As a prospective LPN student who is starting their  journey, you may be coming across unfamiliar terms.  This comprehensive glossary of terms is designed for anyone exploring LPN programs and embarking on a rewarding nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Whether you’re researching accredited LPN programs, navigating financial aid options like FAFSA and scholarships, or preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam, this list of 50 essential terms will guide you through various key concepts like clinical rotations, curriculum, and licensure requirements. Aspiring LPN students can use this resource to understand prerequisites, accreditation by bodies like the ACEN, and additional terms that you’re likely to see in your program research. Look over these terms to familiarize yourself with their meaning and to hopefully provide some clarity as you encounter these terms in your search.  Good luck with your search and kudos to you for starting your LPN career journey.

1. Academic advising: Guidance from faculty to support student success in the program.
2. Academic calendar: A schedule of key dates, like semester starts, holidays, and exams.
3. Acceptance letters: Official notifications confirming admission into an LPN program.
4. Accredited program: A program approved by a recognized accrediting body for quality education.
5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): A primary accrediting body for nursing programs.
6. Admission requirements: Criteria, such as GPA or prerequisites, needed for program entry.
7. Anatomy and Physiology: A core course on the human body’s structure and function.
8. Background check: A criminal history review required for healthcare program eligibility.
9. Budgeting: Planning finances to cover tuition, fees, and living costs during the program.
10. Candidate performance report: A detailed analysis of NCLEX-PN exam results.
11. Clinical hours: Mandatory hands-on training time in healthcare settings, often 300-700 hours.
12. Clinical rotations: Supervised practical experience in diverse healthcare environments.
13. Cohort: A group of students progressing through the program together.
14. Cost of attendance: Total expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
15. CPR certification: A required credential in basic life support for healthcare workers.
16. Curriculum: The structured set of courses and training in an LPN program.
17. Drug screening: A substance use test, often required before clinical placements.
18. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): A form to determine federal financial aid eligibility.
19. Fees: Additional costs beyond tuition, such as lab or technology fees.
20. Financial aid: Funding options like grants, loans, or scholarships to offset education costs.
21. Full-time enrollment: Typically 12+ credit hours per semester, impacting aid and duration.
22. Gerontology: The study of aging and elderly care, often included in LPN training.
23. GPA (Grade Point Average): A measure of academic performance, often an admission requirement.
24. Graduation rate: The percentage of students completing the program, indicating its success.
25. Grants: Non-repayable funds based on need or merit to help pay for school.
26. Healthcare terminology: Specialized medical language learned in LPN courses.
27. Internship: Optional or required work experience, sometimes part of clinical training.
28. Job placement rate: The percentage of graduates employed as LPNs, reflecting program outcomes.
29. Licensure: Official authorization to practice as an LPN, earned after passing the NCLEX-PN.
30. Loan forgiveness: Programs reducing student loan debt for working in underserved areas.
31. NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses): The licensing exam for LPNs.
32. Nursing fundamentals: Basic skills and knowledge taught early in LPN programs.
33. Nutrition: The study of dietary needs and health, often part of LPN coursework.
34. Part-time enrollment: Taking fewer courses per semester, extending program length.
35. Pass rate: The percentage of students passing the NCLEX-PN, a measure of program quality.
36. Patient care: Hands-on skills for assisting patients, a core LPN responsibility.
37. Pharmacology: The study of medications, a critical LPN curriculum component.
38. Prerequisites: Required courses (e.g., biology) completed before program entry.
39. Program duration: The typical length of an LPN program, often 12-18 months full-time.
40. Scholarships: Merit- or need-based funds that don’t require repayment.
41. Scope of practice: The legal limits of an LPN’s duties, varying by state.
42. Simulation lab: A training area with mannequins or equipment to practice nursing skills.
43. State board of nursing: The regulatory body overseeing LPN licensure and practice in each state.
44. Student loans: Borrowed funds for education, repayable with interest after completion.
45. Syllabus: A document outlining course objectives, assignments, and expectations.
46. Transfer credits: Credits from prior education applied toward LPN program requirements.
47. Tuition: The base cost of the LPN program, excluding additional fees.
48. Uniforms: Required attire, like scrubs, for clinical settings, often an extra cost.
49. Vocational school: An institution offering practical training, such as LPN programs.
50. Waitlist: A list for applicants if a program is full, offering admission if spots open.