To work as a licensed practical nurse, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a practical nursing program; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

You can get practical nursing training at a professional-technical school or two-year college. A few high schools and hospitals also offer this training.

Most practical nursing programs take one year to complete. They include classroom study and supervised clinical practice (patient care). Classroom study includes anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and first aid. As part of your patient care studies, you learn to administer drugs to patients.

Work experience

You can volunteer in a nursing home or other medical setting to gain practical experience. Work experience as a nursing aide is also very helpful.

On-the-job training

While you are a student, you get clinical work experience in a hospital or clinical setting. You work under the supervision of an experienced nurse.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be medical care technicians. Training lasts seven to 52 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.