Many think that enrolling in a 4-year course and becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) is the only way to break into the health and medical field.
But there are actually more alternatives to joining the industry.
One of which is by becoming an LPN. Becoming an LPN is faster and more affordable.
Instead of getting a degree that requires 4 years of training, you’d only need 1-2 years when you get into a training program.
Tuition fees are lower and necessary documents are less.
Of course, there are pros and cons in choosing to become an LPN instead of an RN. RNs usually have more opportunities for employment and higher salaries than LPNs.
However, if you are looking for a faster, cheaper, and more efficient way to start working in the health industry, then becoming an LPN is the way to go.
You can advance your career later on in the future if you want.
But how do you become an LPN?
Don’t worry! We’ll list all the important information you’ll need to remember about how to become an LPN in Nevada.
We’ll also answer FAQs, such as:
- How do I transfer my out-of-state LPN license to Nevada?
- How long is my LPN application valid in Nevada?
- How much is an LPN license in Nevada?
Can’t wait to start?
Then let’s begin!
How to Become an LPN in Nevada in 4 Simple Steps
- Step #1: Prepare Admission Requirements.
- Step #2: Enroll in a State-Approved Training Program.
- Step #3: Submit Your Licensure Application and Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam.
- Step #4: Find Employment in Nevada.
Step #1: Prepare Admission Requirements
Just like any other school, you need to prepare and submit some documents before you can be accepted into a program.
Although there may be some differences depending on your school, you can generally expect that they will be asking for the following:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Proof of completion of all prerequisite courses
- Proof of satisfactory results from the HESI A2 Exam
- Background check and drug test results
- Documentation of health examinations (depending on the school)
Step #2: Enroll in a State-Approved Training Program
Applicants should only enroll in schools approved by the Nevada Nursing Board. This ensures they can proceed in the next steps of becoming an LPN.
To find a list of state-approved LPN programs, you can go to this site. You can also look up the NCLEX performance of these schools. A high passing percentage usually means that the school prepares its students well for the exam.
In Nevada, LPN programs at state-funded schools are usually around $6,000 to $7,000. If you wish to enroll in private institutions, costs will go higher. Also, take note that tuition fees don’t include your uniforms, textbooks, laptops, and other laboratory fees.
What Should You Expect in LPN Training Programs?
Whatever school you’ll join, you will be tackling these common courses:
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Nursing Management Concepts
- Pediatric Nursing
- General Psychology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- General Nutrition
- Pharmacology for Practical Nursing
You will also receive clinical training in different healthcare settings. You will be exposed to real-life situations under the supervision of an RN.
Step #3: Submit Your Licensure Application and Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam
Aside from enrolling in a state-approved program, this is the other most crucial part of the process.
The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, or the NCLEX-PN, is the country’s official exam for all aspiring LPNs. Here you’ll get tested on concepts and scenarios that will gauge your preparedness to work as an LPN.
But before you can take the exam, you need to apply for it through the Nevada Board of Nursing.
You will need to submit documents to them to prove that you are qualified to take the exam.
What Are the State Licensure Requirements?
Applicants should submit the following:
- A completed application submitted via the Nevada Nurse Portal
- An application fee of $90
- Official transcript from your state-approved nursing program
- Application to NCLEX testing service through Pearson Vue with an examination fee of $200
- Fingerprint card
- Proof of your valid social security number or individual taxpayer ID number
Once you submit your requirements, you should give the Board at least one week to process your application.
How Do You Schedule for the NCLEX-PN?
Once cleared to take the test, you will receive a document called the “Authorization to Test” or ATT.
Here you’ll see your candidate number, the list of test centers, and the testing expiration date. And then, you can schedule your chosen date at vue.com/nclex.
You should schedule your exam within 90 days of receiving your ATT.
Once everything is set, it’s time for you to take the NCLEX-PN.
What Can You Expect from the NCLEX-PN?
Your test can range from 85 to 205 questions. Given the high number of questions, exam hours are up to 5. This should be enough time for you to finish your test!
The test is divided into 4 main parts and further divided into subcategories. These include topics you have encountered in your training program.
Different Parts of the NCLEX-PN
Part 1: Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Coordinated Care
- Safety and Infection Control
Part 2: Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
- Data Collection Techniques
- Lifestyle Choices and Self Care
- Health Promotion Programs
- Developmental Stages and Transitions
- Disease Prevention
- Immunizations
Part 3: Psychosocial Integrity
- Coping Mechanics and Grief and Loss
- Stress Management
- Support Systems
- Chemical Dependency
- Behavioral Management
- Crisis Intervention
- End-of-Life Care
Part 4: Physiological Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Reduction of Risk Control
- Physiological Adaptation
The questions are mostly in multiple-choice format, but some are in fill-in-the-blanks as well.
If you pass the exam, you will receive your official PN license! Congratulations!
If not, you will receive a diagnosis of how you performed and you can schedule a re-examination. However, you will need to apply again for this and pay the $200 exam fee.
Step #4: Find Employment in Nevada
Now that you have your license, where can you go?
In Nevada, the most common places LPNs work include nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Nursing facilities can mean many things. It can be for long-term or short-term stays, for individuals who need post-acute recovery, or for individuals who need to transition back to the community after major health concerns.
Assisted living facilities, on the other hand, are homes for the elderly.
LPNs can also find employment in some hospitals, physician’s clinics, government or community centers, schools, etc.
Whichever you choose, LPNs are usually the ones providing basic care to patients, monitoring patients’ health conditions, administering medications, and communicating closely with relatives.
How Much Do LPNs Earn in Nevada?
Nevada ranks as the 5th highest-paying state in the nation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for LPNs is $60,490.
Cities like Las Vegas, Reno, and Paradise offer higher wages than other cities in the state.
You can find this table on the BLS website.
FAQs about Becoming an LPN in Nevada
Now that we’ve covered the 4 steps to becoming an LPN, let’s answer some questions you may still have about becoming an LPN in Nevada.
How Do I Transfer My Out-of-State LPN License to Nevada?
Unfortunately, Nevada is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact or NLC.
So you cannot transfer your out-of-state LPN through reciprocity.
This means you have to apply for a license by endorsement to practice in Nevada.
For that, you need to submit the following, together with the application form:
- Official transcript from the school where you took your state-approved nursing program. It’s important that it includes the award date.
- Current state license.
- Proof of passing the NCLEX-PN.
- Proof of your social security number.
How Long Is My LPN Application Valid in Nevada?
Your license application is valid for 12 months.
The Board has made it long since there are some delays you might encounter with your fingerprint or criminal background check. There are times when results from the FBI and the Department of Public Safety arrive after 4 months.
How Much Is an LPN License in Nevada?
Here is a breakdown of the LPN license costs in Nevada:
- Application Fee: $90
- Examination Fee: $200
- Fingerprinting and Criminal Background Check Fee: $40
- Renewal Fee: $100
Conclusion
Now you know what you need to become an LPN in Nevada!
Training is shorter and less expensive compared to training for RNs. Documents are also less taxing to complete.
Just follow the steps above and you’ll surely get a license in no time!
We wish you all the best!