The licensed practical nurse (or “LPN”) performs modesty complex health care tasks, but is not as fully qualified as a “traditional” nurse, which means training can be completed more quickly, and it takes less money to do so.
The trade off is that you earn less, but that’s to be expected. Income is still good however; 30-40k per year.
That’s little consolation if you are short on cash, so this short article will investigate funding options.
Jobs Corps
If you meet certain low income requirements (full eligibility data can be found here!), you will definitely want to investigate the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps program.
It offers an 8-12 month licensed practical nurse program (LPN’s may also be called “vocational nurses”).
What’s exciting about Job Corps is that if you are eligible they will cover All of your costs; training, housing, room and board – they will even provide you with an allowance. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can learn more about the program by filling out and submitting this form.
Federal and State Grants
The main Federal grants – the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant – can be applied towards almost any appropriately accredited program, including those for LPNs/vocation nurses. You will want to investigate both of these by clicking the links just above.
Certain states have implemented funding initiatives as an incentive to get people into critical sectors of the health care field. View our list of state-specific grants and scholarships to find out if yours does!
The first step in applying for any relevant state and Federal grants is to submit the application called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you haven’t already done so, you can learn more about how to go about doing so here!
Nursing School Grants
Sometimes grants and scholarships intended for nursing students can be applied towards the education of licensed practical nurses as well. You will definitely want to check out our discussion on available nursing grants.