For students working towards a practical nursing degree, one major milestone stands between the classroom and a rewarding career in healthcare: the NCLEX-PN. If your goal is to become a nurse, understanding the purpose and impact of this exam is an important part of planning your future in healthcare.
The NCLEX-PN, or National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, is a standardized test required for anyone seeking licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), and it evaluates whether a graduate from a practical nursing program has the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed for entry-level nursing practice. Questions focus on real-world scenarios, such as patient safety, pharmacology, coordinated care, health promotion and physiological integrity.
While every state sets its own guidelines for licensure, the NCLEX-PN serves as a universal examination that ensures all practical nurses are prepared to uphold the same high standards of patient care. Successful completion of this exam is what takes a recent graduate of a practical nursing degree to an officially licensed LPN, ready to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and home healthcare.
What is a Practical Nurse?
A practical nurse is a healthcare professional who provides hands-on, essential patient care under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. Practical nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team and often serve as the primary point of contact for patients in many care environments. Their daily responsibilities may include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with daily living activities, collecting samples, and documenting patient information. They also support families through care plans.
Students earning a practical nursing degree gain the skills and clinical training needed to manage these responsibilities with confidence. At schools like Caris College, practical nursing students learn through a combination of classroom instruction, simulation labs, and on-site clinical experiences. This foundation is essential not only for providing excellent patient care but also for preparing to pass the NCLEX-PN.
How Do You Become a Practical Nurse?
For many students, choosing to become a nurse begins with selecting an accredited practical nursing degree program. Once enrolled, students complete coursework in areas such as anatomy, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal and infant care and mental health. Clinical rotations give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real healthcare environments, supervised by experienced professionals.
After completing their practical nursing degree program, graduates become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Preparing for this exam typically includes reviewing course material, taking practice tests, and strengthening critical reasoning skills. Once a student passes the NCLEX-PN, they can apply for licensure in their state and begin working as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Many LPNs later advance their careers by specializing or pursuing additional nursing education.
Whether your goal is to enter the workforce quickly or to build a long-term career in nursing, the path begins with a strong practical nursing program and successful completion of the NCLEX-PN.
Want to become a nurse? Enroll in the Caris College Practical Nursing program today!