Practical Nursing in Indiana: Your Guide to Getting Started
Nursing is an important and challenging field, but one that can be very rewarding. If you’re considering becoming a practical nurse in Indiana, you’re in luck! The Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant covers tuition fees of eligible practical nursing programs. First, we’ll guide you through the process of becoming an LPN in Indiana, from the coursework you’ll need to take, degrees and certifications you can pursue, as well as important testing information.
What is an LPN?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a person who is trained to work under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses. In fact, they can also perform many procedures that a physician or a registered nurse has delegated. LPNs can give patients medications orally and topically and start intravenous lines.
Practical Nursing Programs
To become an LPN, you will need to enroll in a practical nursing program. This will prepare you to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which you must pass to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Practical nursing programs in Indiana are available at different colleges and universities across the state.
Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant provides funding to selected students to cover the costs (tuition and fees) of practical nursing programs at Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University.
Both programs are competitive, highly selective and take 2-3 semesters (one year) to complete.
Students at both Ivy Tech and Vincennes can complete their Practical Nursing Certificate on their way to acquiring their Associate of Science Degree in Nursing.
Associate of Science in Nursing
While the Workforce Ready Grant does not cover the costs of continued education toward an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), getting a Practical Nursing Technical Certificate can be a stepping stone to more educational and professional opportunities.
Once they’ve attained their Practical Nursing certification, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. They can also continue in the program to attain their ASN or apply to transfer to a nursing program at a four-year college or university.
LPN to RN Bridge Programs
Many colleges and universities—Ivy Tech and Vincennes included—offer a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) track. If you apply to a practical nursing program to later get your Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), you can apply for an LPN to ASN track program.
Students who earn their Associate of Science in Nursing degree can sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. Upon passing, they are officially Registered Nurses (RNs).
LPN Classes
Practical Nursing classes are typically completed in 2-3 semesters. Examples of courses you can expect to take include
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- English Composition
- Introduction to Psychology
- Quantitative Reasoning
Your course load will be determined by whichever career track you enroll in.
For more programmatic information, visit:
You can find a more comprehensive breakdown of coursework and timelines for each school at their respective program sites.
How to enroll in LPN classes
If you’re interested in obtaining grant money to cover the costs of your Practice Nursing Technical Certificate, please visit our Workforce Ready Grant program page for more information.
Most practical nursing programs will require you to submit education transcripts as well as records of any related certifications you may already hold. From there, you will submit an application and wait to receive confirmation of whether you have been accepted.
Which classes are required to become an LPN?
To become an LPN, you can expect to take courses related to math and science. One of the criteria many programs look for during the admissions process is how candidates performed in math and science classes in high school or previous postsecondary courses.
Most programs will require you to take prerequisite courses that you must maintain an average of C or better to continue with your studies.
For Ivy Tech, students must pass the following classes to continue in the practical nursing program:
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Introduction to Psychology
- English Composition
- Anatomy and Physiology II
Once you’ve taken your prerequisite courses, you can expect to take more nursing courses, labs and hands-on coursework to prepare you for the LPN role.
How long does it take to become an LPN?
Typically, you can complete your coursework in as little as 12 months.
NCLEX-PN vs. NCLEX-RN examination
The NCLEX-PN examination tests a candidate’s knowledge of practical nursing. It is the accrediting exam you must take to become an LPN.
Registered Nurses take the NCLEX-RN to demonstrate their knowledge of professional nursing.
How Much Does a Practical Nurse Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, practical nurses in Indiana earn around $44,690 to $48,380 per year (approximately $23 per hour). For Registered Nurses, that hourly rate jumps to an average of $29.95 per hour.
The employment of licensed and practical nurses is projected to rise 9% between 2020 and 2030. Needless to say, there are plenty of opportunities available to those interested in the field.
Are you interested in becoming a Practical Nurse?
If you’re interested in a career in the medical field but don’t want to spend years in school or thousands in tuition, Practical Nursing is an excellent professional choice. With a Workforce Ready Grant, you can become a Licensed Practical Nurse in as little as a year at no cost to you. We can’t wait to help you start your new career!
