Indianapolis has a mid to older population with diverse health needs. A License Practical Nurse (LPN) in this city can find a number of employment opportunities in hospitals and urgent care centers, long-term care, home health agencies, re-habilitation centers and short term care facilities, as well as private doctor’s offices. An LPN can enjoy a variety of work responsibilities from administrative work and medical coding to hands-on clinical practices and lab work. This variety provides a number of career paths to choose from and offers a way to help promote health in the entire community.
Indianapolis LPN Schools
Ivy Tech Community College has an accredited nursing program that may be completed in about a year, and offers students the ability to have supervised clinical rounds at area hospitals and care clinics. The classroom and lab focus is heavily geared towards surgical nursing, maternal, and geriatric services, along with basic nursing practices and pharmacology. Students will be prepared for the NCLEX upon graduating, and the hands-on practice prepares you for employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, acute care clinics, and doctor’s offices.
Ivy Tech Community College-Indianapolis
9301 E. 59th Street, Room F217
Indianapolis, IN 46216
(317) 921-4428
http://www.ivytech.edu
Another program that is highly competitive and very comprehensive is the practical nursing course offered by MedTech College. This campus is located just to the north of the Ivy Tech Campus, on the outskirts of the Metro area. The 12-15 month program that is offered by MedTech does require an entrance exam, and students who are accepted will receive an intensive in classroom theory and real world clinic and hospital experience. Clinical rotations are a large part of the program and students also receive support for passing the NCLEX.
MedTech College – Indianapolis
6612 E. 75th Street, Suite 500
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(317) 845-0100
www.medtechcollege.com
Indianapolis LPN Requirements
If you want to become licensed as a practical nurse in Indianapolis, you must first complete an accredited nursing program that takes at least twelve months and provides theory and clinical practice. Indiana does not issue temporary permits, unless you have already been a licensed nurse in another state, so the only way to gain hands-on experience is through a school program. Once you have graduated, submit an application and fees to the nursing board and register to take the NCLEX. Upon passing the exam, you will be licensed to practice. Please note that after three (3) exam failures, you will have to appear before the Board in order to obtain authorization to test again.
Indianapolis LPN Salary
Indianapolis LPNs fall to the low side of the national median for annual salaries, but are still within the 50% range. However, at about $40,000 a year, this is average for all households in the city, which makes it comparatively profitable for the cost of living in the area. Job growth is projected at 1.89% annually which makes becoming an LPN an attractive career choice for people living in Indianapolis.
LPN Jobs & Opportunities in Indianapolis
The Bureau of Labor expects to see an overall increase of 22% in LPN employment over the next few years, and this will also mean an increase in salary ranges. In Indianapolis, where LPNs are already comparatively in the average for city wide income, this can mean both job security and competitive pay incentives.
Some Indianapolis employers include:
Briarwood Health & Rehabilitation Center
3640 Central Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 920-7888
www.seniorhousing.net
Briarwood is a long-term care facility that has 113 beds and caters to Alzheimer’s, hospice, and respite care. An LPN working for Briarwood would be part of a team of healthcare providers, supervised by an RN and a physician. The LPN would assist in the daily rounds and the care and feeding of residents as well as physical and psychological support and therapy. Assistance in monitoring patient progress, recording information, and communicating patient needs will also be a part of this job. Along with a current nursing license, you would also need to have Basic Life Support certification in order to apply.
Loving Care Agency
2647 Waterfront Parkway East Drive, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46214
Phone: (317) 280-0422
http://lovingcareagency.com/
Loving Care Agency provides home health care in pediatrics and elder care for the Indianapolis area. The LPN would be assisting an RN on house calls that would include tasks such as maintenance of gastric tubes, ventilators, and tracheotomies. Hygienic care for patients and medication administration and record keeping will also be included in regular rounds. Requirements for this job are well suited to an entry level LPN, as a nursing license and CPR certification are needed to apply, and while experience is preferred, it is not mandatory.
Quick Reference LPN Links
Nursing Programs in Indiana
State Board of Nursing
Indiana Nurses Assistance Program
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Indianapolis VA jobs for LPNs
Nursing Licensure Applications & Instruction
Top Indiana Nursing Schools & Colleges in IN
Indiana LPN Programs & Training + Online Degree Options
Learning About Accredited Online LPN Programs