LPN Programs Memphis, TN

A career in nursing provides the opportunity to make a good living while caring for others. If you’re a high school graduate with no experience in healthcare or a certified nursing assistant seeking to move up the career ladder, enrolling in a practical nursing program might be a life-changing decision. Licensed practical nurses complete a variety of tasks as a member of the nursing team. Some of their duties may even overlap with that of a registered nurse. They provide basic nursing care, measure vital signs, chart medical records, assess and provide for patients’ needs, and educate and counsel patients to promote health and prevent disease.

LPN programs provide a fast route to nursing. Unlike registered nursing programs, practical nursing programs can be completed in just 12 months. Theory and practical instruction in nursing prepare students for success on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) for Practical Nurses and entry-level employment hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, clinics, and other health care settings. LPN graduates have the option to become a registered nurse and further their careers while working as an LPN.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Memphis

TCAT-Memphis hosts a Practical Nursing Program to provide adults with the technical training needed to function as competent providers of health care in long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, and other facilities. The training will include classroom lectures, skills lab activities, and clinical rotations in a local health care facility. The curriculum covers 1,296 clock hours of theory and practical instruction. Course topics include mental health concepts, medical surgical nursing, maternal child nursing, pediatric nursing, the transition to practice, communication, safety procedures, nursing leadership, and fundamentals of nursing. Graduates will receive a practical nursing diploma and be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The duration of the program is 12 months. The program is available on a full-time basis only.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET
  • Attend a nursing information session
  • Take and pass the Achievement Test with a passing score. The HESI score must be a minimum of 70 for both reading and math sections
  • Submit three character references
  • Submit a satisfactory physical exam report with all required immunizations
  • Pass a urine drug screen
  • Submit to a background check

Tuition for the program is $4,038. Books and supplies cost an additional $2,626.40. Other costs include uniforms, background check, CPR certification, urine drug screen, immunizations, and state exam fee.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Covington

The Practical Nursing Program at TCAT Covington prepares adults with skills to care for ill, disabled, or convalescing patients in clinics, private homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Students will learn to take patients’ vital signs, assist with examinations and diagnostic tests, prep a patient for surgery, care for wounds, change catheters and tracheotomy tubes, administer medications, and maintain a clean and health environment. The curriculum covers 1,296 clock hours of theory and hands-on training including supervised clinical rotations in a designated health care facility. Curriculum courses include Basic Nursing, Fundamentals, Anatomy and Physiology, Mental Health, Pediatric Nursing, Pharmacology, Worker Characteristics, Maternity Health, Advanced Professional Vocational Relations, and Mental Health. Graduates will receive a practical nursing diploma which will confirm their eligibility to take the NCLEX for practical nurses. The program is available for full-time and part-time students. Full-time students can complete the program in 12 months. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Part-time classes meet Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm for 18 months.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET
  • Take and pass the approved Practical Nursing entrance exam. The HESI score must be a minimum of 70% for both reading and math sections. The cost of the exam is $40
  • Submit three character references
  • Submit a satisfactory physical exam report with all required immunizations
  • Pass a urine drug screen
  • Submit to a background check
  • Attend a nursing orientation by invitation only

Tuition for the program is $4,236. Books and supplies cost an additional $2,898. Other costs include uniforms, background check, CPR certification, urine drug screen, immunizations, and state exam fee.

The Healthcare Institute

The Licensed Practical Nursing Education at The Healthcare Institute prepares adults for competent, patient-centered practice as a health care professional. The rigorous curriculum covers 1,320 clock hours of classroom theory, skills demonstrations, and clinical activities in a health care facility. Course topics include fundamentals of nursing, mental health nursing, maternity nursing, medical surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, transition to practice, administration of medication, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, psychology, legal and ethical principles, and NCLEX preparation. Working while attending the program is not recommended due to the intensity of the program. Graduates will be eligible to take the licensure exam to be licensed as a practical nurse to meet the health care needs of the community. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm for 12 months.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Take and pass the HESI entrance exam with a score of 70 percent on reading comprehension and math. An exemption will be available for applicants with an ACT composite score of 19
  • Submit a completed application and fee of $55
  • Attend an admission interview
  • Complete a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray – must not be older than 12 months
  • Must have valid CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association
  • Complete a negative drug screen
  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
  • Submit immunization records indicating immunizations for Hepatitis B, Varicella, MMR, and Tdap

The estimated cost of attendance is $15,682. It includes tuition, books, uniforms, supplies, and CPR.

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.