Top LVN programs train individuals to become Licensed Vocational Nurses and are similar to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs. If a person is looking to enter into the field of nursing in a short amount of time, it can be of the utmost benefit to pursue the career path of a licensed vocational nurse (LVN).
How Long are Most LVN and LPN Programs?
To successfully complete a top LVN program or LPN program usually takes about one to two years. After doing so, licensure must then be obtained. So, continue reading to learn about the educational and career path of licensed vocational nurses.
What are Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Programs?
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It is through a top LVN program that students learn how to perform a wide range of nursing-related duties. Furthermore, this type of program is typically offered through technical and community colleges located all across the United States. Even though this type of program consists of large amounts of classroom lectures and coursework, much of it is also comprised of hands-on training. After graduating, students are prepared for entry-level positions found in the field of nursing.
LVN LPN Program Prerequisites
To enter a top LVN program, students must first possess a high school diploma. However, some schools will accept a GED as a substitute. Also, there are many schools that require students to first obtain certification as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Furthermore, some schools mandate students complete college-level English and biology courses before enrolling in an LVN program.
Understanding the LVN LPN Coursework
Courses found in a top LVN training program will be comprised of introductory coursework. The training acquired will provide students with a broad overview of the nursing industry, with most courses focusing on the following topics:
- – Pharmacology
- – Fundamental nursing practices
- – Anatomy
- – Medical-surgical nursing
- – Human nutrition
- – Legal and ethical nursing issues
- – Microbiology
- – Physiology
- – Psychology
- – Geriatric nursing
Career Outlook for Licensed Vocational Nurses
According to the BLS, the number of job positions for licensed practical nurses is increasing annually at about 9 percent. This high rate of growth translates to about 60,000 jobs openings per year from 2020 to 2030. Many of these new positions are due to the ever-increasing health needs of the aging population.
Salary Level of Licensed Vocational Nurses
During the year 2021, the average salary of a licensed vocational nurse who graduated from a top LVN program was more than $48,000 a year. Then, with several years of experience, a practical nurse can expect to make upwards of $60,000 a year.
| LVN/LPN Top Industries | LVN/LPN median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Government | $52,210 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | $49,620 |
| Home healthcare services | $48,350 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $47,000 |
| Offices of physicians | $46,870 |
Obtaining Licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse
It is important to note that after completing a top LVN program, a graduate is not entirely ready to enter the workforce as an LVN. First, they must pass an exam, with this exam called the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Each state has specific licensing criteria for practical nurses and also registered nurses. However, nurses must have regular continuing education in every state.
Future Career Paths
Many people that take part in a top LVN program choose to continue their education and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Additionally, some even choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing. With either type of degree, a person is sure to notice an increase in employment opportunities. Furthermore, many of these jobs also lead to a significant increase in pay.
Choosing a Top LVN Program
When choosing an LVN program, it is important to choose one that has accreditation and state approval. In both California and Texas, the boards of nursing publish lists of accredited programs you can view online. It is through top LVN programs that students receive all of the necessary education that it takes to successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. So, to ensure you choose a top LVN or LPN program, ask for a school’s passing rate for the licensure exam. Moreover, applicants should avoid programs with low passing rates.
Another great way to go about choosing a top LVN program is to enroll in one that provides its students with extensive clinical experience opportunities. The program should also teach students how to handle the demanding factors of working in the nursing field, such as long work hours and odd shift changes. If a student has a particular setting he or she wishes to work in after graduating from an LVN program, it is best to take part in a program that offers clinical rotations in a similar setting. For example, if a student desires to work in a pediatric clinic, it will be beneficial to enroll in a program that provides opportunities for the student to gain first-hand experience working in a local pediatric office.
Furthermore, students often find it advantageous to attend a program that allows for educational mobility to take place. Such a program will be one that counts the completed LVN coursework towards the earning of a higher-level degree. By attending this type of program, students will find it much simpler to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree down the road if they desire to.
LVN or LPN Certificate Programs
It is important to keep in mind that not all top LVN programs lead to the earning of a diploma. Instead, some of them lead to the earning of a certificate. Even though a certificate program takes about the same amount of time to complete as a diploma program, many employers prefer for an LVN to possess a diploma rather than a certificate. When choosing a school, students will do their best to choose one that offers an LVN diploma program.
What Does an LVN Do?
A top LVN program will be one that teaches its students how to effectively carry out the many tasks performed by licensed vocational nurses. Such tasks include:
- – Massaging patients
- – Changing bedpans
- – Bathing patients
- – Giving enemas
- – Administering injections
- – Treating bedsores
- – Dressing wounds
- – Monitoring catheters
- – Helping patients walk and eat
- – Checking vital signs
- – Maintaining patient records
- – Perform basic laboratory tests
- – Clean equipment
- – Schedule appointments
- – Answer the phone
- – Oder supplies
- – Collect fluid samples
- – Communicate with insurance companies
Skills Needed to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse
To successfully graduate from a top LVN program, a student must prove he or she has mastered the necessary skills needed to become an LVN. Such skills include:sep
- – Strong interpersonal skills
- – Ability to multitask
- – Be in good physical shape
- – Extremely attentive to detailed instructions
- – Great communication skills
- – Ability to analyze information
- – Top-notch time management skills
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