For years, we’ve been sold the idea that financial security could only be achieved by thriving in school, going away to a university, and incurring a mountain of debt that could only be paid off 10-30 years down the line.
We’ve been conditioned to believe that this is in fact the only option. That by doing a bunch of theoretical stuff with no real world application we’re supposed to magically transition towards the workforce. But that’s not the case. With an increasingly competitive job market college graduates often face an uphill battle, especially in modern times. A whopping 5.8% of college graduates face unemployment, at times making a college degree more of a burden than an asset.
Luckily, there are other options. There are other avenues to explore. By choosing to enroll in the Orange Technical College practical nursing program, you are choosing a program that will not only develop your skills as a thinker, but one that will help mold you into the best nurse practitioner you can be.
Hands-on Nursing Experience
At Orange Technical College we believe that in order to successfully prepare our students to become future LPNs, there has to be a mix of both theoretical and practical instruction. Throughout the years, we have refined our curriculum, and the result is a comprehensive practical nursing program that not only provides theoretical instruction on surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing; but also prepares and supports our students with clinical experience and application, allowing them to get hands-on nursing experience.
That’s what sets us apart from other institutions, our ability to let students apply themselves in real world situations. This allows them to reinforce what they have learned in the classroom, by putting knowledge into action. In turn, helping mold future LPNs that know their stuff, and can demonstrate it.
LPN Career Benefits
Whether it’s been your lifelong dream to help people and serve your community, work in the healthcare field, or even if you are someone looking to pivot careers, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) offers those interested a myriad of benefits
Minimal Barriers of Entry
Recent data shows that the average debt for a medical student is roughly $234,597 without taking into account undergrad and any other type of educational debt. When taking into account medical school as well as any other incurred debt from prior schooling, that number jumps up to $264,519.
Similarly, according to recent data, students who decide to pursue a masters or doctoral degree in public health end up with a median debt of $33,366. This is without taking into account any loans that might have been taken out for undergraduate studies.
Unlike other careers in healthcare, there are minimal barriers of entry to becoming a certified LPN, making it an accessible career path for all that are interested. Our student fees for LPN students for the 24-25 academic year come out to a total of roughly $5,940.15, a stark contrast from other career options.
Job Security
The truth of the matter is that as long as there are people, the healthcare industry will never go away. LNPs will always be in need, especially now more than ever as the United States’ population continues to grow in age. The most recent census data shows that 1 in every 6 people in the US are over the age of 65, making LNPs all the more prevalent.
Career Growth Opportunities
Oftentimes becoming an LPN is not the end goal, but instead a stepping stone toward other career opportunities. A common path to follow for many LPNs is taking their experience and working towards becoming a registered nurse (RN). Additionally, LPNs can also choose to specialize in several different niches, such as gerontology and rehabilitation, or even more advanced practices like a nurse practitioner (NP) or nurse anesthetist.
A Fulfilling Career
An often understated aspect of working as an LPN is the sense of fulfillment it can bring about. Many often associate the life saving aspect of healthcare to doctors, often giving them the majority of the credit. But studies have shown that you spend 86% of your time with a nurse compared to 13% with a doctor. Yes, doctors deserve credit for the work, as well as all the praise that comes their way, but the work of a nurse should not be minimized or ignored.
It is estimated by research studies that nurses tend to spend roughly 37% with patients, allowing them to build deep and meaningful connections with their patients. More importantly, many LPNs see their patients on a day to day basis, often multiple times a day, which allows them to truly make a lasting change in their lives. Unlike many professions, LPNs can rest assured knowing that they are truly making a positive impact in their community.
LPN Job Opportunities
Beyond providing a fulfilling and stable career, pursuing a career as an LPN with Orange Technical College also provides you with competitive salary opportunities. When you obtain your LPN certification, you open the door to a career with an average median salary of $62,340 per year or $29.97 per hour. Additionally, those in the top 90th percentile earn upwards of $80,510. This number has potential to increase with experience, as well as with any further certifications and specialized training. Potential job opportunities for LPNs include but are not limited to the following:
- Ambulatory Clinics
- Home Health Care
- Hospice Care
- Nursing Homes
- Rehabilitation Centers
Apply to the Orange Tech Practical Nursing Program Today! Don’t miss out on life changing career opportunities and apply today! From the very first day you step into the classroom, you will be provided with the necessary building blocks to foster the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in any and all your future career endeavors.