1) Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate (1 of 10)
1) Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate (1 of 10)
Did you know that you can become a nurse without getting your bachelor’s or master’s degree first? In some states, it takes just 12 months of full-time college coursework to become a licensed practical nurse.
You may also have to participate in an internship at a local hospital or medical office, as well as sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing, commonly referred to as the NCLEX-PN.
Once you’ve completed all of these steps, you will receive a licensed practical nurse certificate. A licensed practical nurse, often called an LPN, is an entry-level position, so you can easily go back to college for an advanced nursing degree when your schedule and finances allow. Some hospitals even offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees who want to obtain nursing degrees, so you may be eligible for one of these programs if you get hired on as an LPN.