Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Description
Wage Data and Employment Outlook
Goals and Certificates
Prerequisites and Required Assessments
Training Providers
How to Get Started
Find a Job

Description

Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions and may work under the supervision of a registered nurse (click here to visit ONET with additional job task descriptions).

This 48 week course provides both classroom theory instruction and clinical training at local medical facilities.  The Vocational Nursing course integrates classroom instruction, skills lab practice and clinical experience to give students the necessary knowledge and skill base to pass the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The program teaches student to  integrate foundations of nursing care at age appropriate levels for all  patients and utilize learned nursing skills as an entry-level vocational nurse within the Scope of the Vocational Nursing Practice Act.  As well as make sound judgments when incorporating legal and ethical principles in all direct and indirect patient care. Students will learn to address emotional, socio-economic, and cultural issues for all patients. They learn to utilize the nursing process as the guide for contributing to assessment (data collection), planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care within the vocational nursing scope of practice and be encouraged to pursue formal and informal continuing education and be active in professional groups and organizations.

The LVN program prepares students for jobs in hospitals, long term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, mental health centers, and medical offices.

Wage Data and Employment Outlook

Median Earnings* for LVNs in the Central Valley *median earnings definition Median income is the amount that divides the income distribution into two equal groups. This means half of the jobs for this occupation pay more than this amount and half pay less than this amount.

$23.71/hr

Employment Outlook* in the Central Valley *employment outlook definition Employment Outlook numbers represent current employment information in the Central Valley of California. The 2016 total number of jobs is the number of individuals employed in this occupation in 2016. The 2020 estimated number of jobs is the estimated number of individuals that will be employed in this occupation in 2020. Expected Growth is the increase in the number of individuals expected to be employed in this occupation and is shown as a total number and a percent increase. The average annual growth rate is the rate at which, on average, the total number of jobs will increase each year.

2014 Total Number of Jobs in CV: 5,560 2020 Estimated Number Jobs in CV: 6,515 Expected Growth 2014 to 2020: Increase of 955 jobs, or 17.2%, an annual average growth rate of 2.7%

Goals and Certificates

Students completing this course will earn a certificate in Vocational Nursing and will be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Prerequisites and Required Assessments

For Visalia Adult School Program:

• The student must be 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• The student must complete Medical Terminology and have a vailid Certified Nurse Assistant certification prior to the class start date.
• Student needs to schedule a mandatory CTE reading test.
• The student must pre-register for the Pre-Nursing Assessment Test, take the test, then if chosen will come before an interview panel, after completing an application and turning in 3 reference letters for a spot in the VN program.
• Students must submit an LVN Program application.
• Once chosen for the class they are required to attend a mandatory orientation meeting.
• Student will need to obtain a physical exam, complete immunizations and pass a background and drug screen.

For Tulare Adult School Program:

• Proof of completion of an approved general education course of study through the 12th grade or evidence of completion of the equivalent thereof.
• Possess a current, active nurse assistant certificate (CNA).
• Students must submit and LVN Program Application.
• Complete prerequisite courses with a passing grade of C or better. (Nutrition, Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Math, Nutrition, and Medical Terminology.
• Completion of TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam, proficient or advanced levels required; highest scores will be given priority. Basics will be taken into consideration based on space availability.
• History and physical completed by physician or designee, indicating no restrictions in performing nursing duties required in the program.
• Three letters of recommendation (professional).

Training Providers

• Visalia Adult School - CLICK HERE for more information on the Visalia Adult School LVN program
• Tulare Adult School - CLICK HERE for more information on the Tulare Adult School LVN program

For information on training providers outside of the local area CLICK HERE.

How to Get Started

1. Choose an LVN program
2. Complete required prerequisites
3. Contact program you are interested in attending and submit an application
4. Take TEAS exam if required

Find a Job

1.  Click Here for HEALTHCARE JOB OPPORTUNITIES on the SAEC website