So, you want to become an LPN in Georgia, right?
That’s great!
But you probably have a lot of worries about the process – everything from choosing a nursing school, applying for a license, and starting your career!
Don’t worry! We’ve prepared this article to cover all your concerns and help you reach your dreams.
We’ll give you a guide on how to become an LPN in Georgia. We’re going to use four simple steps.
We’ll also answer some FAQs, such as:
- What do LPNs do?
- How long does it take to become an LPN?
- How much does an LPN in Georgia make?
The journey to becoming a licensed practical nurse or LPN may be challenging, but the process itself is easy to follow.
So, if you’re ready to learn the step-by-step process, let’s get started.
How to Become an LPN in Georgia – Four Simple Steps
The four steps to becoming an LPN are:
- Complete Your LPN Education Program
- Get Your LPN License
- Start Your LPN Career
- Renew and Reinstate Your LPN License
Step#1: Complete Your LPN Education Program
The first step involves enrolling in an LPN nursing program and getting a diploma.
This is a crucial and non-negotiable step because all aspiring LPNs should be properly trained!
They deal with the health and lives of people with different health concerns. They need to have the knowledge and skills to do this.
So, before taking the national examination or getting your license, you must complete an approved practical nursing program.
State-Approval
It’s important to make sure your program is approved! Otherwise, it will not qualify you to become an LPN and you will need to enroll in another program all over again!
Besides, having state approval is one way to ensure that you are receiving good quality training to become an LPN.
You can check which LPN programs in Georgia are approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing by checking this link. There are more than 20 state-approved programs to choose from.
Program Length
LPN programs can usually be achieved in 12-18 months if you are aiming for a diploma or certificate.
You can also go for an associate degree which will take about 2 years to complete.
The length of time it takes you to complete an LPN program will also depend on whether you are studying part-time or full-time.
Course Content
LPN programs are usually divided into classroom instruction and clinical experience.
Some of Georgia’s LPN programs give you the choice to take your coursework hours online or on campus.
But you can also expect to be assigned in different healthcare settings to receive hands-on, supervised experience.
Some topics that you can expect in an LPN program include:
- Structures and Functions of the Human Body
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternity Nursing
- Nursing Leadership
Step#2: Get Your LPN License
After graduating from your LPN program, you need to apply for a license from the Georgia Board of Nursing.
Depending on where you are in your nursing journey, there are two main ways to get your LPN license – through examination and endorsement.
You can also opt to upgrade to an eNLC or compact license.
Let’s discuss all these processes.
Licensure Through Examination
This option is for those who have graduated from an approved LPN program and have never obtained an LPN license before.
With this option, you get your license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for LPNs.
But you need to apply with the Georgia Board of Nursing to be able to take the exam. They will check if you qualify for it.
To apply, make sure you have the following requirements:
- The application form, filled out, signed, and notarized
- College records and transcripts
- Proof of graduation from a Board-approved nursing program
- Background check consent form
- Criminal record and history
- Affidavit of citizenship
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Application fee of $40
On the same day that you submit your application, you must also register with Pearson VUE and GAPS/Gemalto.
The Pearson Vue website handles NCLEX, while GAPS/Gemalto conducts background checks. You will also be contacted for fingerprinting by GAPS/Gemalto.
After your application has been reviewed and you are seen to be qualified, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) form.
You can then proceed to schedule and take the NCLEX.
Your abilities as a nurse will be put to the test.
Failing the exam still allows you forty-five days to brush up on your knowledge and try again.
However, if you pass – congratulations! You can now get your license to be a practical nurse.
Licensure Through Endorsement
This is your option if you currently have a license in another U.S jurisdiction but wish to work in Georgia.
This is not applicable if you come from another nursing compact state or have a multistate license (unless you plan to make Georgia your permanent home state).
Just like applying for the license through examination, you also have to register with GAPS/Gemalto. Fingerprinting and background checks are mandatory.
Then, you can mail your completed, signed, and notarized application form.
You must also prepare the following:
- Active license and its verification
- College records and transcripts
- Proof of graduation from a Board-approved program
- Verification of employment with over 500 hours of practice within the last four years
- Background check consent form
- Criminal history and records
- Affidavit of citizenship
- Immigration documents – optional and only submitted when applicable
- TOEFL results – optional and only submitted when applicable
The application fee costs $75.
After you apply for your license, you can expect to wait around 20 business days before you receive your results.
If, for some reason, you don’t have all the documents necessary, it’s okay — you have up to 60 days to fulfill all the requirements. Otherwise, your application may be withdrawn.
After 20 business days, you can check your application status through this link.
Then, all you have to do is wait!
While waiting for your license, make sure your contact numbers and addresses are all updated for the Board to contact you when necessary.
Upgrade to an eNLC License
Georgia is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) which allows LPNs from Georgia to apply for a multistate license.
This means that they can practice as an LPN in any other compact state without having to apply for a separate license there.
To upgrade your Georgia license to an eNLC license, you should submit the following requirements:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee.
- Active Unencumbered License
- A current Georgia mailing address or a legible copy of one of the following documents:
- Driver’s license with a home address;
- Voter registration card displaying a home address;
- Federal income tax return declaring the primary state of residence;
- Military Form No. 2058 (state of legal residence certificate); and/or
- W2 from the US Government or any bureau, division, or agency thereof indicating the state of residence.
- Proof of graduation from a Board Approved Nursing Program
- Credential Evaluation of Education
- TOEFL (English proficiency exam- if required)
- Background Consent Form
- Background Check
- Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Step#3: Start Your LPN Career
Congratulations — you can now begin your practice!
There are many job opportunities for you since LPNs are in demand.
Because of the rise of the elderly population with various diseases, more and more are looking for healthcare services.
Most LPNs work in nursing care facilities and provide home health care services.
They can also work in doctor’s offices, surgical hospitals, clinics, and the like.
While working as an LPN, you can also take the opportunity to advance your career through further education.
You can consider specializing in a certain healthcare field.
You can also think about becoming a registered nurse in time!
Step#4: Renew and Reinstate Your LPN License
Your license expires every two years. To renew it, you need to have at least 20 hours of continuing education.
Keep an eye on January 31st, the year your license expires. That’s when you can renew it! Otherwise, you can also check your license’s expiration date to keep track of when to go through the renewal process.
To renew your license, you need to have an account at the Georgia Online Licensing Site. You’ll find all the instructions on how to renew your license there. It will take at most three days to process your renewal application, with a non-refundable fee of $65.
To see if your license has been renewed, you can check this site.
Next, let’s discuss your license reinstatement. Maybe you did not renew your license and it has lapsed over the years. You can still reactivate it to be able to practice again.
The requirements for your reinstatement are pretty standard:
- GAPS/Gemalto registration for fingerprinting and background check
- Reinstatement application, completed and notarized
- Active license and its verification
- Proof of graduation or verification of employment
- Background consent form
- Criminal history and background
- Immigration documents – if applicable
- TOEFL — if applicable
The reinstatement also requires a $90 fee.
FAQS About Becoming an LPN in Georgia
Now that we’ve already covered the four steps to becoming an LPN in Georgia, let’s answer some relevant FAQs.
What do LPNs Do?
Licensed practical nurses are responsible for basic patient care.
They monitor patients’ vital signs, help them eat and take medication, and change bandages.
They follow the healthcare plans that registered nurses and doctors have set in place and report to them about the patient’s progress.
How Much Does an LPN in Georgia Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an LPN in Georgia has a mean annual salary of $47,370, which translates to an hourly salary of about $22.77.
This is lower than the mean annual wage of $ 51,850.
However, the rate varies and may be higher depending on what facility you are working in, which city you are in, and how much experience you have. It can also improve if you have more certifications and specializations.
How Long Does It Take to Become an LPN in Georgia?
The journey to becoming an LPN usually takes a little more than a year.
This includes your nursing education program, the application for licensure, and the NCLEX exam.
The LPN programs themselves require theoretical work and clinical training, which can take up to twelve months to complete. But this can extend to 2 years if you are studying part-time.
After you factor in personal preparation, applications, and waiting times, you will have to add several weeks or months to the timeline of being an LPN.
In Conclusion
And that concludes our article!
We discussed the step-by-step process of how to become an LPN in Georgia and also answered some FAQs.
We hope you got some insights from this article and that it will help you continue your LPN journey more informed.
Let us know if you have any comments or inquiries.
We wish you all the best!