Going From a CNA to a LPN

In the field of medicine, a CNA is often times considered as being the stepping stone into the healthcare field. Becoming a LPN is next on the ladder when considering a career in the healthcare field. Both of these positions work under the direction of a doctor or physician or RN. There are several advantages to working your way up the ladder and getting there is rather simple as well. Here are a few advantages and facts about both a CNA and a LPN.

Job Details and Salary of a LPN

An average starting salary of a LPN is around $40,000. As a nursing assistant, the average salary is $27,000. The average salary for a LPN is about $40,000. As a LPN, there are going to be more responsibilities and tasks that you are responsible for and therefore your salary is higher. Licensed nurses will administer medications and prepare patient rooms as well. They are a form of a more experienced, and licensed, CNA.

Qualifications

When you are looking into advancing to a position as a licensed practical nurse, there are a few extra skills and qualifications that you are going to have to possess. You should begin by finding out what your state requires. This will tell you what extra classes and degree forms you are going to have to obtain. For instance, if you are in CA and attempting to advance to a LPN, you need to have 51 months of experience in a hospital and this is going to include 200 hours of pediatric care, 200 of maternity care, and 64 of pharmacy hours. You can find out what your state requires by contacting the Nursing Board in the state you are in.

Educational Programs

Just about all community colleges will offer a LPN program. Nowadays, there are even options and some ways to take some of your courses on the internet. This has become a popular alternative as some people have a full time job that does not allow them to attend a college campus. For the most part, a LPN program is going to take 2 years and that is for an Associates of Science degree. This is the minimum requirement to work in the field of nursing and often times, many people go back to school to get their RN license.

Keep in mind that throughout your course and degree program, you are going to have to take part in a set amount of clinical hours. The amount of time you spend on clinical experience can vary from state to state and once you get enrolled in a college, they will be better able to assist you in answering any questions you are unsure of.

Working as a CNA can really open up many various paths, and if you are looking into going into nursing, a LPN license can help you get your feet in the door a little further. You can even contact your human resources department if you are working as an aide and learn more about any educational classes that you may benefit from.