LPN Programs in Waycross, Georgia

Get your LPN license in Waycross, Georgia - online & campus-based options available.

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Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Waycross, Georgia

Are you considering a rewarding career in healthcare? Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Waycross, Georgia could be your perfect path. LPNs play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing essential care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an LPN in Waycross, including program options, prerequisites, and employment opportunities.

Why Become an LPN in Waycross

Waycross, Georgia, home to the beautiful Okefenokee Swamp Park, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and natural beauty. As a hub of healthcare services in the region, Waycross is an excellent place to start your journey as an LPN. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for LPNs in Georgia is around $46,000 per year, with a projected job growth rate of 9% from 2020 to 2030.

Prerequisites for LPN Programs

Before enrolling in an LPN program, you’ll need to meet certain prerequisites:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 18
• Passing score on entrance exams (such as the TEAS)
• Background check and drug screening
• Immunizations and health screenings

Typical Program Curriculum

LPN programs typically include both coursework and clinical training. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:

• Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body and its functions
• Pharmacology: Basics of medication administration
• Nursing Fundamentals: Core nursing skills and patient care techniques
• Clinical Rotations: Hands-on experience in various healthcare settings

LPN Training Programs in Waycross, Georgia

Here are three local schools offering LPN programs in Waycross:

1. Coastal Pines Technical College
   Address: 1701 Carswell Ave, Waycross, GA 31503
   Coastal Pines offers a comprehensive LPN program that includes classroom instruction and clinical practice. The program costs approximately $6,000, including tuition, fees, and supplies.

2. Okefenokee Technical College
   Address: 1701 Carswell Ave, Waycross, GA 31503
   Okefenokee’s LPN program emphasizes hands-on training and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The estimated cost is around $5,500.

3. South Georgia State College
   Address: 2001 South Georgia Parkway, Waycross, GA 31503
   South Georgia State College offers an LPN program focused on both theoretical and practical nursing skills. The program cost averages $7,000, covering tuition and necessary materials.

LPN Employment Opportunities in Waycross

After completing your LPN program, you’ll find several major healthcare facilities in Waycross that offer employment opportunities:

1. Memorial Satilla Health
   Address: 1900 Tebeau St, Waycross, GA 31501
   Memorial Satilla Health is a comprehensive medical facility offering a wide range of services, from emergency care to specialized treatment.

2. Mayo Clinic Health System – Waycross
   Address: 1900 Tebeau St, Waycross, GA 31501
   Known for its excellent patient care, Mayo Clinic Health System provides numerous job opportunities for LPNs in various departments.

3. Baptist Village Retirement Communities
   Address: 2650 Carswell Ave, Waycross, GA 31503
   This retirement community offers long-term care and assisted living services, providing ample opportunities for LPNs to work in geriatric care.

LPN Certification Requirements

To become a licensed LPN in Georgia, you must:

• Complete an approved LPN program
• Pass the NCLEX-PN exam
• Apply for licensure through the Georgia Board of Nursing

Cost and Financial Aid

LPN program costs in Waycross generally range from $5,500 to $7,000. Financial aid options are available, including:

• Federal Pell Grants
• HOPE Scholarship
• Work-study programs
• School-specific scholarships and grants

Licensure Reciprocity

If you are an LPN moving to Georgia from another state, Georgia offers licensure by endorsement. You must:

• Hold a valid LPN license from another state
• Submit proof of license and education
• Pass a background check

More information can be found on the Georgia Board of Nursing website.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as an LPN in Waycross, Georgia, is a fulfilling and practical choice. With the right education and training, you can make a significant impact in the healthcare field. Contact one of the local schools today to begin your journey!

Which Waycross schools offer LPN programs?

Waycross LPN Programs (campus-based programs as well as online LPN programs) are medical training programs. LPN programs are typically offered at vocational schools, technical schools, state colleges, nursing universities, online LPN programs, and other higher education institutions.

The best LPN school for you is the one that prepares you for success as a nurse. Many two year colleges that offer associate degrees also offer LPN programs. Exact class size and clinical requirements will vary by each college offering the program.

How do I become an LPN in Georgia?

You must complete a practical nursing program and pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-PN) exam to be certified and receive your required LPN licensure.

How long will my LPN Course be?

Most LPN programs take 1 year to one and a half years complete. That's a 12 month to 18 month training program. Some nursing schools offer LPN programs which will qualify you for certification after only 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 months of class.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No. Completing LPN training is not necessary before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN degree can be completed in as little as two years.

What are typical LPN Pre-Reqs?

As all schools have different academic requirements to get accepted into their LPN program, Georgia LPN schools are no exception. You can expect an entrance exam or at least a prerequisite check when you submit your application to determine your eligibility. There may be additional academic requirements also.

At the very least, most schools require applicants to have a High school diploma / GED. You also must get accepted to the college that you are applying to.

Financial aid, including nursing scholarships or federal grant money, may be available to you as a new students enrolling in Waycross LPN classes. For more information, check with the Admissions office at the program you are applying to.

Are CNA to LPN Programs Available?

Yes, some vocational schools in Georgia offer CNA to LPN programs. Usually, a CNA to LPN program will last one year. CNAs who Enroll in one of these programs will build upon their existing knowledge to learn the necessary skills to work at the LPN level.

• National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
• American Nurses Association
  
• Licensed Practical Nurses - BLS
• AACN
• National League for Nursing
• National Student Nurses' Association - NSNA
• International Nursing Honor Society