LPN Programs in Columbia, Maryland

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Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Columbia, Maryland

Are you considering a rewarding career in healthcare? Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Columbia, Maryland, could be the perfect choice for you. LPNs play a crucial role in patient care, working under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors to provide basic medical care. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to become an LPN in Columbia, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

Why Become an LPN in Columbia

Columbia, Maryland, is a vibrant community located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Known for its excellent schools, diverse population, and beautiful parks like the Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia offers a great quality of life. The average salary for LPNs in Maryland is around $55,000 per year, with a projected job growth of 9% through 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more detailed job outlook information, you can visit the BLS LPN page.

Prerequisites for LPN Programs

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

• A high school diploma or GED
• Being at least 18 years old
• Passing a background check
• Completing any required entrance exams, such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)

Typical Program Curriculum

LPN programs usually last about 12 to 18 months and cover both classroom instruction and clinical training. Courses often include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Nursing Fundamentals
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics
• Mental Health Nursing

Clinical training is a vital part of the curriculum, providing hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.

LPN Training Programs in Columbia, Maryland

Here are three local schools offering LPN programs in and around Columbia:

1. Howard Community College
   • Address: 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
   • Program: Practical Nursing Certificate
   • Description: Howard Community College offers a comprehensive LPN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
   • Link: Howard Community College LPN Program
2. Anne Arundel Community College
   • Address: 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012 (approximately 20 miles from Columbia)
   • Program: Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate
   • Description: This program is designed to provide the foundational knowledge and clinical skills needed for an LPN career. It includes coursework in nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and specialized nursing fields.
   • Link: Anne Arundel Community College LPN Program
3. Baltimore City Community College
   • Address: 2901 Liberty Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215 (approximately 15 miles from Columbia)
   • Program: Practical Nursing Program
   • Description: BCCC offers a practical nursing program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN and includes extensive clinical training in various healthcare settings.
   • Link: Baltimore City Community College LPN Program

LPN Employment Opportunities in Columbia

Columbia is home to several major healthcare facilities where LPNs can find employment:

1. Howard County General Hospital
   • Address: 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044
   • Description: Part of the Johns Hopkins Medicine network, this hospital provides a wide range of healthcare services and has numerous opportunities for LPNs.
   • Link: Howard County General Hospital Careers
2. MedStar Health
   • Address: Various locations in Columbia
   • Description: MedStar Health operates numerous facilities in and around Columbia, offering diverse employment opportunities for LPNs in various healthcare settings.
   • Link: MedStar Health Careers
3. Kaiser Permanente Columbia Gateway Medical Center
   • Address: 7070 Samuel Morse Dr, Columbia, MD 21046
   • Description: This medical center offers comprehensive healthcare services and regularly hires LPNs to support patient care.
   • Link: Kaiser Permanente Careers

LPN Certification Requirements

In Maryland, LPNs must be certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing. The certification process includes:

• Completing an approved LPN program
• Passing the NCLEX-PN exam
• Submitting a background check

For more information, visit the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of LPN programs in Columbia can range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the school and program length. Financial aid options are available, including federal grants, scholarships, and student loans. Be sure to check with each school’s financial aid office for specific opportunities.

Licensure Reciprocity

Maryland participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows LPNs licensed in other compact states to practice in Maryland without additional licensure. If you’re moving from a non-compact state, you may need to meet additional requirements. For more details, visit the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Get Started Today

Becoming an LPN in Columbia, Maryland, is a fulfilling career choice that offers job stability, a good salary, and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Start your journey today by researching local LPN programs and reaching out to schools for more information. Your future in healthcare awaits!

Which Columbia schools offer LPN programs?

Columbia 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 Maryland?

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, Maryland 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 Columbia 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 Maryland 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