Licensed practical nurses (LPN) are 18 percent of the nursing force of Michigan. Michigan offers growing opportunities for LPNs. According to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net OnLine), LPNs working in Michigan earned a median salary of $42,900 in 2013. This was $1,000 over the national median salary figure for LPNs in the same year, which was $41,900.
LPN programs in Michigan offer the students a short and convenient way to become a nurse. Full time enrolled students generally take one to two years to complete a practical nurse training program.
Accreditation, Approvals, and Licensure
The Michigan State Board of Nursing is charged with the responsibility to approve and regulate LPN training programs in the state.
Almost all approved practical nursing programs have also been accredited by recognized bodies such as:
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The League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
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The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
In order for a LPN to work professionally, he or she has to acquire a LPN state license. In order to acquire this license, you must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
Other requirements that the state may expect you to fulfill may be:
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Official transcripts from an approved or accredited practical nursing training program
What do LPN programs in Michigan have to offer?
Learning Objectives
The curriculum of a LPN program has been designed to help students acquire the necessary abilities in order to become an efficient nurse. The program teaches you to:
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Monitor the health of a patient
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Change a bandage
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Insert a catheter
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Report the status of a patient’s health to the relevant registered nurse or doctor
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Maintain an accurate and up-to-date record of a patient’s health
Coursework
The coursework in a LPN training program trains the students to efficiently assist registered nurses in various health settings. In addition to this, the coursework also prepares the students to take the NCLEX-PN exam.
A large number of practical sessions are also included in the coursework. Students learn the various practical applications of the theories they have been taught in the classroom.
Students are exposed to courses such as:
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Introduction to Nursing
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Fundamentals of Pharmacology
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Introduction to Practical Nursing
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Biology
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Human Anatomy
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Physiology
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Theory and Practical Application of IV Therapy
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Administering First Aid
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Pediatric Care
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Geriatric Care
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Microbiology
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Medical Nursing
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Surgical Nursing
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Nursing Ethics
Other Skills and Abilities
Students who complete an accredited LPN training program are expected to professionally demonstrate certain skills such as:
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Service orientation
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Social perceptiveness
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Efficiently monitoring
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Time management
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Critical thinking
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Reading comprehension
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Decision making
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Coordination
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Judgment
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Speech clarity
Career Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provided job outlook for LPNs in its occupational handbook.
According to the handbook, more LPNs will be required in the coming years as the aging baby boom population requires increasing healthcare. Other than hospitals and clinics, jobs for LPNs will also open up in other places, such as residential care facilities and home health environments.