Online LPN Programs in Tennessee: Review Schools & More

Inside Online LPN Programs in Tennessee

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) offers a fast and affordable route to entry-level nursing. Most online LPN programs can be completed in four to six semesters, instead of the typical four years to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To give you a foundational understanding of how practical nursing programs, here are three online LPN programs in Tennessee that include key info on admissions requirements, program lengths and costs, curriculum content and delivery methods, and more.

Answering Questions from LPN Students in Tennessee

As you explore the various online LPN program options in Tennessee, you’re bound to have some questions of your own about what happens before, during, and after your education is complete. To help you in that regard, here are the answers to five questions frequently asked by prospective Tennessee online LPN students.

Why is going to an LPN accredited program so important?

Proper accreditation of your online LPN program in Tennessee is essential in that it ensures that the program meets important standards of academic quality. Graduating from an accredited program tells employers that your education was from a quality source that teaches the types of skills that LPNs need to succeed professionally.

Accreditation of colleges and universities in Tennessee is overseen primarily by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

You will also want to check for accreditation of the LPN program itself. The two major accreditors of LPN programs in the U.S. are:

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)

What kind of work should I expect when I’m an LPN?

The duties for your LPN job will depend on the specific job itself. Common duties and responsibilities of LPNs, however, include:

• Administering medications
• Providing patient comfort
• Patient monitoring
• Wound care
• Catheter care
• Specimen collection
• Maintaining patient records

It’s important to note that all care given by LPNs must be supervised by an RN or other superior healthcare staff member.

Is there financial aid available to help with the cost of my LPN education?

Yes. There are several potential sources of financial assistance for students who need help in meeting the cost of their LPN educations, including:

• Scholarships and grants
• Employer tuition reimbursement
• Student loans (federal, state, and private)
• Tuition discounts
• Tuition deferment and installment plans
• Student loan forgiveness

Be sure to contact the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering for details on resources to help you pay for your online LPN program.

What type of license renewal and continuing education is needed to continue working as an LPN?

In Tennessee, LPNs must renew their licenses every two years. Renewal requirements include earning five continuing education (CE) credit hours (10 for license holders not actively employed) during each renewal period. License holders can renew their licenses online up to 60 days before it expires.

Can becoming an LPN lead to other more advanced nursing careers?

Yes. In fact, it is not uncommon for nurses to use their LPN careers as a starting point for moving up the career ladder, often by becoming a registered nurse.

Becoming an RN will, of course, require returning to school for RN training and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Fortunately, there are online LPN to RN programs available to make the transition to becoming an RN convenient and affordable.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Once you’ve graduated from your LPN program, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, the national exam that is required by the Tennessee Board of Nursing to obtain LPN licensure in the state.

Before taking the exam, you’ll need to:

• Fill out the application
• Pay the registration fee
• Pass another background check
• Submit the official transcript from your LPN program

LPN students in Tennessee can apply to take the NCLEX-PN exam as early as four weeks before graduation, but must wait up to six weeks after graduation for applications to process. The current fee for taking the NCLEX-PN the first time is $200.

Exam content covers several specific areas, including:

• Safe care environments
• Physiological concerns
• Mental health and social skills
• Health maintenance and promotion.

Salary & Career Outlooks for Tennessee LPNs