Different Types of LPN Jobs and Career Paths

Different Types of LPN Jobs & Career Paths
A lot of people think that an LPN job or LPN Career is only for nurses. But there are a lot of other careers that can be pursued after completing a nursing program. You don’t have to be a nurse to pursue a career in LPN. 

Many LPN jobs are related to the health industry. For example, you could become an NP or NP-certified registered nurse. You could also work as a medical assistant or caretaker for the elderly. There are so many different career paths that you can take after completing a nursing program. This article discusses different types of LPN jobs and career paths.

Certified Nursing Assistant
A CNA is someone who helps patients with their personal needs. It includes bathing and feeding patients. Your primary responsibility will help them get out of bed and do light housework like washing dishes. This job requires less training than becoming a nurse. The wages may differ depending on what type of facility you work at. Some facilities pay better than others. 

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
There are three levels of APRNs: advanced practice registered nurse practitioner, physician assistant, and clinical nurse specialist. These positions usually involve treating patients instead of just evaluating them. People with these credentials can provide treatment in areas such as mental health, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and geriatric care. They often supervise junior staff. Most APRN salaries depend on how experienced they are. They can earn anywhere from $50K to over $75K per year.

Physician Assistant
These qualified healthcare professionals perform physical examinations while listening to symptoms reported by patients. Their duties include administering vaccinations, taking blood samples, giving injections, etc. Physicians can refer patients directly to them. In addition, if a doctor refers a patient to a PA, they get paid extra. PAs usually charge half as much as physicians for similar services. After graduation, they need 6 years of schooling combined with 3 years of post-baccalaureate education. PAs typically earn between $40K-$60K per year.

Family Nurse Practitioner
FNP is a family care provider who treats children, adults, and elders. FNP salaries vary based on where you live and whether you own your own business. Generally speaking, it takes about 2 years to complete a bachelor’s degree in this field. To become an FNP, one must receive a degree from an accredited university. Students go through extensive classroom sessions and also shadow actual practitioners. The average annual salary is said to be around $59K.

Hospital Staffing Professionals
You can become a staffing professional once you obtain a diploma or degree. This job involves finding high-quality workers to fill vacant positions. These candidates should hold licenses to practice in specific professions. In this position, you have to consider things like prior experience, skills, education level, references, and certifications when interviewing potential employees. In general, hospital staffing professionals earn $53K annually.

Critical Care Registered Nurse
Critical care RNs help patients that are severely injured or ill. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, keep track of medical records, etc. In many cases, they also teach others what they know. You don’t necessarily need a degree to become a critical care nurse. The schooling requirements range from 1-2 years. Many schools offer flexible scheduling options. Some students even finish their schooling online. On average, critical care RNs can expect to earn $65K per year.



Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A CNA assists hospitalized patients during physical therapy, nutrition, wound care, and other treatments. These aides do light housekeeping and meal preparation. They may also feed pets and give baths. CNAs generally need CPR and first aid certificates before beginning a career in this area. Your pay will differ depending on the school attended and the size of the city you work in. It’s not unusual for people with this credential to make an annual salary of $45K.

Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar from teeth, clean instruments, sterilize equipment, and swab surfaces. The typical dental hygiene program includes classroom instruction and hands-on training. This type of professional can assist dentists at clinics and hospitals. Some employers prefer hiring those with more than two years of practical experience. The national average salary for dental hygienists stands at approximately $44K.

Medical-Surgical Tech
A medical-surgical tech performs tasks related to operating rooms. Since there are so many factors involved, it requires teamwork and patience. For example, you might have to wait for lab results or prepare patient wards. Technicians often assist doctors by monitoring machines, ensuring everything is ready for surgery, and assisting surgeons during procedures. To qualify as a technical assistant, you must possess several years of experience in related fields such as nursing, phlebotomy, or radiology. Most technicians make approximately $49K each year.

Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists assess speech disorders and prescribe treatment plans. They create therapies based on a combination of assessments, interviews, tests, and discussions. Their duties include testing, treating children and adults, counseling clients about communication issues, giving presentations, and working closely with educators and physicians. Requirements vary according to state licensing laws; however, most states suggest applicants be licensed vocational/vocational nurses. A Bachelor’s degree is typically required. 

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
This job combines manual labor with health services. PTAs take X-rays, provide massages, lift weights, stretch limbs, and perform various exercise routines. They may also work with physical therapists to treat injuries and disabilities. This occupation requires no formal education after high school graduation. However, applicants should be able to work well under pressure. PTA positions usually call for one month of initial employment followed by 3-6 months of further training. As a result, you’ll find salaries ranging from $19K-$47K annually.

In conclusion, these jobs offer diverse opportunities that allow you to use your skills in ways that may not necessarily apply in the civilian world. If you have strong leadership qualities, excellent time management skills, and want to help others, then consider some of these unique careers.

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