LVN Schools and Programs
A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is also called a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in many states. LVNs are trained and certified nurses who work directly with patients. Although LVNs are not registered nurses (RNs), they may perform many of the same duties as an RN.
How to Become an LVN
To enter an LVN program, you usually need a high school diploma. Traditional LVN schools are brick-and-mortar, with clinical experience in nearby facilities. If you want to work and take classes, you might choose an online nursing program. However, if you take LVN classes online, you still need to do in-person, on-site clinical practice before you graduate. And, as with any nursing program, make sure your state's board of nursing accepts the coursework in your state. After completing your LVN program, you can take the LVN licensing exam. If you pass the exam, you may provide basic patient care including the following:
- Taking vital signs
- Changing dressings
- Giving medications
Depending on where you work, you could also take charge of other LVNs or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
Where LVNs Work
Once you earn your LVN diploma, you could work in the following places:
- An acute care hospital caring for acutely ill patients
- A long-term care facility
- Rehabilitation
- A doctor's office
- Home care
Many people who enter the licensed vocational nursing field upgrade their skills and education and attend LVN to RN or LVN to BSN programs. And, LVNs typically know what to expect if they become RNs. An LVN who returns to nursing school could move up to management or specialty roles.
The Future for LVNs
The demand for qualified LVNs is growing as the population gets older and lives longer with various illnesses and conditions. Demand for those who possess an LVN certificate will grow 21 percent between 2008 and 2018. The average income for an LVN depends on the state and place of employment. Income ranges from the mid-$20,000s to the $50,000 range. Median salary is about $39,000. This is somewhat lower than RNs who make between $40,000 and $90,000. Median income for RNs is about $62,000.
Nursing and Health Care Schools
Brown Mackie College - Akron
Improve your career skills with a quality education from a Brown Mackie College. Choose from many different career-track programs in today's most in-demand fields.
Programs Offered:
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Brown Mackie College - Cincinnati
Improve your career skills with a quality education from a Brown Mackie College. Choose from many different career-track programs in today's most in-demand fields.
Programs Offered:
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Brown Mackie College - Findlay
Improve your career skills with a quality education from a Brown Mackie College. Choose from many different career-track programs in today's most in-demand fields.
Programs Offered:
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Brown Mackie College - Fort Wayne
Improve your career skills with a quality education from a Brown Mackie College. Choose from many different career-track programs in today's most in-demand fields.
Programs Offered:
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Brown Mackie College - Kansas City
Improve your career skills with a quality education from a Brown Mackie College. Choose from many different career-track programs in today's most in-demand fields.
Programs Offered:
Certificate in Practical Nursing
Brown Mackie College - Louisville
Improve your career skills with a quality education from a Brown Mackie College. Choose from many different career-track programs in today's most in-demand fields.
Programs Offered:
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Brown Mackie College - Merrillville
Improve your career skills with a quality education from a Brown Mackie College. Choose from many different career-track programs in today's most in-demand fields.
Programs Offered:
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Brown Mackie College - North Canton
Improve your career skills with a quality education from a Brown Mackie College. Choose from many different career-track programs in today's most in-demand fields.
Programs Offered:
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Brown Mackie College - Northern Kentucky
Improve your career skills with a quality education from a Brown Mackie College. Choose from many different career-track programs in today's most in-demand fields.
Programs Offered:
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Brown Mackie College - Salina
Improve your career skills with a quality education from a Brown Mackie College. Choose from many different career-track programs in today's most in-demand fields.
Programs Offered:
Certificate in Practical Nursing