Indiana LPN Programs

Directory of state-approved LPN training classes

Indiana Practical Nursing Careers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that training programs for LPNs characteristically take about 1 year to complete and may be accessible at vocational schools and community colleges. Most LPN programs require candidates to hold a high school diploma or GED as a precondition for entrance. Some LPN programs are provided as part of a high school set of courses intended for graduating seniors who want to jump right into an LPN career after they graduate. LPN training comprises of a mixture of classroom education and clinical practice. Besides core nursing curriculum, students also get clinical practice during their training program. The clinical practice is generally carried out in a hospital setting with actual patients.

After finishing an approved training program, a hopeful LPN has to take a licensure exam as a precondition for practice. The NCLEX-PN examination includes 4 core sections: physiological integrity, psychosocial integrity, safe and effective care, and health promotion and maintenance. The licensing examination is computer-based and applicants can contact the Indiana state nursing board concerning particular eligibility requirements and testing procedures. Once accredited, an LPN can earn extra credentials in specific areas of expertise such as pharmacology and gerontology. The National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) provides a qualifications course in gerontology and IV therapy; those who succeed the examination are qualified for a period of 2 years and are expected to finish continuing education credits in the area of expertise to expand their nursing knowledge.

Practical Nurses provide fundamental care for patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities. The everyday job duties of an LPN include taking vital signs, measuring and recording respiration rate, pulse, blood pressure, and temperature. LPNs also give injections, treat bedsores, apply dressings, give alcohol rubs and massages and monitor catheter tubes. Licensed Practical Nurses check on their patients multiple times during each work shift and report their observations on the patient’s medical chart log. The information is then reviewed by the supervising doctor or registered nurse on duty to determine the best treatment plan. An LPN may also gather laboratory samples for testing, carry out routine laboratory tests, feed patients, record food and fluid intake and output.

There are currently around 725,000 LPN job openings in the United States and approximately one in five LPNs work on a part-time basis. A new LPN can expect to make between $12-$18 per hour in Indiana. Based on the U.S. Department of Labor statistics, the annual salary range for an LPN in Indiana falls somewhere between $25,000 – $48,000 per year. LPN salaries are based on number of hours worked, employer, geographic location and previous work experience. Several colleges in Indiana report one hundred percent assignment of their nursing program graduates with a starting salary range of $22,000 – $35,000 per year for licensed practical nurses.

List of LPN Programs in Indiana (IN)

Indiana LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Indiana schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Indiana state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Indiana

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Indiana

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Indiana Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Indiana as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.

Taking the NCLEX-PN Exam in Indiana

When it comes time to challenge the practical nursing license exam it is advisable to prepare for the exam with a self-study program or classroom prep course. Knowing what to expect on the actual test and completing practice questions can increase your chances of passing. When you feel ready to take the test, apply for your practical nursing license with the Indiana state board of nursing and register with Pearson VUE. There is a $200 fee required in order to register for the exam. The next step is to wait until you receive confirmation of your Authorization to Test (ATT). Once you receive your ATT you can schedule your NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE at a nearby testing center.

LPN Quick Reference Links

Indiana Board of Nursing
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Pearson VUE – Official NCLEX Testing Provider
LPN/LVN Career Outlook – US Dept of Labor
Licensed Practical Nurse Wiki
National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service (NAPNES)
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses