It depends on how long it takes for you to complete a nursing program, but you can become an LPN in a year. This excludes the four years spent in high school. It also excludes any time spent preparing for the nursing school entry exam, the TEAS. 

Education and Training 

Before you become an LPN, you have to have completed high school or its equivalent. Afterward, you’ll take a standardized test akin to the SAT or ACT to get into a nursing program. It’s called the Test of Essential Academic Skills, a.k.a. the TEAS.   

The TEAS tests your readiness for the rigors of nursing school. The majority of the test covers material covered in high school. These include math, physical science, reading comprehension, and standard English. 

Take the NCLEX 

After passing the TEAS, you should seek out one of the thousands of nursing schools. Any number of these nursing programs will prepare you to take the NCLEX. These schools have training and study material for the NCLEX built into their curriculum. Besides these, there are NCLEX study guides available online.   

Think of the NCLEX as the final barrier between you and the start of your career as an LPN—no pressure! With all the training you’ll receive in nursing school, it’ll be well worth it to pass.   

Begin Your Career as an LPN 

After you finish your coursework and pass the NCLEX, you will be qualified to practice nursing. Then, it’s all a matter of applying to open positions. There are many LPN jobs available. 

You can also choose to continue your schooling. For example, many schools offer LPN-to-RN programs. Becoming an RN down the line only widens the potential of your nursing career.  

For further information about nursing careers and nursing jobs, please reach out to CynaMed. You’ll be able to find plenty of useful resources about healthcare careers on our website, or you can also email us at info@cynamed.com.