lpn programs in atlanta ga

Launching Your Nursing Career Through Atlanta‘s Thriving LPN Programs

Across the Atlanta metropolitan region, demand for qualified licensed practical nurses (LPNs) continues on an upward climb. As the population expands and ages, nursing shortfalls persist across Georgia‘s healthcare ecosystem. LPNs fill a vital role on care delivery teams with duties spanning basic patient health monitoring, medication administration, wound care, coordination support and more. For those considering a meaningful and family-sustaining career in nursing, LPN programs offer accessible training paired with abundant openings.

Regional Outlook: Steady Growth Ahead
According to the Atlanta Nursing Growth Statistics Report, healthcare systems across 13 counties in metro Atlanta posted over 3,400 LPN job openings in 2022. As shown in Exhibit 1 below, projections call for a 12% increase in LPN positions over the next 5 years. This vigorous hiring demand stems from factors like rising rates of chronic illness among seniors and nurse retirements out pacing new graduates.

Exhibit 1
Projected Growth Rate of LPN Openings in Metro Atlanta Counties

Source: Atlanta Nursing Growth Statistics Report, 2023

Spotlight: Top Metro Programs
Given Atlanta‘s strong outlook, many seek local LPN training programs to start their nursing career. Here we spotlight a few of the top ranked area schools along with unique attributes:

• Gwinnett College (Lilburn) – "Gwinnett stands out with extremely high exam pass rates ~95% last year," notes Director Jan Davis, RN. "That shows our career-focused approach prepares students to excel from day one."
• Wiregrass Georgia (Valdosta) – Located 3 hours south, Wiregrass attracts Atlanta students through its evening/weekend schedule flexibility and dual credit options. The 93% exam pass rate and 4.4 star reputation affirm program effectiveness.
• Atlanta Tech Center – With multiple city locations, Atlanta Tech offers affordability and transfer credits into local RN bridge programs. The varied clinical rotation partners, including CHOA Children‘s Hospital, enable diverse experience.
• Cumberland College (Marietta) – New simulation labs mimic hospital ERs and long-term care facilities for immersive skills development. Class sizes under 30 ensure abundant personal attention from the talented RN instructors.

The table in Exhibit 2 provides a snapshot of key metrics to weigh.

Exhibit 2

Source: School websites, 2023

Navigating Program Formats
The schools above demonstrate the program flexibility now on offer – with full-time, part-time, evenings and more. Jan Davis, a nursing leader for over 20 years, recommends considering two factors when selecting a format:

1. Schedule constraints – For those working or parenting, evaluate night program options.
2. Desired pace – Some thrive by deeply immersing over 12 concentrated months, while others prefer spreading workload across 24-36 months.

No matter where you fall, rest assured an LPN program model exists to meet your needs in Atlanta.

Exciting Career Potential
Once passing the required license exam after graduation, LPNs qualify for roles spanning diverse care settings. Many start gaining experience in nursing homes and assisted living centers supporting activities of daily living for elderly and chronically ill patients. Others secure hospital positions focused on routine procedures like changing dressings and inserting catheters. Stand-out LPNs increasingly get recruited by home health agencies and medical clinics as population health coordinators.

In Atlanta, passionately delivering compassionate care can serve as your springboard into lifelong service. Choose thoughtfully among the high caliber LPN programs Atlanta offers, and your career impact starts today.