For those looking for CNA to LPN program options in New Orleans, there are two program options: Delgado Community College and Nunez Community College. Each program provides unique benefits designed to enhance your skills and prepare you for licensure.
Delgado Community College
Features evening classes and a 16-month duration, accommodating students who need to balance other responsibilities while pursuing their education.
Nunez Community College
Emphasizes seamless integration of existing CNA skills into the nursing curriculum, with a limited enrollment to ensure personalized instruction and support.
Explore these programs in detail to discover how they can fit your career goals, including specifics about program costs, durations, class schedules, and additional offerings.
Delgado Community College
Delgado Community College in New Orleans offers an educational pathway for those interested in a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) through its Practical Nursing (PN) Program. This program is meticulously designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to function effectively within the healthcare sector.
Licensed Practical Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, operating under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and licensed physicians. Their responsibilities are comprehensive, including tasks from basic patient care like feeding and bathing to more complex duties such as administering medication, monitoring patient health, and maintaining medical charts. The demand for LPNs is significant across various healthcare settings such as physicians’ offices, home health agencies, nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics.
One of the standout features of the Delgado’s PN Program is its strong emphasis on clinical experience, which constitutes more than half of the program’s curriculum. This hands-on training is crucial, as it allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare environments across the Greater New Orleans area. This exposure helps students develop vital patient observation skills and familiarize themselves with treatments and medications.
The program aims to mold graduates who are competent in using scientific knowledge and medical terminology in their nursing practices. It prepares them to utilize the nursing process effectively to provide care across various clinical settings and to integrate into health care teams seamlessly. Moreover, the program encourages the development of personal and professional strategies essential for successful employment in practical nursing.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or High School Equivalency
- Eligibility to enroll in MATH 120 and ENGL 101 or ENGL 110 by the application date, with necessary placement scores or ACT exemptions
- Institutional and program-specific GPA of at least 2.0
- Successful completion of HESC 109 Medical Nutrition Therapy and BIOL 161/163 (Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology I) or BIOL 251/253 and BIOL 252/254, with a grade of “C” or better within the last three years
- Passing the Kaplan Pre-Nursing Exam administered through the DCC Testing Center within the last three years
- Submission of a complete application package
- U.S. citizenship or valid permanent residency
This program’s 16-month duration makes it an appealing option for those looking to quickly transition from a CNA to an LPN. Delgado Community College’s commitment to high-quality education is evident in its comprehensive curriculum and the professional opportunities it opens for graduates.
Our Thoughts:
For CNAs aiming to progress their careers swiftly, the evening classes offered by the Practical Nursing Program at Delgado Community College stand out. While the program does not offer online classes—a common trait among practical nursing programs due to the hands-on nature of the training—the inclusion of evening classes enhances its accessibility. Additionally, its accelerated format over 16 months positions it as an intensive yet efficient route to becoming an LPN, ideal for those ready to commit to rigorous and rapid learning.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Not specified |
| Program Duration | 16 months |
| Class Schedules | Day and Evening classes available |
| Website | Delgado Community College Practical Nursing |
| Location | 615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119 |
| Phone | (504) 671-6756 |
| [email protected] | |
| Evening Classes? | Yes |
Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College offers a Practical Nursing program specifically designed for CNAs looking to advance their careers by becoming Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). This program builds on the skills and experience already gained by CNAs, providing them with the education and clinical practice needed to take the NCLEX-PN examination, which is required for LPN licensure.
The program integrates foundational nursing education with practical clinical experiences. Students begin with classroom and lab sessions to solidify their theoretical knowledge before progressing to hands-on clinical practice under the supervision of experienced instructors. As the program nears completion, it shifts focus towards professional nursing responsibilities and the specifics of the licensing process, ensuring that students are well-prepared not only to pass the NCLEX-PN but to succeed in their future roles as LPNs.
For CNAs, the transition into a Practical Nursing program at Nunez is streamlined by recognizing the skills and patient care experience they already possess. This prior experience can be invaluable, offering a deeper understanding of patient care dynamics that only working CNAs can appreciate.
Admission Requirements:
- Must be a registered CNA with active certification.
- High school diploma, GED, or HiSET.
- Registered student at Nunez Community College.
- Acceptable scores on placement exams (ACT or ACCUPLACER- NEXT GEN).
- Completion of foundational courses in math and English, if not already met by previous education.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all prior college coursework.
- Successful completion of initial healthcare courses, particularly in anatomy, physiology, and nutrition, with a grade ‘B’ or better.
- Comprehensive health screenings including immunizations and tuberculosis testing.
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status with documentation.
- Current CPR certification from the American Heart Association.
- Provision of own transportation for off-campus clinical rotations.
This program is a perfect step-up for CNAs who wish to increase their responsibilities and scope of practice within the nursing field. It recognizes the hard work already done in the healthcare setting and builds upon it, providing CNAs with a clear pathway to becoming LPNs. The limited enrollment nature of the program ensures that all students receive focused instruction and support, maximizing their potential for success in both the exams and their ensuing careers.
With its comprehensive curriculum and strategic focus on advancing the careers of healthcare workers like CNAs, Nunez Community College’s Practical Nursing program is an excellent choice for CNAs aiming to elevate their professional status to LPN.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost: | Not specified |
| Program Duration: | Not directly specified, but involves a sequence of courses |
| Class Schedules: | Not provided; typically includes day and evening options |
| Website: | Nunez Community College Nursing |
| Location: | 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA 70043 |
| Phone: | 504-278-6467 |
| Evening Classes? | No information provided – inquire with program |
Our Recommendation
When considering a transition from a CNA to an LPN, both Delgado Community College and Nunez Community College offer robust programs with unique strengths. Delgado’s program is particularly accommodating for those needing flexibility, thanks to its evening class offerings and a concise 16-month timeline. Meanwhile, Nunez Community College excels in integrating the practical experience of CNAs into its curriculum, which may appeal to those looking to leverage their on-the-job skills in a more focused academic setting.
Given the distinct features of each program, we recommend prospective students contact both institutions to discuss their specific circumstances, goals, and needs. Engaging directly with admissions or program coordinators can provide deeper insights into how each program aligns with individual career aspirations and educational requirements. Making an informed decision will ultimately depend on how each program’s schedule, curriculum, and support services match your personal and professional development plans.