Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in some states, play a vital role in healthcare. As an LPN, you will work closely with patients, doctors, and other nurses to provide basic medical care and support under the supervision of an RN or physician. It is a fulfilling career that is projected to grow in demand across healthcare settings.
If you are interested in kickstarting your nursing career, becoming an LPN is an excellent entry point that requires less time and tuition costs compared to higher nursing designations. Read on to learn all about LPN programs available in the Reno area, what it takes to become an LPN in Nevada, salary outlooks, top local employers and more.
What is an LPN?
LPNs are critical healthcare professionals that work alongside other nurses and medical staff. As an LPN, your responsibilities may include:
- Monitoring patient health – vital signs, condition, reporting concerns
- Basic patient care – feeding, bathing, dressing wounds
- Administering medication and treatments
- Collecting samples and performing tests
- Maintaining accurate patient records
- Educating patients on care after discharge
Most LPNs work in settings like nursing homes, physician offices, community health clinics or home health. Some key qualities needed to succeed are:
- Compassion and patience
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Physical stamina
Benefits of Becoming an LPN
Pursuing a career as an LPN has many rewards, including:
1. Short training period – You can become an LPN in as little as 1 year, allowing you to enter the workforce faster than higher nursing roles.
2. Strong job growth – According to the BLS, employment for LPNs nationally is projected to grow 9% from 2020-2030, faster than average across all occupations.
3. Excellent job prospects – Due to fast growth and high turnover, qualified LPNs are highly employable across most healthcare environments.
4. Room to advance – After gaining experience as an LPN, you can continue your nursing education through LPN-to-RN bridge programs.
5. Flexible schedules – LPNs are needed round-the-clock in healthcare, so you can find a work schedule that suits your lifestyle.
6. Competitive pay – Although less than RNs or BSN nurses, LPNs earn a good median annual wage of $48,000 nationally.
For those looking to jumpstart their medical career, becoming an LPN is an accessible and rewarding path with bright prospects.
How to Become an LPN in Nevada
To practice legally as an LPN in Nevada, you need to complete the following steps:
Complete an Accredited LPN Program
The first step is enrolling in a 9-12 month accredited LPN diploma or certificate program, offered at many community colleges and technical schools. Here you will gain theoretical nursing knowledge and hands-on skills through coursework and clinical rotations.
To get into an LPN program, you typically need:
- High school completion or GED equivalent
- Completed prerequisite courses if required
- Minimum GPA – often 2.5-3.0
- Entrance exams – TEAS, HESI A2
Pass the NCLEX-PN Licensing Exam
After finishing your LPN program, you need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam to receive your nursing license. Offered via computer at designated testing centers, this is a comprehensive test to assess your competency.
The NCLEX-PN consists of 85-205 multiple choice questions covering nursing knowledge, with an allowed 6 hour testing period. You will receive your official pass/fail results within 48 hours.
Apply for Nursing Licensure in Nevada
Upon passing the NCLEX-PN exam, submit a completed application to the Nevada State Board of Nursing to receive your license. This includes:
- Transcripts from your LPN program
- Criminal background check
- Licensing fee payment
Once approved, you will be listed in Nevada‘s public nurse registry and can begin applying for nursing positions!
Top 5 LPN Programs in Reno, Nevada
Reno offers several reputable accredited LPN training options – both private career colleges focused specifically on nursing education, as well as community college based programs.
Here are the top 5 programs in the Reno area to launch your nursing career:
1. Truckee Meadows Community College
Truckee Meadows CC is the largest community college in northern Nevada and offers a highly regarded accredited LPN diploma.
Program Highlights
- 1 year full-time program
- Fall, spring and part-time options
- 832 instructional hours + 672 clinical hours
- Hands-on simulation lab
- Small cohort size
- 86-91% avg. NCLEX pass rate
Covering fundamental nursing knowledge and clinical skills for medical/surgical nursing, geriatric nursing and more, this is an affordable pathway to become an LPN.
Location: Reno, NV
Length: 12 months
Tuition: $7,000 in-state; $13,000 out-of-state
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, prerequisite courses, admissions test, GPA 2.75+
2. Career College of Northern Nevada
Established in 2003, Career College of Northern Nevada is located in nearby Sparks and dedicated specifically to healthcare career training for working adults. Their PN diploma program launched in 2010.
Program Highlights
- 1 year full-time program
- Offered days, evenings and weekends
- Small classes of under 30
- 360 clinical rotation hours
- Tablet-based learning and simulation labs
- 94% avg. first-time pass rate on NCLEX exam over past decade
Location: Sparks, NV
Length: 40 academic weeks
Tuition: $22,750
Admissions Requirements: High school completion, background check, drug screening
3. Milan Institute
Milan Institute has 8 campus locations across Nevada, including an LPN program in Reno-Sparks.
Program Highlights
- 1 year full-time or 1.5 years part-time options
- 560 theoretical hours + 560 clinical hours
- Low student-instructor ratio
- Taught via industry-experienced faculty
- Tablet-based coursework integrated with labs/simulations
Milan Institute aims to provide learners with a supportive, career-focused training environment along with the knowledge to pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
Location: Sparks, NV
Length: 12 months full-time; 18 months part-time
Tuition: $18,495
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
4. Unitek College
Unitek College is a private nursing school with campuses across California and one located in Reno. They offer a well-regarded accredited Vocational Nursing diploma program.
Program Highlights
- Combines classroom and skills/simulation lab education
- Dedicated nursing faculty with healthcare backgrounds
- Clinical rotations at partner medical facilities
- Tablet-based learning and digital textbooks
- Student resources like tutoring, counseling, placement assistance
- High NCLEX-PN exam pass rate
Location: Reno, NV
Length: Full-time – 12 months, including breaks
Tuition: $26,073
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, admissions test
5. Ace Healthcare Preparatory College
A small private college located in Reno, Ace Healthcare College offers a focused licensed practical nursing pathway.
Program Highlights
- 50 week full-time diploma program
- Small classes of 8-10 students
- 360 hours of clinical rotations
- Simulation lab and tablet-based learning
- Assistance preparing for NCLEX-PN exam
- Financial aid available
Location: Reno, NV
Length: 12 months
Tuition: $21,000
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalent
This school aims to launch students into an entry level nursing career via personalized instruction in soft skills, critical thinking, and competency.
Compare all Reno area schools offering LPN programs using features like cost, program length, clinical experience hours, student outcomes and location based on your needs.
Choosing the Right LPN Program
With several quality LPN program options in Reno, it‘s important to determine the best fit based on your goals and needs as a working or aspiring nurse. Some key aspects to consider when researching programs include:
- Cost/financial aid options
- Duration and schedule flexibility
- Faculty credentials/student-teacher ratio
- Clinical hour requirements and partnerships
- Hands-on simulation/technology resources
- Student support services – advising, placement, NCLEX prep
- Campus environment and ambiance
Top ranked schools for an LPN diploma emphasize practical nursing skills developed through intensive classroom and lab based instruction paired with experiential learning rounds at actual medical facilities under supervision of an instructor. This clinical rotation element is a critical program requirement.
Be sure to attend information sessions and tours to get first-hand exposure to aspects like faculty expertise, campus resources and learning culture. Speaking with current students and grads can also provide helpful insights.
Investing the time to research all aspects thoroughly will ensure you choose the right LPN program fit.
How Much Do LPNs Earn in Nevada?
LPNs in Nevada earn an above average salary compared to national trends.
According to 2021 BLS data, Nevada LPNs earn:
- Average Annual Salary: $59,760
- Hourly Mean Wage: $28.75
This results in one of the highest average wages for LPNs among all U.S. states and outpaces the national averages of $48,070 annually and $23.10 per hour.
While salaries vary based on your employer, years of experience, specific nursing environment and local economic conditions, newly qualified LPNs in Nevada can typically expect to earn $40,000-50,000 in their first year working full time.
Strong job growth and high demand suggests positive outlooks for LPN compensation across Nevada in coming years.
Top Hospitals and Facilities Hiring LPNs in Reno
There are over a dozen major medical centers and dozens more clinics, long-term care facilities and home health agencies hiring licensed LPNs across the Reno-Sparks region.
Some top employers offering LPN job opportunities include:
- Renown Regional Medical Center
- St. Mary???s Regional Medical Center
- Northern Nevada Medical Center
- Carson Tahoe Hospital
- VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System
- Select Specialty Hospital – Reno
- West Hills Hospital
- Willow Springs Outpatient Center
- Ridge House Hospital
- Life Care Centers of America
- Amber Hills Assisted Living
- Park Place Assisted Living
Browse listings on employer websites and check hospital career pages frequently, as LPN openings are posted routinely.
Insights from Current LPN Students
We asked current LPN students in Reno nursing programs to share advice on succeeding:
Nursing student Emily D. recommends, "Take advantage of instructor office hours whenever possible for added review and tutoring on challenging concepts and test preparation. Building connections with them helps a lot."
"Put together study groups with others in your cohort," suggests second year LPN diploma student Andre W. "It really helps reinforce the material to quiz each other and ensure everyone understands assignments."
Keisha G, in her last LPN semester, says "Getting enough quality clinical experience is so vital. Take all optional rotation hours offered through your program."
Making small connections through peer study and maximizing hands-on clinical training time are great tips to help excel in a rigorous LPN program.
Next Steps to Become an LPN in Reno
Ready to get started on your pathway to a rewarding nursing career? Here are your next steps:
1. Fulfill Prerequisite Courses
Many LPN programs require you complete certain college-level classes – usually basic anatomy, physiology, nutrition and/or medical math courses. Review prerequisites and get them done in advance if possible.
2. Prepare For Admissions Testing
Study and take any required entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI tests, meant to evaluate your academics preparedness for an LPN program.
3. Compare Program Options
Research schools and programs in your area in depth to find the best option based on cost, length, focus and learning structure. Attend information sessions at your top choices.
4. Submit Your Application
Once you select a program, complete required application paperwork and documents prior to admission deadlines. This may include transcripts, fees, letters of recommendation, a writing sample or interview.
5. Apply for Financial Aid
Submit a FAFSA form to see if you are eligible for governmental student loans, grants and scholarships to fund your LPN degree. Explore hospital program partnerships that offer tuition assistance in return for service commitments post-graduation as well.
With some advance planning and following step-by-step through each requirement, you will be on your way to an exciting new career in nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an LPN?
Full-time LPN programs take roughly 12 months to complete. However, accelerated options condensing fundamental nursing courses over 9-10 months are available too in some locations. Part-time programs averaging two years are another flexible option.
Do I need experience to apply for LPN programs?
LPN programs are designed as entry-level nursing designations, so no experience in healthcare or related fields is required. However, exposure to the medical environment though volunteer work or shadowing a nurse can still be helpful.
What is the difference between LPN and LVN credentials?
There is no actual difference – LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) are interchangeable terms describing the same nursing role in different states. Both sit below RNs (Registered Nurses) in terms of training requirements, credentials and scope of practice.
What core courses are taught in LPN programs?
Typical courses include nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, gerontological (elder) nursing, medical surgical nursing and maternal/pediatric care. Coursework combines lab simulations and off-site supervised clinical placements.
Can I do LPN to RN bridge programs in Nevada?
Yes – schools like Truckee Meadows CC, Great Basin College and Carrington College offer LPN-to-RN transition program options in Nevada. These accelerated course pathways acknowledge your existing practical nursing education and RN-level experience while filling knowledge gaps to earn an advanced nursing degree.
Key Takeaways
- LPNs fill critical healthcare roles focused on basic patient care and support that offer job stability and decent wages after 1-2 years of college-level training.
- Top areas like Reno have several quality LPN program options – both at community colleges and focused career training schools.
- Choosing an accredited LPN diploma program with robust clinical hour experience prepares you best to pass exams and excel as licensed nurse.
- Reno provides a thriving job market needing skilled nurse graduates across major health networks and long term care facilities.
- Take time to fulfill all admission requirements, apply for aid, accelerated options and LPN roles matching your interests for smooth pathway into the field.
Starting an in-demand medical career via Licensed Practical Nurse programs in Reno can set you up for success helping provide compassionate care to patients in need.