As students progress, the curriculum becomes more specialized. These courses prepare LPNs to care for patients with complex needs in various healthcare settings.
Medical‑Surgical Nursing
Often the largest and most comprehensive course, med‑surg nursing covers:
- Common diseases and disorders
- Diagnostic tests and lab interpretation
- Surgical care and postoperative monitoring
- Fluid and electrolyte balance
- Pain management
- Wound care
- Chronic illness management
Students learn to apply the nursing process—assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation—to adult patients with acute or chronic conditions.
Maternal‑Newborn Nursing
This course focuses on:
- Prenatal care
- Labor and delivery
- Postpartum care
- Newborn assessment
- Breastfeeding support
- Common complications
LPNs often work in long‑term care or outpatient settings, but understanding maternal‑newborn care is essential for comprehensive training.
Pediatric Nursing
Pediatric nursing covers:
- Growth and development
- Childhood illnesses
- Immunizations
- Family‑centered care
- Communication with children
- Safety and injury prevention
Students learn how to adapt procedures and communication for younger patients.
Mental Health Nursing
This course introduces:
- Common psychiatric disorders
- Therapeutic communication
- Crisis intervention
- Substance use disorders
- De‑escalation techniques
- Legal and ethical issues in mental health care
LPNs frequently encounter patients with mental health needs in all settings, making this course vital.
Geriatric Nursing
Given that many LPNs work in long‑term care, geriatric nursing is a major focus. Topics include:
- Aging physiology
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Polypharmacy
- Fall prevention
- End‑of‑life care
- Chronic disease management
Students learn to support older adults with dignity, respect, and evidence‑based care.