Licensed practical nurses work alongside and under the direction of registered nurses and physicians in a skilled nursing facility. They assist in the healthcare services provided to children, infants, and new mothers, adults, and seniors. In the hospital, LPNs may share some of the same responsibilities with RNs, such as administering medications, direct patient care, monitoring patients and reporting adverse reactions to medications. Prospective LPNs must be compassionate, patient, and emotionally stable. Additional qualities that will help the LPN succeed in the fast-paced medical environment include excellent communication skills, a keen sense of observation, and a team spirit to work under the supervision of senior members of the medical staff. The State of New Jersey defines an LPN as an individual who has successfully completed a nursing education program and passed the NCLEX-PN. Therefore, all prospective LPNs must enroll in an accredited program before applying for approval to take the licensing exam. After passing the exam and meeting all the requirements for state licensure, an LPN may seek employment in nursing homes, home health agencies, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other areas in the health care continuum.
Essex County Vocational School of Practical Nursing
The Adult Education Center of Essex County Vocational School prepares practical nursing students for the state licensing exam and a career as a licensed practical nurse. Applicants must pass the school’s entrance exam and obtain criminal background and health clearance and CPR certification to participate in the clinical component of the course. The curriculum covers topics in the fundamentals of nursing, mental health concepts, transition to practice, maternal-child nursing, pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, obstetrics, laws and ethics, communication skills, and anatomy and psychology.
- Website: https://www.essextech.org/
- Address: 60 Nelson Place 1 North, Newark, NJ 07102
- Phone: (973) 412-2050
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 83.33%
Berkeley College
The practical nurse program at Berkeley College provides students with the knowledge and clinical skills to enter the health care industry as an entry-level practical nurse. Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. The duration of the course is 1460 clock hours (72 quarter credits) covered over 15 months. Students acquire a strong foundation in the theory and clinical aspects of nursing. Hands-on learning takes places in the school’s simulated lab as well as various clinical environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Applicants must provide authorization for a clinical background check and submit the results of a physical assessment prior to clinical placement. Other health requirements include a flu vaccine, hepatitis B vaccination and a tetanus shot, TB skin testing, 12-panel urine drug screening, and various serum laboratory test. The costs of the health and other requirements must be borne by the student. Tuition is $29,950 plus expenses for textbooks, clinical supplies, and uniform.
- Website: https://berkeleycollege.edu/index.html
- Address: 600 Getty Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011
- Phone: 800-446-5400
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100.00%
Union County College
The practical nursing course at Union County College runs for four semesters. Successful students receive a Certificate that makes them eligible to apply for the state licensure exam. Several schedule options are available, including day, evening, and weekend classes as well as a distance education option. The clinical rotation is also flexible with options for day, evening and weekend sessions. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge in social and biological sciences into the nursing framework. The principles learned in the classroom will be applied in the clinical settings. Selection for enrollment will be based on the outcome a pre-admissions test, a review of references, and space availability. Students must obtain criminal background clearance, malpractice insurance, CPR certification, completed health records, and uniform for the clinical experience. Tuition for in-county students is $11,000 for the nursing and general education courses. Additional expenses will include costs for textbooks, health requirements, uniform, and malpractice insurance.
- Website: https://www.ucc.edu/
- Address: 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
- Phone: (908) 709-7000
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.