The employment of licensed practical nurses or LPNs is estimated grow to as high as 14% until 2016, which is considered faster than average, according to the latest report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. In 2006, it is estimated that around 750,000 LPNs were employed mostly in hospitals and in nursing health care facilities. A significant increase of LPNs working in private offices of physicians has also been noted. The employment rate for LPNs is likely to decline in traditional hospitals and medical centers in the coming years, but overall, the trend of job opportunities for LPNs continues to rise because of the growing need for LPNs in certain facilities, such as in nursing care facilities, physician private clinics or offices and home health care services. Moreover, because of the increasing number of elders who require long-term care and of people who demand for the best medical treatments, the job outlook for LPNs shows a lot of potential in the coming years.

The varying demand for LPNs is attributed to the recent advances in the field of medical science and technology, which resulted in the introduction and availability of complex and sophisticated tools and procedures. The number patients demanding for high quality care through the utilization of the said procedures has been increasing for the past few years. The number of the aged, who are in constant need of assistance and of long-term care, has been rapidly increasing, which results in the growing demand for LPNs to manage them.

In the past, medical, surgical and diagnostic procedures are usually done in hospitals but because of the recent significant developments in medical science and technology, such as the advances of the different diagnostic and imaging tools, many of these clinical procedures are performed in outpatient care centers, ambulatory medical centers and physician clinics or offices. An increasing number of patients have opted to consult and acquire treatments from these facilities. Since LPNs are needed to assist, monitor and care for these patients, the employment opportunities for LPNs in facilities, other than in medical centers and hospitals, rise.

To obtain formal education and training in licensed practical nursing, the prospective LPNs should initially register and enroll in LPN schools that offer programs in practical nursing. Be certain that the LPN program being applied to is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or NLNAC. Vocational and technical LPN schools, community colleges, hospitals, universities and other health care facilities offer 12 to 18-month LPN programs consisting of lecture classes and clinical practicum. LPN courses or programs include lecture and laboratory classes and the actual clinical training in various facilities. Clinical trainings for technical skills and actual patient care management are done and completed in hospitals, nursing homes and physician offices under the supervision of a licensed practical nurses and/or physicians. Clinical practicum is a part of any LPN program to ensure that the best patient care is delivered. The clinical instructors teach, guide and evaluate the students’ level of competency in performing certain clinical procedures related to practical nursing. Lecture classes and clinical rotations are should be completed within 12 to 18 months of study and training.