Embarking on a fulfilling career in healthcare as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is within your reach at Athena Career Academy. Our comprehensive Practical Nursing program is meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in this rewarding profession. If you’re considering a career change or are just starting your journey in healthcare, understanding the details of the Athena Career Academy Practical Nursing Program is crucial. This guide provides essential information, from admission requirements to career prospects, ensuring you have a clear picture of what to expect.
Admission Requirements for the Athena Career Academy Practical Nursing Program
Gaining admission into the Practical Nursing Program at Athena Career Academy involves meeting specific criteria to ensure all students are prepared for the rigors of the program and the nursing profession. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the admission requirements:
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Informational Meeting: Your journey begins with attending an informational meeting. This session, held with an admissions representative, provides a comprehensive overview of the program, allowing you to ask questions and understand if it aligns with your career goals.
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Online Application: Following the informational meeting, the next step is to complete an online application for admission. This formal application initiates your candidacy for the program.
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Financial Aid Consultation: Funding your education is a significant step. An individual meeting with a financial aid administrator will help you explore and arrange funding options, ensuring financial planning is in place.
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Ohio Disclosure Course: As part of Ohio state requirements, completing an online State of Ohio Disclosure Course is mandatory. This course covers essential regulatory information pertinent to your nursing education.
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Academic Transcripts: Submit official transcripts demonstrating high school graduation or GED completion. This ensures you have the foundational education required for the program’s academic demands.
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Government Identification and Social Security Card: Providing copies of valid government-issued identification and your social security card is necessary for enrollment and record-keeping purposes.
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Citizenship Documentation: For non-US citizens, specific documentation is required, including the I-94 card with date of entry, a current passport, and proof of alien registration number if applicable, to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
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CPR Certification: Healthcare providers must be certified in CPR. Proof of current American Heart Association BLS- Healthcare Provider CPR certification is required to ensure you possess essential life-saving skills.
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Physical Examination: A recent physical examination, signed and dated by a physician or qualified medical representative within one year of your program start date, is needed. This confirms you meet the physical health standards necessary for the demands of nursing practice.
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Drug Screening: To ensure patient safety and a drug-free learning environment, completing and passing a drug screen within 90 days of your start date is mandatory.
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Immunization Records: Comprehensive immunization records are essential for healthcare settings. These include:
- A 2-step PPD within one year of the start date or proof of initial 2-step PPD with annual 1-step PPD documentation, or a CXR within one year of the start date to verify tuberculosis screening.
- Records for MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Hepatitis B series/waiver, recent Tetanus, and/or Titers to confirm immunity against preventable diseases.
- Important: All health records must be completed by the first day of class to ensure compliance and student health safety.
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Criminal Background Checks: A BCI and FBI criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. These checks are subject to review and approval or consultation with a director, ensuring student safety and ethical standards within the program.
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Enrollment Agreement: Signing an enrollment agreement formalizes your commitment to the program and outlines the terms and conditions of your enrollment.
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Orientation Session: Attending the mandatory orientation session is crucial. It provides essential information about the program structure, resources, and expectations to help you start successfully.
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Flu Shot Verification: Providing proof of the current season’s flu shot is increasingly becoming a standard requirement in healthcare education to protect students and patients from seasonal influenza.
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Coronavirus Vaccine Series Completion: Proof of completed Coronavirus Vaccine Series is also required, reflecting current health and safety protocols in healthcare education and practice.
Program Duration: How Long Will It Take to Become an LPN?
The Athena Career Academy Practical Nursing program is structured to be completed efficiently, allowing you to enter the healthcare workforce sooner. The program offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate different lifestyles:
- Day Classes: The day program is designed for completion in approximately one year. This accelerated pace is ideal for students who can dedicate their weekdays to intensive study and training.
- Evening Classes: For students needing more flexibility, evening classes are available, extending the program duration to around 16 months. This option allows you to balance your education with other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities.
Licensure After Graduation: Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Upon graduating from the Athena Career Academy Practical Nursing program, you are well-prepared to pursue licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Nursing practice is rigorously regulated to ensure patient safety and quality care. Licensure involves two critical steps:
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State-Approved Program Completion: Graduation from a state-approved practical nursing program, such as Athena Career Academy’s, is a prerequisite for licensure. Athena Career Academy holds full approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing, assuring that the program meets the high standards required for nursing education in Ohio.
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NCLEX-PN Examination: To become licensed, graduates must successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This standardized exam evaluates your competency and readiness to practice as an entry-level practical nurse. Athena’s program curriculum is specifically designed to prepare you thoroughly for the NCLEX-PN exam, enhancing your chances of success.
Curriculum: What Courses Will You Study in the Practical Nursing Program?
The curriculum of the Practical Nurse program at Athena Career Academy is comprehensive, covering a wide range of essential healthcare topics. You will engage in coursework that includes:
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the structure and function of the human body is foundational to nursing practice.
- Fundamentals of Nursing: This course introduces basic nursing principles, skills, and patient care techniques.
- Pharmacology: Learn about medications, their actions, dosages, and administration, crucial for safe medication management.
- Obstetrics: Gain knowledge and skills in caring for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
- Pediatrics: Focus on the healthcare needs of infants, children, and adolescents.
- Medical-Surgical Nursing: Learn to care for adult patients with a variety of medical and surgical conditions.
- Geriatrics: Understand the unique healthcare needs of older adults, a growing segment of the patient population.
- IV Therapy: Master the techniques and safety protocols for intravenous fluid and medication administration.
- Professional Transitions: This course helps you prepare for your career as a practical nurse, including professional development, job searching, and workplace ethics.
What’s Included in the Practical Nurse Program at Athena Career Academy?
The Practical Nurse Program at Athena Career Academy is designed to be all-inclusive, providing you with everything you need for a successful educational experience:
- Practical Nurse Training: Comprehensive classroom instruction and hands-on skills training form the core of the program.
- Clinical Practicum: Gain invaluable real-world experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, applying your learned skills under supervision.
- Books & Materials: All necessary textbooks and learning materials are included, eliminating extra costs and ensuring you have all resources needed for study.
- Lab Fees & Supplies: Lab fees and all necessary supplies for practical training are covered, ensuring you can fully participate in all lab sessions without additional expenses.
- Uniform: A professional uniform is provided, ensuring you meet the dress code requirements for clinical rotations and present a professional image.
- Simulation Lab Training: Benefit from state-of-the-art simulation lab training. This allows you to practice critical nursing skills in a safe, controlled environment, enhancing your confidence and competence before entering real clinical settings.
Career Prospects and Earning Potential for Practical Nurses
Graduates of the Athena Career Academy Practical Nursing program enjoy excellent career prospects. The demand for LPNs is consistently high, offering numerous job opportunities in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home healthcare agencies.
- Competitive Compensation: Athena Career Academy graduates are highly sought after, with the majority securing nursing positions that offer competitive hourly wages. Many graduates have been placed in positions earning up to $25 per hour, reflecting the value and demand for qualified LPNs.
Campus Location: Where Are Practical Nursing Classes Held?
Athena Career Academy’s Practical Nursing Program classes are conveniently held at our Toledo campus, located at:
5203 Airport Highway, Toledo, Ohio.
This easily accessible location offers a conducive learning environment with modern facilities and resources to support your nursing education.
Start Dates and Enrollment Information for the Practical Nursing Program
Athena Career Academy makes it convenient to start your nursing education with new classes beginning approximately every three months. This rolling admission schedule provides multiple opportunities to enroll throughout the year.
- Enrollment Deadlines: It’s important to note that while classes start quarterly, all required application documents and any out-of-pocket expenses must be submitted by the registration deadline. Check the Academic Calendar for specific dates and deadlines.
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Choosing the Athena Career Academy Practical Nursing Program is choosing a path to a stable, rewarding, and in-demand career. With comprehensive training, dedicated faculty, and a supportive learning environment, Athena Career Academy is your partner in achieving your healthcare career aspirations.
