Start a Nursing Career Without a Bachelor’s Degree

Becoming an LPN is an opportunity to gain experience and start working in the field quickly. With a Practical Nursing (PN)degree from Herzing University Kenosha, you can start working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in as few as 12 months.

While it can be a stepping stone to future nursing education, it could also be a successful and fulfilling career. LPNs are integral members of the healthcare team that work closely with registered nurses (RNs) and physicians to provide patients with quality care. Some of their typical duties might include:

• Monitoring patients
• Taking patient vital signs and histories
• Performing routine assessments, such as checking blood pressure
• Changing bandages
• Inserting IVs or catheters
• Listening to patients’ concerns and reporting back to RNs and doctors
• Ensuring patients are comfortable
• Helping patients bathe or dress

An LPN’s duties can vary slightly depending on the healthcare setting and the state in which they work. In some states, experienced LPNs can take on an instructional role and can supervise and manage less-experienced nurses or nursing aides, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Whether you are looking for a quick start in a nursing career or are hoping to get your foot into the healthcare field, earning your diploma in Practical Nursing at Herzing University might be a perfect fit for you.

LPNs are Needed

The landscape of nursing is changing, but LPNs remain a vital contributor to the nursing community. Licensed Practical Nurses ranked as the #5 Best Health Care Support Jobs in America for 2022 by U.S. News & World Report.

LPNs remain in demand in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care and many other environments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts job opportunities for LPNs will rise by approximately 9% from 2020 to 2030.* Additionally, nurses may be needed in other non-traditional settings as many procedures are now being done outside of hospitals.

Discover a Pathway

Nursing students who want to use their diploma in Practical Nursing to springboard their nursing career have plenty of options for advancing their education.

With the experience that LPNs gain, they can build on their training and experience to prepare for new levels of patient care. Herzing University offers an LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which is specifically designed for students who are current Licensed Practical or Vocational nurses, to transfer credit from their previous training and start on a faster path to a career as an RN. In as few as 28 months, students could earn a BSN at Herzing University.

The unique program allows you to complete general education courses online with core nursing courses on-campus. Students enrolled in the program also have the opportunity to earn dual credit toward a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). 

Making A Difference Close to Home  

If you are passionate about nursing and thinking about a new career, you may consider earning your diploma in Practical Nursing at Herzing’s Kenosha campus. Herzing offers a variety of degree pathways for individuals through our School of Nursing. You will discover a supportive educational environment that’s close to Chicago, Racine and Milwaukee–located just off I-94. Our state-of-the-industry facility offers the small-class sizes and experienced instructors you need to thrive. 

In Herzing’s Practical Nursing program, students receive hands-on clinical experience as well as many hours of practice in nursing simulation labs. These experiences help prepare future nurses to begin their post-graduation careers quickly. Additionally, courses such as psychology and adult health equip PN students with the knowledge and skills required to have a successful career as a nurse and provide quality patient care. 

Upon the completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The program can be completed in as few as 12 months when attending full-time.  

Many of our programs feature work-friendly class schedules, including evening and daytime nursing classes. Plus, we can connect our nursing students to clinical training experiences on either side of the Illinois-Wisconsin border, thanks to our partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare employers. 

Herzing works with students in every step of their educational journey. Becoming an LPN is an ideal path for someone ready to take on a new and exciting nursing career. If you are someone who wants to make a difference, becoming an LPN could be right for you. 

Herzing University is a nonprofit university that provides career-focused, convenient and caring educational pathways for students across 10 campuses as well as online programs. We have a variety of academic programs to meet your needs wherever you are in life. Herzing is focused on providing you with a caring learning environment that fosters long-term career success.