BELLE CHASSE, La. – Thanks to a successful appeal policy started by Senior Airman Kierra Williams, aerospace medical service specialist, 159th Medical Group, aerospace medics of the Louisiana Air National Guard can now use military medical training to obtain their Licensed Practical Nurse license.
Previously, the requirements to become an LPN were vocational training courses which do not include military medical training. After collaborating with Col. Dorrie Staal, 159 MDG commander, and submitting an appeal to the Louisiana Board of Nursing, military medical training credits can apply to LPN training requirements. The appeal recommended that military medical training be equivalent to the LPN vocational courses and was approved by the State licensing board. With the approval of the appeal, it allows aerospace medics to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) without taking the required course.
“It’s a huge win for the State,” said Staal. “It helps the State pipeline to bring more LPNs and helps our Guard members with employment when they return from [Air Force Specialty Code] training.”
Prior to the new change, the only pathway aerospace medics could pursue with military medical training was Emergency Room Emergency Medical Technicians. The new prerequisite for the NCLEX-PN allows and incentivizes Airmen to pursue a medical career as a civilian while continuing to serve and train with the Air Force.
Williams was the first Airman using the change to take the NCLEX-PN. She passed and is now on the way to becoming an LPN.
Staal says that a large portion of the aerospace medics that return from training are pursuing careers as LPNs. She says this is a stepping stone to further their career progression which leads Airmen to pursue a stronger education and commissioning as an officer.
Aerospace medics undergo extensive hands-on training in trauma care, emergency response and patient transport, skills that closely align with those required of LPNs. From administering immunizations to assisting in aeromedical evacuations, these highly skilled professionals supply critical support and are valuable members of any healthcare team.
