CLPN (NADONA) - Licensed Practical Nurse Certification

The Licensed Practical Nurse Certification (CLPN), offered by NADONA/LTC, is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) specializing in long-term care. This certification demonstrates the nurse’s expertise in managing patient care, understanding the unique needs of long-term care residents, and adhering to regulatory standards in the LTC environment. 

Completion Time: Information not published online. Contact NADONA for details.

Cost: Information not published online. Contact NADONA for details.

Exam Format

The examination typically includes multiple-choice questions covering long-term care management, patient care, infection control, medication management, and LTC regulations.

This exam also includes various scenarios that describe different situations and allows the nurse to choose the most appropriate course of action that falls within the LPN scope of practice for the resident. It is designed to assess your fundamental knowledge of how and what to observe while providing care to elderly individuals.

Last updated June 2024. Information was verified on NADONA’s official website at that time. Please reach out to NADONA for the most recent updates.

Eligibility

• Current, active LPN license.

• Experience working in a long-term care setting.

• Completion of specific educational requirements or professional development activities related to long-term care.

Certification Process

• Apply for the LPN Certification in Long-Term Care through NADONA/LTC.

• Meet the eligibility criteria, including required experience and education.

• Successfully pass the certification examination.

• After passing the exam, you are permitted to use the initials CLPN with your name and license.

• Certification must be renewed every 3 years.

• Requires at least 1,000 hours of employment in long-term care during the 3-year cycle.

• Must complete 50 continuing education hours, including:

  • 25 hours in leadership, budgeting, aging, Medicare/Medicaid, or regulatory issues.

  • 20 hours from ANCC-accredited providers.

• Renewal is due on the last day of the month of your original certification date.

Continuing education for LPNs in LTC may include topics such as geriatric care, chronic disease management, regulatory updates, and leadership skills in long-term care settings.

For specific information regarding the Licensed Practical Nurse Certification in Long-Term Care, including eligibility criteria, examination details, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care (NADONA/LTC). NADONA/LTC provides resources, educational programs, and certification opportunities for nursing professionals in the long-term care sector.

Career Opportunities

Certified LPNs in LTC work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care environments.

They provide direct patient care, administer medications, coordinate with healthcare teams, and ensure compliance with long-term care standards and regulations.

The NADONA also offers the following certifications:

• Assisted Living Nurse Certificate (CALN)

• Certified Director of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care (CDONA-LTC)

• Geriatric Diabetic Certified Nurse (GDCN)

The Geriatric Diabetic Certified Professional (GDCP) has been discontinued.