Completing a practical nurse program is a step toward a rewarding nursing career.
At minimum, you must be a high school graduate or earn a GED to qualify for a practical nurse training program. Find out what prerequisites the nursing program you want to attend requires. Practical nursing programs vary, but most require the completion of two years of mathematics and one year of laboratory chemistry or biology within the five years before enrollment. Many accredited practical nursing schools offer both traditional campus-based and online classes. Other nursing programs offer online distance education programs only.
Instructions
1. Choose an online program that offers the specific courses you will need to prepare you to take the NCLEX-PN certification exam (see Resources). The National Council Licensure Examination is administered by all 50 states. Eligible graduates must pass this exam after completing their nursing program in order to become a licensed practical nurse. Individual states differ in their licensure requirements. Contact the board of nursing in your state to request a list of state-approved practical nurse training programs (see Resources). Ask whether a nationally known nursing association such as the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission accredits a program in which you want to enroll.
2. Find out what technology an online program requires before you sign up to take classes. You will need access to a reliable computer and a broadband Internet connection. Some courses may require the use of a microphone and webcam. Students taking classes online must have basic computer skills, a reasonable working knowledge of computers and a familiarity with the use of email and online forums.
3. Take the nursing program's entrance exam. Nursing pre-admission exams generally test your skills in general science, basic math and algebra, grammar, reading comprehension and vocabulary. Passing the exam shows that you have a fundamental understanding of the prerequisite courses. Many nursing programs also require that applicants pass a drug test and criminal background check.
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for all federal and state student aid programs including subsidized and unsubsidized student loans (see Resources). A federal student loan such as a Stafford Loan pays the interest while you are enrolled in school. Private student loans are another option, but unlike a federal student loan program, interest begins to accrue immediately after you receive the loan funds.
5. Schedule online courses for the academic study portion of the practical nursing program. Developing self-discipline and effective time management skills will help you stay on schedule with your coursework. Studying to become a practical nurse while you work involves allocating time to read, complete assignments, participate in class discussion boards and study for exams. You must also allow time to satisfy your family obligations. Although online classes offer more flexibility than traditional on-campus study, self-paced programs set specific deadlines for the completion of assignments, modules or semesters. Online programs offered by traditional college campuses often follow the same academic calendar for semester classes.
6. Create a student account so that you can log in with a user ID and password to review your course history and get your grades to date. Online programs are usually set up so that once you register for classes you can track your progress and view your grades online. Most online programs send official progress or grade reports to a student's email address each time the cumulative grade point average is calculated. Some programs still forward a print copy of an official grade report in the regular mail when a student completes a semester, quarter or learning module.
7. Complete the required number of hours of supervised clinical practice in patient care. The on-the-job training part of the online program must still take place in a clinical setting. Some online practical nursing programs require applicants to be certified nursing assistants prior to admission as a way to satisfy the clinical practice component of the program. Other programs will arrange for you to get your clinical experience at local facilities near where you live. In some cases, an online nursing school may leave it up to you to arrange for hands-on training at an area hospital or skilled nursing facility. You will need the nursing program's approval to complete your clinical training at a facility you choose.
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