LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) is an entry-level job in the nursing profession. LPN is the term used in much of the United States and most Canadian provinces. LPNs function as the registered nurses’ (RN) helper, delivering basic nursing care to a large variety of clienteles. The LPN’s main duty is to provide essential care to the patients, such as assisting them during feeding, ambulation, bathing, and grooming. They can also carry out immediate-level tasks, such as monitoring the patient’s vital signs, collecting routine laboratory examinations, and in certain states, to administer medications. LPNs usually undergo a comprehensive 12-month training that covers the following subjects: fundamentals of nursing, basic health care, nutrition, and poison control. After completion of the program, students will have to take a licensure examination to be eligible to practice in the state.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must have a High School Graduation/GED/Equivalent Certification.
Must not have any criminal record
Must not be drugs or alcohol addicted
Must have good grades in subjects such as biology, psychology, mathematics.

The duration of the LPN program is one year in general but through an associate degree program it is of two years. The student can however give the exam of NCLEX-PN, the certification examination of LPN conducted by Pearson-VUE, after completion of his first year. There are LPN-to-RN bridge programs in the training schools that may assist you in becoming a Registered Nurse. The fee of the NCLEX-PN exam is $300 and tuition fees for the course of LPN Program is different in every school. The list of schools that provide the training for LPN programs and are accredited by the nursing board or some accreditation council is as under:-

Arkansas Northeastern College, Blytheville
Arkansas State University, Beebe
Arkansas State University, Main Campus
Arkansas State University, Newport
Arkansas Tech University, Russellville
Black River Technical College   Pocahontas
Cassatt Community College of the University of Arkansas, De Queen
National Park Community College, Hot Springs
North Arkansas College, Harrison
Ouachita Technical College, Malvern
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Helena
Pulaski Technical College, North Little Rock
Rich Mountain Community College, Mina
Southeast Arkansas College, Pine Bluff
Southern Arkansas University Tech, Camden
University of Arkansas at Monticello
University of Arkansas Community College, Hope

Over 135 years ago, many German-Swiss immigrants traveled well into the south central United States to stake their claim. And back in the 1870′s, the beautiful Ozark Mountain area of northwestern Arkansas seemed an appropriate place to begin. Rolling mountains, while not quite the height or splendor of the Swiss Alps, offered a reminder of home.

And so, a large German-Swiss settlement blossomed in the west/northwest area of Arkansas, “The Natural State”. Now, almost a century and a half later, this European influence is still felt in a unique area of the state, roughly between Little Rock in the state’s center and Fort Smith, at its’ western boundary. Not far off of Interstate I-40, about 50 minutes east of Fort Smith, you’ll find Arkansas Wine Country.

Traveling west/northwest out of Little Rock (actually, North Little Rock) on Interstate 40, it’s about 140 miles to the heart of Arkansas wine country. As you travel outside of Little Rock, you’ll notice the topography changing … lush valleys and rolling mountains … a perfect subclimate for grape growing and wine making. Approximately two hours outside of Little Rock on Interstate 40, look for exit 41, Arkansas Route 186. Go south about five miles on 186 and you’ll enter the charming and historic town of Altus, heart of Arkansas wine country and home to four area wineries. Let’s take a closer look.

Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards and Winery: Directly on Rt. 186, actually just two miles off I-40 and before you reach the town of Altus,is Chateau Aux Arc, the world’s largest propagator of Cynthiana grapes. Be sure to check out their gorgeous tasting room, situated on top of St. Mary’s mountain. Enjoy the view of the Arkansas River Valley while you taste the fruit of Chateau Aux Arc’s labor.

Mount Bethel Winery: Three generations of the Post family have proudly guided this beautiful historic winery. Just 1/4 mile east of the town of Altus, Mount Bethel Winery offers a full selection of reds, whites, and fruit wines. Since Arkansas is a renowned fruit producer, we decided to try the Elderberry and Blackberry wines, both produced from fruit grown and hand picked by the Post family. Both were sweet, tangy, and quite enjoyable. Mount Bethel is also renowned for their port wine, Big Daddy Port.

Post Familie Vineyards and Winery: On to downtown Altus, where one block north on Rt. 186 stands the Post Familie Vineyards and Winery. They say the scenery in this area is just as beautiful as Napa Valley and we wouldn’t disagree! Post Familie is known for their muscadine wines (a southern specialty), as well as a very nice Pinot Grigio.

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars: A pioneer in the U.S. wine industry (Wiederkehr is Bonded Winery #8), Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is an introduction to the Swiss winemaking heritage. Housed in an Alpine lodge, Wiederkehr offers 45 minute winery and cellar tours for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into winemaking. We enjoyed a German-Swiss lunch in their onsite restaurant, the Weinkeller Restaurant. As for wine, try Wiederkehr’s deliciously dry Johannisberg Riesling or their unique, crisp Verdelet, a white wine made from a French developed grape variety.

Cowie Wine Cellars and Museum: Our last stop takes us to the smallest winery in Arkansas, Cowie Wine Cellars and Museum. Located three miles west of Paris, Arkansas on scenic Rt. 22, Cowie Wine Cellars is a must stop, not just to taste and buy their wines, but also to see their museum, dedicated to the art of Arkansas winemaking and Arkansas wineries.