be added. The median pay for license practical nurses in 2010 was around $40,000.