LPN Programs Salem, OR

If you have a passion for caring for people and an aptitude for multitasking, you should consider becoming a licensed nurse. There are many paths to nursing. Since the path to registered nursing can be overwhelming, becoming a licensed practical nurse could be a worthwhile option to get your feet wet and determine if nursing is the right fit. LPNs perform many of the same duties as a registered nurse but practice under the supervision of an RN or physician. LPNs enjoy job security in an environment where there’s a constant demand for professional healthcare providers. They also gain valuable experience and develop skills that support career advancement later on.

Licensed practical nursing programs can be completed in 12 months – less time than it would take to become a registered nurse. Students learn how to administer medications, take patient records, measure vital signs, monitor patients’ health, care for wounds, supervise CNAs, and much more. While LPNs perform many of the duties of a registered nurse, the RN or physician will have the last word on healthcare decisions. LPN jobs are expected to increase 12% through 2026. LPNs work in hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, patient homes, schools, and insurance companies.

Institute of Technology – Salem

The Institute of Technology prepares students for a role as a practical nurse through a real-world emphasis on adult health, geriatrics, pediatrics, obstetrics, leadership, and community health. Other areas of study include psychology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, clinical nursing procedures, the nursing process, ethics, and communication. The program covers a total of 1,190 hours in 44 weeks and delivers 48-quarter credit hours. Students spend 580 hours in the classroom and 610 hours in a lab and clinical setting. At the conclusion of the program, students will have the skills and knowledge to meet the requirements of the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Classes meet Monday through Thursday. The program has limited enrollment. Applicants must meet the requirements below.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass an entrance assessment
  • Meet all the immunization requirements
  • Complete a drug screen
  • Submit to a criminal background check

Tuition costs $28,416.00 and includes the NCLEX-PN exam fee. The cost for books and supplies are not included.

Chemeketa Community College

The career ladder program at Chemeketa College is designed to prepare students for licensure at the Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing levels. The program operates with the approval of the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Students who complete the required 65 credit hours with a grade C or higher will receive a Practical Nursing Certificate and will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN. The curriculum includes classroom theory and practical experiences in a real-world clinical setting to prepare students for their role as a practical nurse. General education corequisites include human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, computing concepts, intermediate algebra, lifespan development, and the college essay. At the programs conclusion, students will demonstrate organized and prioritized care to advocate for patients and families, minimize risk of harm to self and others, use the nursing process in accordance with evidence, patient needs, values, and preferences, demonstrate the principles of integrity and accountability while practicing within legal and ethical guidelines, communicate effectively with team members, patients, and their families, and use technology and patient information to maximize safety and health. Admission to the limited program requires early submission of the application. Applications and supplemental documents must be submitted months before the program start date.

Admission criteria:

  • A completed application – application dates for each semester are regularly updated on the school’s website
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher
  • Complete a criminal background check
  • Submit documentation of completing the immunization requirements
  • Complete drug screen
  • Submit negative TB results
  • Have current CPR certification

Tuition for the program is $8,219. In addition to tuition, students will have to budget for books, class fees, universal fees, clinical fee, equipment and supplies, background check and drug testing, CPR certification, and licensure testing fee.

Oregon Coast Community College

The Practical Nursing Certificate program at Oregon Coast Community College is designed to prepare adults to become a member of a nursing or health care team. Over a period of one year, students gain theory and practical experiences that will enable them to care for patients of all ages under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed physician. Students must complete a total of 50 credits with a grade C or higher to earn the Certificate of Completion. The certificate program is open only to students who apply for and has been accepted into the AAS in nursing program. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for practical nurses. They will be prepared to use a holistic approach in the application of the nursing process to care for families across the lifespan, communication effectively with patients, their families, and team members, promote health and prevent disease, make sound decisions based on professional values while practicing within legal and ethical standards, and develop, organize, and prioritize patient care plans. Prerequisite courses include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, intermediate algebra, introduction to psychology, human development, and English composition. Course topics include fundamentals of nursing, human anatomy, care for acute conditions, microbiology, and introduction to pharmacology and pathophysiology.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher
  • Complete the health requirements – TB status, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap
  • Current CPR
  • Complete background check and drug screen
  • Proof of annual vaccination for influenza

Tuition costs $99 per credit for Oregon residents. Other specialized fees apply. The cost does not include expenses for books, nursing supplies, CPR, and immunization.

 

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.