Hello, my name is Trinity. Welcome to my site about continuing education. When I took continuing education classes with my mom, I was geared up to learn new crafting skills and techniques. We took a series of classes exploring each type of craft material and skillset. I learned how to work with textiles, glass, metal and clay during our time in the classes. I also went back to learn practice skills about cooking and finances. I will use this site to help you understand how to select and attend continuing education courses. By doing so, hopefully you can satisfy your curiosity and desire to keep learning.
If you are an adult and have been thinking about going back to college as a "non-traditional student" for years, but haven't enrolled yet, then odds are there is a reason for that. One common reason working adults hesitate to begin college is the fact that earning the bachelor's degree needed to begin many careers can take eight years as a part time student. Not only is the thought of going to college part-time for this long intimidating, but it can also lead to worries that the "in demand" field you are choosing to study to enter may not be quite as in demand when you are finally ready to pursue a position in the field eight years later.
If you are an adult who wants a quick career change, then consider becoming an LPN. Read on to learn two reasons why this is a great choice in today's educational and career world.
1. LPN Education Is Only a Year-Long Commitment on Average
If you ever dreamed of becoming a nurse, then you may have looked into the educational requirements of an RN, or Registered Nurse, and saw that most RNs have bachelor's degrees. However, you may not have realized that there is another type of nurse called an LPN and that LPN educational requirements differ greatly.
In fact, you don't even need an associate's degree to become an LPN. You just need to complete a certificate program that takes 12 months, on average, to complete. The length of the program depends on your state's training requirements for licensed practical nurses, the specific program you choose, and whether you opt to attend a practical nurse program on a full-time or part-time basis.
However, if you work full-time during the day, then don't think that attending a practical nurse program full-time is not an option while working. Some practical nurse programs offer evening and weekend programs that allow you to complete the state's LPN education requirements just as quickly as the students in day classes complete it. While you will have to be ready for a busy schedule while tackling a practical nurse program and working at the same time, remember that after just one year, you can leave that job you are tired of and begin working as an LPN.
2. Demand for Licensed Practical Nurses Is Projected to Grow Steadily Until 2024
If you attended college right out of high school, then you may have chosen a major just due to loving the area of study without considering the demand for the skill you learned in the workplace. When attending school again as an adult, you likely don't want to make that mistake again, which may have forced you to pursue work in a field completely unrelated to your college major. You won't have to worry about having trouble finding a job as a license practical nurse after finishing your practical nurse program, because according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for license practical nurses will continue to grow "much faster than average" until at least 2024.
After you finish your practical nurse program, you will have to sit to take a final exam called the NCLEX-PN. Once you pass this test, you can begin to apply for LPN jobs and likely find one that you love.
If you are an adult who is tired of your current job, yet don't want to endure the eight years of part-time college studies that it would take to earn the bachelor's degree needed to begin many new careers, then consider becoming a licensed practical nurse. Not only can you enter the field with just a short-term studies certificate, but LPN jobs pay very well, and you will get to help people every day, which can be very rewarding in itself. To get started, talk to an educator like PiBerry Institute.
Share15 February 2017
