See a list of good, low-cost RN to BSN programs online
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Online RN to BSN Programs Courses for BSN Completion Degree
What’s The Cost of an
LPN Certificate Or Degree?
Picking the right program to qualify you to be a licensed practical nurse or
“vocational” nurse can be complicated. Key things you need to be aware of are
- Degree requirements and job rules for LPNs vary from state to state.
- LPN certificate (sometimes
called “diploma”) programs are offered by large state universities, individual hospitals, community
colleges, private education companies and even very small local
technical schools.
- LPN programs are accredited by a variety of groups. You can double check on the accreditation status of a school by going here
and searching the National League for Nursing Accrediting
Commission’s search engine. If a school does not appear
there, you might simply want to contact the hiring office at an
area hospital and ask if the program you want to take is considered
valid by that employer. As with other types of certificate programs,
accreditation is less clear with LPN education than it is with
associates and bachelors degree programs in nursing.
- There will be costs beyond
your tuition. LPN students are generally required to buy their own
medical “scrubs” or a uniform, a stethoscope, a
blood pressure cuff and often more than $500. per year in books. You
may also have to pay small fees for liability insurance and even cover the fee for a background check on yourself (most LPN
programs will not accept anyone with a criminal record).
- If you're currently working
and have a family, you’ll need to factor in the cost of child
care while you attend school and any travel expenses for a classroom
program (an online licensed practical nursing program can obviously
help cut down on these expenses).
You’ll
want to evaluate whether the cost and the length of time involved in an
LPN program makes sense when compared with a two-year associates degree
in nursing. Many LPN programs
take about one year. A program that takes two full years may not be a
great option for getting you working and earning money quickly. On the
other hand, you should probably be suspicious of any LPN certificate
program that takes only six months, as it may simply be a diploma mill.
There are many LPN programs in
large, affluent states like California, New York and New Jersey that
cost over $20,000 in fees and tuition. In many states, however, you can
reasonably expect to find a program with a total price tag running from
$7,000 to $12,000, including your supplies.
Going Local Be aware that you may get
a bargain from a community college near your home. Community
colleges often give the same low tuition rates for local residents that
state universities provide for in-state students. Just as an example,
Mercer County Technical College in West Virginia has a practical nurse
program which, for the 2008 – 2009 school year, will have
tuition rates for local county residents of about $3,300, a rate for in-state
but out of county residents of $6,600 plus, and over $13,000 for out of
state residents. Studying close to home can clearly provide you with savings.
Typical courses
you’ll take for an LPM certificate will include nursing
fundamentals, medical mathematics, pharmacology, pediatrics, obstetric
nursing and anatomy.
Many schools are a bit
“cagey” about showing what their tuition rates are
online. You can find out more, and get more individualized course
information, but getting free information packets from nursing programs.
Next: What's the Value Of A Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate?
Search and get free information about online nursing courses here
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MORE ON NURSING DEGREES:
Nursing Degrees Overview
Starting As An RN Or LPN
Courses You Take For An Associates Degree In Nursing
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Cost Of An Associates Degree In Nursing
Cost Of A Licensed Practical Nurse Degree
Nursing School Accreditation
Career Resources For Nurses & Nursing Students
Who Employs RNs And LPNs?
Medical Coding & Other Allied Health Careers
How Hourly Work Can Help A Young Nurse Gain Experience To Get The Best Entry Level Nursing Jobs
Key FAQs About A BSN Online
Tips On Passing The NCLEX Exam
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