CNAs as well as LPNs work under the guidance and supervision of a Registered Nurse, however, LPNs have a greater responsibility to shoulder and they also receive higher wages as compared to CNAs. The difference in the salary of CNA as well as LPN can be around $13,000. There are several online programs that help bridge the gap between a CNA and LPN. You need to already be a Certified Nursing Assistant in order to be able to apply for these online CNA to LPN bridge courses. The best advantages of these online programs is that you can choose a time as per your convenience to study these programs without affecting your daily work routine.
CNA to LPN Online Programs
Majority of the nursing programs that are offered online concentrate on a variety of courses that provide explanation regarding several aspects related to the nursing profession. The CNA to LPN bridge online programs teach candidates how to take care of and handle different patients. They also teach the candidates how to diagnose various types of disorders and diseases as well communicate them in an effective manner to the patients who are suffering from the same. As CNAs are not allowed to oversee or diagnose the patients directly, the course features and content of the CNA to LPN bridge program may be quite new for the CNAs to learn.
There are different options available online to complete the LPN program. Certain LPN online programs may require the CNAs to choose from a broad spectrum of courses while other LPN online programs may simply require the CNAs to complete a given set of courses. There is also a practical aspect involved in the courses. Some of the practical LPN sessions can be completed online while other sessions require the candidates to be present at the practical sessions personally so that their skills for handling the patients can be evaluated. Though the structure of the online LPN programs may vary, they provide the same education and are sufficient to clear the LPN examination.
In case an individual wishes to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, he/she needs to be well familiar with the various body parts, tissues, systems and organs. Hence, an anatomy course is an important part of the training program to become a LPN. Lectures that are provided online give theoretical knowledge on anatomy while the laboratory sessions help candidates get hands-on experience.
Understanding different behavioral patterns and cognitive processes of several patients is also an important aspect of becoming a LPN. Hence, psychology programs are also offered to CNAs who wish to become LPNs. It helps the candidates, after they become LPNs, to understand the mental condition of the patients and be empathetic towards them. It helps them to take care of them in a better manner as they are able to understand their situation in a better way.
Computers have become an essential element in most of the jobs today. Hence, the LPN programs also offer computer classes to be aware of the usage of computer. The computer classes help you be efficient in using various types of software for compiling data, formulating different statistics, as well as conduct online search on various diseases and their treatments to gain more information. The online LPN programs also train the CNAs on different soft skills such as improving their communication skills as well as leadership qualities, so that they can serve the patients in a better way.
The duration of CNA to LPN certificate programs typically lasts one year. The certification course covers a range of subjects that are related to healthcare of the patients as well as the basic principles of nursing. Several community colleges as well as certain technical schools offer the CNA to LPN programs. Higher learning institutions also offer the CNA to LPN certificate programs.
It is essential for the CNAs who enroll for the LPN program to learn certain skills such as measuring and recording the patients' vitals, assisting the Registered Nurses and the doctors with different medical processes as well as be familiar with the procedure of administering injections. CNAs also have to complete a certain number of hours of practical training in hospitals and clinics to brush up their on-the-job skills.
Educational Prerequisites
Candidates enrolling for the LPN program not only need to hold a high school diploma or GED but also need to be a Certified Nursing Assistant. A background check may also is carried out prior to enrolling for the LPN program.
Many a times, the number of seats available for such LPN programs are very limited and hence these courses tend to be competitive. Some LPN courses may also have one year of relevant experience as the eligibility criteria for enrolling for the program. Candidates also need to possess CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification to be eligible for admission to the LPN program.
Course Topics
The CNA to LPN bridge programs offer education on several aspects related to healthcare and nursing. They combine online or classroom training with supervised practical and clinical experience. The different subjects covered in the LPN programs include:
- Nursing fundamentals
- Nutrition Anatomy
- Physiology
- Wound care and infection control
- Nursing ethics
- Special needs nursing
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