Vocational Nurse Program

The definition of a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is an entry-level healthcare provider who is responsible for rendering basic nursing care within a directed scope of practice.¹ While performing a limited range of nursing functions, they practice under the direction of a Physician, Registered Nurse, or other advanced healthcare professional.² 

They have also passed the NCLEX-PN examination and are licensed by a state board of nursing, which allows them to provide patient care.

Citations

¹ “Licensed Vocational Nurse Scope of Practice.” Texas Board of Nursing, Texas.Gov. 2013. (Accessed March 31, 2022.)
² “Licensed Vocational Nurses.” Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The State of California. 2022. (Accessed March 15, 2022.)

Yes, a Registered Nurse’s role is a higher level of education, pay, and skill than a Licensed Vocational Nurse’s role. Based on geographic and workplace requisites, one may be eligible for a role as a Licensed Vocational Nurse by completing either:

a)  Vocational Nurse Diploma program;

<OR>

b)  An Associate of Science (A.S) in Vocational Nursing program. At Gurnick Academy, completion is as follows:

• A Vocational Nursing Diploma program takes approximately 12 months or 48 approved instructional weeks to complete.

<OR>

• An Associate of Science degree takes approximately 8 months to complete. However, enrolling in an A.S. in Vocational Nursing program requires prior completion of a VN Diploma program, then eight *(8) months or *30 approved instructional weeks.

(See the above bullet.)

Other schools often integrate general educational courses, so students graduate with an ASVN, not just the VN Diploma. Gurnick Academy students complete the diploma program before applying to the AS in Vocational Nursing program. Vocational Nursing students from either program must pass the NCLEX-PN.

On the other hand, a Registered Nurse (RN) is someone who has completed a higher level of education and passed the NCLEX-RN.

To be considered a Registered Nurse, one must complete either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Associate degree programs may include the following: 

• Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN)
  
• Associate of Science in Nursing (LVN to RN).

Bachelor’s degree programs may consist of the following:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LVN to BSN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN).

Within the U.S., Licensed Vocational Nurses are referred to as Licensed Practical Nurses, except in two regions.¹ In California and Texas, these same professionals are termed Licensed Vocational Nurses. Generally speaking, titles denote the same positions within nursing in terms of rank, staff, education, pay, and scope.

Citation

¹ Admin. “Difference Between LPN and LVN.” Compare the Differences Between Similar Terms. 2011. (Accessed March 31, 2022.)

Usually, these titles are used interchangeably by laypersons and patients for general understanding, then applied as reference points among similar roles. Titles differ between geographic locations, such as the titles used for nurses in England versus those in New York, with slight variations in duties and responsibilities. 

According to O*NET, Licensed Vocational Nurses use other terms, including:

• Charge Nurse
  
• Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (Clinic LPN)
  
• Clinic Nurse
  
• Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse (Home Health LPN)
  
• Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
  
• Office Nurse
  
• Pediatric LPN (Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse)
  
• Private Duty Nurse
  
• Radiation Oncology Nurse
• Triage LPN (Triage Licensed Practical Nurse).¹
  

Within the U.S., state regulations govern the use of titles, and one term may not be automatically transferable from one state to another. 

Citation

¹ “29-2061.00-Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.” O*NET Online, National Center for O*NET Development. (Accessed February 28, 2022.)

The question isn’t whether something is simple or complex. The length, training, and scope of professional practice for a Licensed Vocational Nursing route represent time and educational commitment. The program requires a commitment to the profession.

You must be at least 17 years of age to be admitted to the Essential Medical Bioscience prerequisites course, provided you have obtained consent from a parent or guardian. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the beginning of the core program.

You can fill out our online contact form to have information mailed to you, or a school representative can contact you.

Learn more about admission requirements.

Please find more information about the process for evaluating foreign transcripts and diplomas.

Please find more information about the process for evaluating foreign transcripts and diplomas.

Please click on the link for more info about the CCAT exam.

To qualify for the Vocational Nurse program, you must pass the CCAT exam.

Please click on the link for more info about the CCAT exam.

Regardless of degree or background, all applicants must pass the entrance exam to be admitted into the program.

Click on the link to learn more about the prerequisite courses for the VN program.

Our prerequisite courses are offered before each program start date, usually twice per year.

It is approximately ten (10) weeks or 80-course hours.

Prerequisites are separate from the program and are not included in the program length.

Click on the link to learn more about our VN program accreditation.

We offer flexible payment options and private student loan options.

Learn more about program length and schedule.

Learn more about our program length and schedule.

Please find more info in the Catalog and Addendum.

View the Addendum to review all scheduled breaks during the school year.

Review the Catalog and Addendum for information about limitations to acceptance into the Vocational Nurse program.

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) requires a background check for licensure in the state. If your criminal history involves violent, substance abuse, and sexually violent crimes, clinical facilities may deny your participation.

The program is considered a full-time program, even though students are not required to be on campus full-time.

Students cannot switch back and forth between day and evening classes. Students can enroll only in the day schedule or night schedule (not both).

However, special circumstances may be accommodated at the discretion of the instructor or program director.

With careful time management, many students have successfully maintained part-time employment while completing the program.

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses work in many settings, including nursing homes, extended care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and private homes. Most work full-time.¹

Citation

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

Learn more about our program length and schedule.

An externship will be provided for all of our students.

Your externship will be provided through our affiliated clinical facilities. These facilities include hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and private doctors’ offices. It is the student’s responsibility to commute to the various externship sites. The list of clinics is constantly evolving.

Learn more about our program length and schedule.

All externships are unpaid.

All students will be continually evaluated by the program director/clinical coordinator and the student’s clinical instructor. These evaluations will take place at the externship site(s). All students will be notified in advance of their upcoming evaluations.

One may take the Licensed Vocational Nursing route as a bridge to a Registered Nursing career, or they may choose to stop at the LVN level. Some students stop, work, and then later enter an RN route. Other students never become LVNs but instead follow a direct pathway to becoming RNs.

While there are various options for the profession, nursing education is seldom overlooked by any student. It can often be applied in multiple ways, at various times, and in diverse settings. 

Prerequisites are billed separately from the program and are not included in the program cost.

Click on the link for more info about program fees.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

Contact the Financial Aid Department if you have questions about Sallie Mae loans.

The Vocational Nurse Program is a diploma program.

Yes, we assist with job placements for all students who complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

NCLEX test preparation is strongly emphasized throughout our students’ entire curriculum at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. We also offer NCLEX preparation classes near the program’s end and conduct reviews, as well as optional NCLEX preparation courses.

Yes. However, Licensed Vocational Nurses are limited in scope and practice and must be supervised by a physician, Registered Nurse, or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).¹ 

Citation

¹ “Nursing Licensure and Scope of Practice in California.” Nursing Explorer. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)

According to U.S. News and World Report, Licensed Vocational Nurses received an overall score of 6.3 out of ten in job satisfaction. LVNs ranked #4 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree, #5 in Best Health Care Support Jobs, and #20 in Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree. 

Ratings are determined by their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors, including stress, education, flexibility, work-life balance, and other relevant considerations.¹

Citation

¹ “Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Overview.” U.S. News and World Report, L.P. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

According to U.S. News and World Report, Licensed Vocational Nurses made a median salary of $48,820 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent earned $57,860 yearly, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $42,060.¹ In California, Licensed Vocational Nurses have a mean annual salary of $64,090.¹

Citation

¹ “Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Overview.” U.S. News and World Report, L.P. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

Beyond helping, caring for, and serving others, many Licensed Vocational Nurses report general satisfaction with their profession. According to U.S. News and World Report, LPNs/LVNs receive a score of 6.3 out of ten in overall satisfaction and rank ^#4 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree and ^#5 in Best Health Care Support Jobs. They also rank ^#20 in Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree. Jobs are evaluated based on their ability to offer a unique blend of factors, including stress, education, flexibility, work-life balance, and other key considerations.¹

Citation

¹ “Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Overview.” U.S. News and World Report, L.P. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

According to the online resource, Minority Nurse, poor management and the lack of support from their management teams are among the most significant complaints nurses report.

What makes a poor manager? Nurses may say it is a manager who doesn’t value open communication and feedback from their staff.¹ Another chief complaint within the profession seems to be burnout. Most often, burnout is due to staffing shortages. ¹ 

Citation

^{1^a, b} Johnson, Nachole. “Why Good Nurses Leave the Profession.” Minority Nurse, Springer Publishing Company. December 13, 2018. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is projected to grow by nine percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.¹

Citation

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

According to Indeed.com, the most commonly asked interview questions for Licensed Vocational Nurses include the following: 

• Why do you want to work here?
• Why did you become an LVN/LPN?
• Why did you leave your previous position? 
• Where do you see yourself in five years? 
• What are your biggest strengths? 
• What are your biggest weaknesses?¹

Citation

¹ Indeed Editorial Team. “31 Interview Questions for LPNs and Example Answers.” Indeed Career Guide. June 23, 2021. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

According to O*NET, some of the tools Licensed Vocational Nurses use include the following items. 

• Hypodermic needles—hollow needles; intramuscular needles; intravenous IV needles; subcutaneous hypodermic needles.
• Intravenous or arterial infusion bags or containers—bag infusion systems; closed infusion systems; open infusion systems; safety infusion systems.
• Nebulizers—electronic compressor nebulizers; pediatric nebulizers; portable nebulizers; ultrasonic nebulizers.
• Patient stabilization or fall prevention devices—ankle restraints, gait belts, lap belts, and restraints.
• Spirometers—handheld spirometers; personal computer PC-based spirometers; pocket spirometers; pulmonary function testing PFT equipment.¹

Citation

¹ “29-2061.00–Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.” O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development. (Accessed February 28, 2022.)

Licensed Vocational Nurses observe patients, perform basic assessments, and report and document changes in patient conditions. They also measure vital signs, perform medical treatments, and administer physician-prescribed medications.¹ LVNs must be supervised by physicians, Registered Nurses, or APRNs.²

Citations

¹ Detailed Guide for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Fresno County. Employment Development Department. The State of California. 2022. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)
² “Nursing Licensure and Scope of Practice in California.” Nursing Explorer. (Accessed June 9, 2022.)

Yes, in California, a Licensed Vocational Nurse may withdraw blood.¹ An LVN may administer fluids, medication, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), blood, or blood products via central venous catheters and central lines. They may access these lines for blood draws and the administration of emergency cardiac medications via IV push if the following conditions are met: The LVN/LPN holds a current ACLS certification.^{2, 3}

Citations

¹ “Nursing Licensure and Scope of Practice in California.” Nursing Explorer. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)
² “Can an LVN Draw Blood in California?” SeniorCare2Share. December 17, 2021. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)
³ “Frequently Asked Questions.” Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The State of California. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

The BVNPT Board will consider a Licensed Vocational Nurse as competent to start and superimpose intravenous fluids via primary or secondary infusion lines who have completed one of the following:

(a)  A course in intravenous therapy approved by the Board.

(b)  Submitted certification, satisfactory to the Board, by one of the persons specified that the licensee has been instructed in the subject areas specified and that the licensee has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to practice venipuncture safely.¹ 

Citation

¹ “Intravenous Therapy.” Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The State of California. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

Every institution has its own unique policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Furthermore, states vary in the scopes of practice for Licensed Vocational Nurses. Generally, an LVN may give oral pain medication and insulin injections as prescribed by physicians. LVNs can often provide oral chemotherapy drugs, watching closely for side effects after the medication has been given.¹

Citation

¹ “Can LPNs Administer Medication?” Practical Nursing.org. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

Yes, in California, a Licensed Vocational Nurse may administer medications, including injections and immunizations, and perform skin tests. LVNs who have completed IV therapy training may also start, manage, and discontinue intravenous lines.¹

An LVN may administer fluids, medication, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), blood, or blood products via central venous catheters and central lines. They may access these lines for blood draws and administration of emergency cardiac medications via IV push if they have current ACLS certification.² However, they may not prescribe these procedures. 

Citations

¹ “Nursing Licensure and Scope of Practice in California.” Nursing Explorer. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)
² “Can an LVN Draw Blood in California?” SeniorCare2Share. December 17, 2021. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)

The Board of Nursing in each state defines what level of care Licensed Vocational Nurses can and can’t provide through an official document called their “scope of practice.”¹

Citation
¹ “Frequently Asked Questions.” Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The State of California. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)