Known as the Peach State or sometimes the Empire State of the South, Georgia has a well established and highly effective health care system in place. There are a number of hospitals and medical facilities that provide healthcare to its residents. Just like the rest of the country, demand for healthcare professionals including nurses is on the rise in Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Labor, the health care sector is expected to grow more rapidly as far as employment is concerned between 2010 and 2020.
Demand for Nurses
Nursing professionals are an integral part of the healthcare system. From providing basic health assistance to guiding patients about medical conditions, these healthcare professionals perform a number of tasks. Like other healthcare professionals, demand for nurses across the nation as well as the state is likely to grow in the future. The state of Georgia is attempting to solve the shortage of health care professionals by monitoring and addressing the situation and funneling funding to boost scholarship opportunities and educate undergraduates with an interest in the nursing field. Students who wish to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Georgia need to complete an approved LPN program and obtain a license.
What do LPNs do?
Licensed practical nurses provide basic medical care. Some of the responsibilities of these nursing professionals are:
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Monitor patients’ health
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Administer basic patient care
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Provide basic comfort to patients
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Keep and update records on patients’ health
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Report patients’ status to registered nurses and doctors
Duties of LPNs vary depending on their work setting. Some may reinforce the instructions given by RNs. Some LPNs also collect samples for testing and do routine laboratory tests.
LPN Programs in Georgia
Individuals who wish to become an LPN may choose from a number of educational options in the state of Georgia. LPN programs are offered in vocational schools, community colleges, and private nursing schools. These programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions as a licensed practical nurse. LPN programs allow students to gain foundational knowledge in nursing and also provide opportunities to develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge and skills. Students also go through clinical practice that integrate theory and practice. Completion of LPN leads to a diploma in Practical Nursing, allowing graduates to sit for State Board licensure examination.
Admissions Requirements
To enroll in an LPN program in Georgia, candidates need to hold a high school diploma or GED. Some programs may require candidates to hold a current certification as a certified nurse assistant. In addition, students may have to fulfill specific course prerequisites, such as biology or a related medical science subject. Other admissions’ factors may vary with different schools.
What courses will you study?
Curriculum in the LPN programs includes a variety of courses that offer introductory and foundational training to students. Common courses include:
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Structure & function of human body
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Fundamental nursing practices
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Legal and ethical nursing issues
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Anatomy
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Pharmacology
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Microbiology
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Introductory psychology
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Diet and nutrition
Practical Nursing Program Student Learning Outcomes
LPN programs in Georgia will enable students to:
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Provide safe nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings
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Engage in critical thinking and clinical judgment to make patient-centered care decisions
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Collaborate with healthcare team members, the patient, and the patient's support to facilitate care
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Communicate and implement patient care plans
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Manage care in a variety of healthcare settings for different patients
LPN Bridge Programs in Georgia
In addition to traditional LPN programs, a number of LPN bridge programs are also available in Georgia. These include LPN to RN, LPN to BSN and LPN to ADN. This enables students to further their knowledge and understanding of the human body.
LPN to ADN is designed for LPNs who are interested in earning a nursing degree. ADN programs set the foundation for practice as an RN and prepare students to take and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. LPN to BSN programs enable licensed practical nurses to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
Licensing Requirements
LPNs in Georgia are licensed by the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nurses. Students who complete a state-approved educational program can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN. Candidates must pass the exam to get a license and work as an LPN. They may opt to become certified through professional associations in areas such as IV therapy and Gerontology.
Financial Aid Programs for LPNs in Georgia
Students can apply for financial assistance in Georgia to finance their education and pursue an LPN program in an affordable manner. A variety of federal, state as well as institutional funding options are available to eligible nursing students, allowing them to get funding for their educational expenses. Some of the financial aid programs students can apply for are:
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Federal Pell Grant Program
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Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant
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HOPE Scholarship Program
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Federal Work-Study Program
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Federal Work-Study Program
To apply for financial assistance students must fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Where do LPNs work?
According to the official Nursing Licensure website, in 2013, there were about 36,534 practical nurses licensed in Georgia. LPNs generally work in:
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Nursing care facilities
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Hospitals
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Offices of physicians
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Home health care services
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Residential care facilities
Career Outlook for LPNs in Georgia
According to a report by Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Georgia and Utah will add more health-care jobs than any other state between 2010 and 2020. The US Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS) predicts a 19% increase in demand for Licensed Practical Nurses by 2020 in the state of Georgia. The annual mean wage for LPNs in Georgia in 2013 was $41,150 (BLS).
How do I choose an LPN program?
There are a number of factors that you need to consider when selecting an LPN program:
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School Accreditation. Before enrolling in an LPN program, you must check the accreditation status of the school
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Online Classes. It is also important to find out the class schedule and see if the school offers flexible learning choices or online classes
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Cost. An LPN program typically may cost from $4000 – $20,000, for the entire program. The cost of the program needs to be kept in mind when applying for financial aid
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Location. In case you want to lower cost, you may prefer to enroll in a program near home
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Financial aid. Before enrolling in an LPN program, it is important to see if the school offers financial assistance