Vocational Nurse Schools and Programs

Vocational Nurses and LVNs

A Licensed Vocational Nurse treats sick or injured patients at physicians' offices, hospitals, convalescent homes, and outpatient clinics. They work under direct supervision of a doctor or registered nurse. If you become an LVN, you may be responsible for a wide range of duties, from taking vital signs to helping patients wash and dress. Because America's population is aging, experts predict an increase in long-term care facilities. Therefore, LVNs may enjoy a prosperous job market.

Vocational Nursing Education Options

Vocational nursing courses may include a wide range of studies:

• First aid
• Gerontology
• Pharmacology
• Anatomy
• Medical terminology
• Medical ethics
• Pediatrics

Many programs also provide hands-on experience in patient care through internships with participating facilities and hospitals in addition to classroom study.

Vocational Nursing Career Overview

To get started in your LVN career, you can attend a one-year college or vocational nursing school program to prepare you for The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). If you want to prepare as quickly as possible, you may find accelerated nursing LVN classes.

Compensation and Career Outlook for Vocational Nurses

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2009 median annual salary for vocational nurses was $39,820, with top earnings around $55,090. In 2009, registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $63,750. The BLS estimates 753,600 licensed vocational nurses are working in the United States. The BLS also predicts 21 percent job growth between 2008 and 2018 for LVNs. The best opportunities may be in home health care and nursing home facilities.