Also called: LPN, LVN
Provides basic nursing care like vitals, wound care, and medications under RN or doctor supervision.
In a nursing home, passes out morning medications to 20 residents, changes dressings, checks blood sugars, and keeps an eye on who seems 'off' today. A common stepping stone to becoming an RN.
BLS May 2024.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. About 1 year of a state-approved practical nursing program, then the NCLEX-PN exam.
Ways in: Certification, Trade school, 2-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Practical Nursing (certificate).
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Med-dispensing carts and AI charting help; vitals, wound care and daily hands-on care in nursing homes stay human.
Classes: Biology, Health science CTE, Anatomy & physiology, Medical terminology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-2061.
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