1) What types of licensed vocational nursing programs and degrees are available?
LVN, LPN – Licensed Vocational Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse: These acronyms and names are one in the same. Licensed practical nurses are also called LVN, licensed vocational nurse, in some states. Vocational nurses are trained to care for patients and perform basic nursing tasks.
2) What are the degree or experience requirements to be a licensed vocational nurse?
Students must have a high school diploma or GED to be admitted into most vocational nursing programs. Most training programs take one year to complete. Vocational or practical nursing training can be online or in a traditional classroom setting at many community colleges and online universities. There are more training programs that bridge into a higher degree and career placements for students who want to start as an LVN and advance to become registered nurses or nurse practitioners. All states and the District of Columbia require LVNs and LPNs to pass a licensing examination, NCLEX-PN, after completing a state-approved, accredited vocational or practical nursing program.
3) Things to consider when choosing an online vocational nursing program.
Consider your options first. Don’t jump on the first licensed vocational nursing college application you find. First only consider schools with professional, nationally-recognized accreditations. What is the best way for you to attend school? Do you have the discipline to do attend your online class and take the tests each week or so? If not, you may want to try a traditional classroom setting. If you can work independently, begin your licensed vocational nursing online degree program search. You’ll need to fill out a FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to receive any grants from the federal government and your school. So get your tax things together and send the form in as soon as possible. Be sure to check for early-priority dates and deadlines. Choose the program that you feel most comfortable with, provided you get accepted to several schools. Also evaluate tuition costs and scholarship and grant offerings. Different states set different requirements for practicing nurses. Check your local laws to see the state requirements to practice nursing.
4) What schools offer licensed practical nursing degrees?
- Chamberlain College of Nursing – The Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a licensed practical nursing to registered nursing (LPN to RN) bridge program completely online as well as on campus in Columbus, Ohio. According to the college, more than 80% of all students attending Chamberlain College of Nursing receive some form of financial assistance.
- Indiana State College – Indiana State College’s Department of Nursing offers an online bachelor’s degree in nursing track for licensed practical nurses (LPN-BS) and a track for registered nurses (RN-BS) to complete their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.
- Virginia College – Virginia College offers traditional classroom practical nursing training diploma programs in Jacksonville, Mississippi and Pensacola, Florida. Virginia College is a private institution, and financial planning for college is available.
- Concorde Career Colleges – Concorde Career Colleges offer practical nursing programs in Aurora, Colorado; Jacksonville, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri and Portland, Oregon. Concorde Colleges offer hands-on training for practical nurses for one year.
5) What salary and careers are available to students with a licensed vocational nursing degree?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of LVNs or LPNs is expected to grow 14 percent between 2006 and 2016, or faster than average. Licensed vocational nurses earn between $37,000 and $42,000 according to the handbook report.
6) Resources for licensed vocational nursing students.
2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed Practical Nurses – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report on the training and responsibilities as well as the career forecast for licensed practical or vocational nurses. Payscale.com: Practical Nurse Salary – Payscale.com’s official survey on practical/vocational nurses’ salaries for 2009. National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses – The organization to join when you have your degree! This site also has some resourceful information on practical or vocational nursing. Wikipedia: Licensed Practical Nurses – Wikipedia’s page dedicated to licensed vocational or practical nurses. As with all sources on the Internet, always double-check your facts. Wikipedia can be altered by nearly anyone with an account.