LPN Programs in Lakewood, Washington

Get your LPN license in Lakewood, Washington - online & campus-based options available.

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Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Lakewood, Washington

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Lakewood, Washington? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an LPN, from selecting the right training program to understanding certification requirements.

Why Become an LPN in Lakewood?

Lakewood, Washington, offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and accessibility to the vibrant city life of Tacoma and Seattle. Known for its lush parks and proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Lakewood is a great place to start your LPN career. The average salary for LPNs in Washington is around $57,000 per year, with a projected job growth of 9% from 2020 to 2030. For more information on job outlook, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ page on LPNs.

Prerequisites for LPN Programs

Before enrolling in an LPN program, you’ll need to meet several prerequisites:
– High School Diploma or GED: This is a fundamental requirement.
– Minimum Age: Most programs require you to be at least 18 years old.
– Entrance Exams: Some schools may ask you to take exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
– Background Checks: A clean criminal record is often necessary.

Typical Program Curriculum

LPN programs typically cover a wide range of courses and hands-on clinical training:
– Anatomy and Physiology
– Pharmacology
– Nursing Fundamentals
– Medical-Surgical Nursing
– Pediatric and Geriatric Nursing
– Clinical Rotations: Real-world experience in local healthcare settings.

LPN Training Programs in Lakewood, Washington

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

1. Clover Park Technical College
   • Address: 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
   • Program Page: Clover Park Technical College LPN Program
   • Description: Located in the heart of Lakewood, Clover Park offers a comprehensive LPN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. Tuition is around $5,000 per year.
2. Tacoma Community College
   • Address: 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466
   • Program Page: Tacoma Community College LPN Program
   • Description: Just a short drive from Lakewood, TCC provides an excellent LPN program with modern facilities and experienced faculty. Tuition is approximately $6,500 per year.
3. Renton Technical College
   • Address: 3000 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98056
   • Program Page: Renton Technical College LPN Program
   • Description: Located about 35 miles from Lakewood, Renton Technical offers a robust LPN program focused on hands-on learning. Tuition is around $7,000 per year.

LPN Employment Opportunities in Lakewood

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

1. St. Clare Hospital
   • Website: St. Clare Hospital
   • Description: Located in Lakewood’s Tillicum neighborhood, St. Clare Hospital is part of the CHI Franciscan Health system and offers diverse employment opportunities for LPNs.
2. Western State Hospital
   • Website: Western State Hospital
   • Description: Situated in the American Lake area, this psychiatric hospital is one of the largest in the state, providing specialized care and employment opportunities for LPNs.
3. MultiCare Lakewood Clinic
   • Website: MultiCare Lakewood Clinic
   • Description: Offering a range of outpatient services, MultiCare Lakewood Clinic is another excellent place for LPNs to work.

LPN Certification Requirements

To become an LPN in Washington, you must:
– Complete an Approved LPN Program: Ensure your program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
– Pass the NCLEX-PN: This national licensing exam is mandatory.
– State Licensure: Apply for licensure through the Washington State Department of Health.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of LPN programs in Lakewood ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 per year. Financial aid options include:
– Federal Pell Grants
– State Grants
– Scholarships
– Student Loans

Check with each school’s financial aid office for specific options.

Licensure Reciprocity

Washington participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing LPNs from other compact states to practice in Washington without additional licensure. For those moving from non-compact states, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement. More details can be found on the Washington State Department of Health’s website.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as an LPN in Lakewood, Washington, is a rewarding journey. Take the first step by contacting a local school today to learn more about their LPN programs and how you can get started. Your future in healthcare awaits!

Which Lakewood schools offer LPN programs?

Lakewood 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 Washington?

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, Washington 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 Lakewood 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 Washington 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