How to Find a Good Licensed Vocational Nursing Program
Date: March 4, 2021
Pursuing a vocational nursing (VN) career most often begins with an accredited vocational nursing program. Upon program completion and passing the NCLEX-PN, one may become certified to practice as a vocational nurse.
At Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, this program takes 12 months/52 weeks.* The relatively quick entry into the healthcare field allows one to work, make a modest living, and perform vital health and wellness services.
A good place to begin looking for a reputable VN program is on the Internet. It is common for academic programs to use social media, online comment forums, and rating systems. While searching, ask, “What are healthcare agencies and partners saying about this program?” (Keep in mind, all schools have some negative press at one time or another.) The most important question to ask when filtering information is, “Can this school meet my academic needs?” Here are some additional suggestions.
Contact a School’s Admissions Department
Admissions department professionals will likely be more than happy to speak with you. Remember, they are trained to answer inquiries. These professionals can connect you to academic resources, make course outlines available, provide program-specific brochures (digital and hard copy), offer written Q & As, and provide appropriate program materials. They are also likely to arrange a physical or virtual campus tour for you.
Take the Tour
Tours can provide the `pulse’ of a campus, highlight professors, introduce one to staff, and allow one to meet future colleagues. Additionally, admissions personnel can alert you to program information sessions, orientations, registrations, key deadlines, and meetings.
Speak with Career Services
Most colleges and vocational schools have career services with professionals who house vocational information, stay abreast of industry standards, and track successful influencers. These department professionals also keep track of alumni and their accomplishments and make that information available.
Signup for Emails
Most people bristle against email signups, fearing `junk mail.’ However, receiving industry e-newsletters in one’s chosen field can be advantageous. These communications provide pathways, tips, shortcuts, and essential trade information.
Have a VN Mentor
The opportunity may present itself at your next wellness checkup. It may be that friendly face in scrubs taking your blood pressure or the VN down the street. Be respectful of others’ time, yet know a mentor can be a wealth of information you may not easily find elsewhere.
Go to Work
If you’re not sure a VN program is for you, try working as a certified nurses’ assistant (CNA) first. While the duties won’t match entirely, it is a way to experience work within a wellness community and may go far in familiarizing one with nursing basics.
Find a Good VN Program
With some effort. You will undoubtedly find a good VN program. Once you do, you can expect to fill out enrollment forms and go through entrance requirements. The right learning platform will have professionals to aid you. Gurnick Academy helps students make these transitions smoothly. To speak with a Gurnick Academy admissions advisor or Career Services member, call 1-877-GURNICK. *Indicates approved instructional weeks.
