LPN Programs in Salem, Oregon

Get your LPN license in Salem, Oregon - online & campus-based options available.

Contact a school today for more info.

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Salem, Oregon

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Salem, Oregon? You’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming an LPN in Salem, covering everything from understanding what an LPN does to finding the best local training programs.

Why Become an LPN in Salem?

Salem, the capital city of Oregon, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its lush parks, vibrant downtown, and proximity to the Willamette River, Salem is a great place to start your nursing career. The average salary for an LPN in Salem is around $51,000 per year, and the job outlook for LPNs is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030. You can find more detailed job outlook information on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

For more information about the city, visit the official Salem city website.

Prerequisites for LPN Programs

Before enrolling in an LPN program in Salem, you’ll need to meet some basic prerequisites:

High School Diploma or GED: Most programs require you to have completed high school or equivalent.
Minimum Age: Generally, you must be at least 18 years old.
Entrance Exams: Some programs might require you to take entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
Background Checks: A clean criminal background check is often required.

Typical Program Curriculum

LPN programs typically cover a range of subjects to prepare you for a career in nursing. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:

Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body and its functions.
Pharmacology: Learning about medications and their effects.
Nursing Fundamentals: Basic nursing skills and patient care techniques.
Clinical Training: Hands-on experience in healthcare settings.

LPN Training Programs in Salem, Oregon

Here are three local schools offering LPN programs in Salem:

Chemeketa Community College
- Address: 4000 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305
- Program Description: Chemeketa offers a comprehensive LPN program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. The program is designed to be completed in about one year.
- Program Page: Chemeketa Community College LPN Program
Institute of Technology – Salem
- Address: 4700 Silverton Rd NE, Salem, OR 97305
- Program Description: This institute provides a robust LPN program focusing on practical skills and real-world experience. The program duration is approximately 12 months.
- Program Page: Institute of Technology LPN Program
Linn-Benton Community College
- Address: 6500 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany, OR 97321 (approx. 25 miles from Salem)
- Program Description: Located close to Salem, this college offers an LPN program that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical practice.
- Program Page: Linn-Benton Community College LPN Program

LPN Employment Opportunities in Salem

Several healthcare facilities in Salem offer employment opportunities for LPNs:

Salem Health
- Address: 890 Oak St SE, Salem, OR 97301
- Description: One of the largest healthcare providers in the area, offering a variety of nursing positions.
- Employment Page: Salem Health Careers
Willamette Valley Medical Center
- Address: 2700 SE Stratus Ave, McMinnville, OR 97128 (approx. 30 miles from Salem)
- Description: A full-service hospital providing diverse job opportunities for LPNs.
- Employment Page: Willamette Valley Medical Center Careers
Avamere Transitional Care at Sunnyside
- Address: 4515 Sunnyside Rd SE, Salem, OR 97302
- Description: Specializes in rehabilitation and transitional care, with various LPN roles available.
- Employment Page: Avamere Careers

LPN Certification Requirements

To become a licensed LPN in Oregon, you must meet the following certification requirements:

Complete an Approved LPN Program: Graduate from an Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) approved program.
Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam: This national exam tests your nursing knowledge and skills.
Background Check: A clean background check is mandatory.
Application for Licensure: Submit your application to the OSBN.

For more information, visit the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of LPN programs in Salem can vary, typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Financial aid options are available, including federal student loans, grants, and scholarships. Many schools also offer payment plans to help manage costs.

Licensure Reciprocity

If you’re moving to Oregon and already have an LPN license from another state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement. Oregon participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), making it easier for nurses to practice across state lines. Additional requirements may include continuing education credits and a background check.

Get Started Today

Starting a career as an LPN in Salem, Oregon, is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. With a variety of local LPN programs and numerous employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact a school today and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in nursing!

Which Salem schools offer LPN programs?

Salem 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 Oregon?

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, Oregon 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 Salem 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 Oregon 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.