Do you want to pursue a career in the healthcare industry but cannot afford to wait for four years to finish a course or finance your education? You are probably looking for a shorter and cheaper means to fulfill your dream. Then you are probably interested to gain more information about the programs for Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN).

Like registered nurses, employment opportunities overseas also abound for license practical nurses, particularly in countries like Canada and United States of America (USA). Duties that usually have to do with patient care and medication are the responsibilities of an LPN nurse. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. In America, the salary of PN and RN only differs by USD 5.

In enrolling for a practical nursing course, make sure that the educational institution is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and international organizations.

The curriculum of a Practical Nursing program should be able to teach and train students in providing direct care for individuals in long-term care institutions, doctor's clinics, home-health agencies, and others.

Therefore an effective LPN program must include one year of training at a hospital, vocational technical school or community college. In other countries,

After completing an LPN or LVN course, graduates can take the licensure exams for LPN or LVN. In USA, the state administered nursing examination is called the NCLEX-PN examination.

As of this writing, the Philippines do not licensed practical nurses but are recognized and licensed in the United States and Canada. However, since the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recognized the opportunity for this field, legislation may be underway for the recognition of LPN. 

Here is a step by step guide on how you can work as LPN nurse in America:

1.      In USA, one option for a practical nurse is to work as a temporary worker. Practical nurses must have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or LPN course and passed required exams.

2.      You have to take and passed the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse) and English test.

3.      Qualified applications will be petitioned via working visa by the employer.

4.      While working, they can choose to continue their studies to be eligible for an immigrant visa application and work as Registered Nurse.

5.      Under the present immigrant visa retrogression, you may have to wait for 5 to 6 years.

6.      For more information about H2B visa for practical nurses, you may consult US immigration lawyers.