Vocational Nurse Program FAQs

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, he or she practices under the direction of a Physician, Registered Nurse, or other advanced healthcare professional.² He or she has also passed the NCLEX-PN examination and is 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 Mar. 31, 2022.)
² “Licensed Vocational Nurses.” Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The State of California. 2022. (Accessed Mar. 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 roughly *13 months or *52 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 *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 sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN.

On the other hand, a Registered Nurse (RN) is someone who has completed a higher level of education and sat for and passed the NCLEX-RN. To be considered a Registered Nurse, one must complete either associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Associate degree programs may include the Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) or the Associate of Science in Nursing (LVN to RN). Bachelor’s degree programs may consist of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LVN to BSN), or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN).

Within the US, 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 for general 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 lay persons and patients for general understanding, then applied as reference points among similar roles. Titles differ between geographic locations, such as what a nurse is called in England versus what one is called in New York, with slight differences 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, and Triage LPN (Triage Licensed Practical Nurse).¹ Within the US, state regulations govern title usage, and one term may not be automatically transferable. 

Citation:

¹ “29-2061.00-Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.” O*NET Online, National Center for O*NET Development. (Accessed Feb. 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 with parent or guardian consent. 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 contact you. Or you can call us at 1-877-GURNICK.

Learn more info about admission requirements.

Please find more info about the foreign transcript/diploma evaluation process.

Please find more info about the foreign transcript/diploma evaluation process.

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 before admission 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 have flexible payment options and options for private student loans.

Learn more about program length and schedule.

Learn more about our program length and schedule.

Please find more info in the Catalog and Addendum.

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 state licensure. 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 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 maintained part-time employment and have completed the program.

Generally, a Vocational Nurse Diploma Program includes the following coursework.
Nursing Fundamentals

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Clinical Nutrition
• Clinical Lab, I, II, III, IV
• Medical-Surgical Nursing I, II
• Pharmacology I, II
• Obstetric Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing 
• Psychiatric Nursing 
• Preparation for NCLEX-PN.

Generally, an A.S. in Vocational Nursing Degree program includes the following coursework. 

• Nursing Fundamentals
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Clinical Nutrition
• Clinical Lab, I, II, III, IV
• Medical–Surgical Nursing I, II
• Pharmacology I, II
• Obstetric Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing 
• Psychiatric Nursing 
• Human Body in Health and Disease I and II, with Labs
• General Microbiology with Lab
• English Reading and Composition
• Algebra 
• General Psychology
• Nutrition in Health and Disease
• Critical Thinking
• Introduction to Sociology
• Public Speaking, Basics of Effective Communication
• Preparation for NCLEX-PN.

According to Indeed.com, standard courses within the ADN program include:

• Behavioral Health
• Foundations in Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Gerontology
• Maternal Nursing
• Nursing Health Assessments
• Medical-surgical Nursing
• Community Health
• Immunology.¹

According to Indeed.com, standard courses within the ASN program include:

• Pharmacology
• Mental Health
• Obstetrics
• Health Assessment
• NCLEX Review
• Health Science
• Nursing Leadership.¹

Citations:

^{1^a, b} Indeed Staff. “ADN vs. ASN vs. AAS Nursing Degrees: What’re the Differences?” Indeed Career Guide. May 21, 2021. (Accessed June 7, 2022.)

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

Citation:

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, US 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 consist of hospitals, outpatient imaging facilities, and private doctors’ offices. It is the student’s responsibility to commute to the various externship sites. The list of clinics is fluid and ever-changing.

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 a Licensed Vocational Nursing route as a bridge en route to a Registered Nursing career, or they may stop at the Licensed Vocational Nursing level. Some students stop, work, then later enter a Registered Nursing route. Other students never become Licensed Vocational Nurses and instead follow a direct pathway to becoming Registered Nurses. While there are various options for the profession, nursing education is seldom lost on any student and can often be used in multiple ways, places, times, and settings. 

To view the fee breakdown, please see our program fees section.

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 teach NCLEX preparation classes towards the program’s end and conduct reviews and 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 US 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 according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors, including stress, education, flexibility, work-life balance, and other factors.¹ 

Citation:

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

According to US 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.” US News and World Report, L.P.  2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

Beyond helping, caring, and serving others, many Licensed Vocational Nurses report general satisfaction within their professions. According to US 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, #5 in Best Health Care Support Jobs, and #20 in Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree. Jobs are judged according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors, including stress, education, flexibility, work-life balance, and other factors.¹ 

Citation:

¹ “Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Overview.” US 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 that 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. Dec. 13, 2018. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)

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

Citation:

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

According to Indeed.com 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; 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 Feb. 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 Licensed Vocational Nurses 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  The Licensed Vocational Nurse may administer fluids, medication, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), blood or blood products via central venous catheters and central lines, access these lines for blood draws, and administration of emergency cardiac medications via IV push if the following occurs: The LVN/LPN has 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. Dec. 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 has 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 different policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Further, states vary in Licensed Vocational Nurses’ scopes of practice. Generally, a Licensed Vocational Nurse may give oral pain medication and insulin injections as prescribed by physicians. The Licensed Vocational Nurse 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. Licensed Vocational Nurses who have completed IV therapy training may also start, manage, and discontinue intravenous lines.¹ The Licensed Vocational Nurse 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, she or she 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. Dec. 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.)