Preliminary data from the indicate that RN employment has remained stable over the past four years, but many older RNs have left nursing.

With a shortage of RNs, employers are increasing their efforts to retain RNs and develop career paths for newly-graduated RNs.

It appears there is no better time than the present for young adults to start a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. If you are looking to get your foot in the door of the healthcare field, studying to become a might just be the perfect fit for you.

But hold on, wait, what exactly is a vocational nurse?

A VN, as defined by the (BVNPT), is “an entry-level health care provider who is responsible for rendering basic nursing care.”

VNs work in medical settings next to doctors and registered nurses, performing tasks like taking blood pressure, changing bandages and maintaining patients’ health records. Depending on the state in which you are employed, a vocational nurse’s role may be vastly different from that of VNs in other states.

To help you figure out if studying to become a vocational nurse is the right move, below are a few positives and three not-as-positives to consider before enrolling in an VN program.

CON: Responsibilities Are Limited

Vocational nurses work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses in a variety of different medical settings. Some of the common tasks vocational nurses execute include the following:

• Monitoring a patient’s health (e.g., blood pressure, temperature)
• Administration of basic care (e.g., applying/changing bandages, inserting catheters)
• Listening to and addressing patient concerns
• Maintaining patient health records

The responsibilities of a VN are not as extensive as those of a registered nurse (RN), as RNs are able to administer medicine and perform a wider array of jobs.

It is worth noting, however, that your role as a VN may vary greatly depending on the state in which you are employed and the medical establishment for whom you work. But, the tasks still play a vital role in the overall care of patients.

PRO: Start Working Sooner

In studying to be a VN, you will be able to complete your education and prepare for a career in a shorter period of time. Most VN programs can be completed in 12 and 20 months, whereas other nursing education programs can take more than twice that time to finish.

CON: Do Similar Work as RNs with a Different Pay Scale

While the responsibilities of RNs and VNs are quite similar, there are some differences. RNs for example, are allowed to administer medications, vaccines and other pharmaceuticals, whereas VNs are not permitted to do so, save for some rare exceptions.

PRO: Many Options to Further Your Education

The good thing about studying to become a VN is that once you earn your certification and work for a little while, there are programs available for you to upgrade your occupational title to registered nurse (RN).

There are also VN to BSN (Bachelor of Science of Nursing) programs offered nationwide if such a degree would be more useful in making your nursing dreams a reality.

Advancing your education allows to you to specialize in an aspect or type of nursing that perhaps sparked your interest during your VN program or time in the workforce as a VN.

“The best way to be a nurse is to lose yourself in the service of others. That’s what nursing is all about.”

Abigail Ignacio, VN Instructor

PRO: Make a Difference in the Lives of Patients

Fewer things in life are more gratifying than the knowledge that you helped make a difference in someone’s life. If you are considering a degree in the health care field, it is a fairly safe bet that you realize this and wish to do something about it.

An aspect of a VN’s job that cannot be overstated is listening to patients. Hearing what they are saying and making them comfortable contribute greatly toward treatment and their overall wellbeing.

Discover the ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ Vocational Nursing Difference

A thorough education can help you, an aspiring vocational nurse, separate yourself from the pack of other VN candidates when looking for your first nursing job.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s is one of the largest and best VN programs in the state of California. The program is also accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians.

As a student enrolled in ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s VN program, you will receive a well-rounded nursing education that will allow you to provide optimal patient care after you pass your licensure exam.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers both full-time and evening & weekend enrollment in its VN program, providing you with flexibility around the other obligations in your life.

The full-time program offers classes during the day and can be completed in 12 months. The evening & weekend program offers classes during evenings and weekends to accommodate students who work other jobs.

Students in the evening & weekend  program complete it in 18 months. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers its Vocational Nursing program at its Colton Campus.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers plentiful resources to its vocational nursing students to help them prepare for the. Such resources include full-time NCLEX tutors and NCLEX review classes, which are offered for free as part of enrollment in the program.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ also offers you career assistance beyond acquiring your vocational nursing license, including resume help and mock interviews. These resources can help you capitalize on lucrative entry-level health care jobs.

Vocational nurses are able to get into the thick of nursing and help better the lives of patients.

The need for nurses will not be going away any time soon.

Discover the ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ Difference. Launch your rewarding VN career today by calling (888) 504-2552 to speak to one of our friendly representatives.

While you may have heard of a registered nurse or RN, there are several different “levels” of nursing that you might want to look into before committing to a lengthy RN or BSN program. One of these is the Vocational Nursing degree. In contrast to being a registered nurse or a nurse practitioner, the VN scope of practice is slightly different.

“As an instructor, I must know my students individually. Teaching them how to think what is right and how to make good decisions. We encourage them to be strong and to be persistent. We guide our students the way of nursing: to be humble, kind, compassionate, and sympathetic. We help students to change their lives for the better.”

– Victor Obillo, Instructor  

Below is an outline that details the career of a VN, how someone might start their VN education, why licensed vocational nursing is a healthcare profession in demand, and more:

What is a Vocational Nurse?

You could think of a licensed vocational nurse as the first “level” of nursing. VNs carry out multiple daily duties of keeping patient records, assisting RNs in providing patients education on their medical conditions, and checking patients’ vital signs such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation level, and heart rate.

In addition to these medical-related duties, an VN might help a patient complete basic hygiene tasks, such as dressing, bathing, or brushing teeth. VNs might supervise nursing assistants, who have completed a training program in helping nurses care for patients.

The LVN title implies, as you may have guessed, that that person has completed a nursing program and holds a nursing license.

How are VNs Different from RNs?

All levels of nurses are involved in patient care, recovery, and maintenance, but each type of nurse has different education and therefore different responsibilities.

Registered nurses usually earn a two-year Associates degree or a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, and their education is more science-based: they might take classes in anatomy, biology and chemistry, psychology, and nutrition to best care for patients in their charge.

Vocational nurses can complete their education – which is a combination of coursework and hands-on training in several aspects of ptient care – in as little as a year at some community colleges.

Because LVN coursework is not as in-depth as RN coursework, VNs must work under the supervision of an RN.

What VN ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ Are Available?

So, you’re leaning towards the LVN career path – what’s next?
What type of education will lead you to this degree?
You’ll need to have completed a high school education, but if you have not yet obtained your high school diploma, don’t worry – nursing is not out of reach for you.
Be sure to inquire about our high school completion program. Most LVNs start with a one-year degree or an Associates’ degree from a community college.
As detailed above, LVN education includes coursework in several areas that overlap with the RN degree. If you’re looking at VN ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ in San Bernardino, ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s LVN coursework specifically includes:

• Clinical Skills
• Nutrition
• Psychology
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics
• Patient Education

These courses will provide you with a great foundation of the VN scope of practice as well as the obstacles you might encounter when caring for all types of patients.
Remember: VNs can work in many settings, so it’s best to have exposure to many different patient scenarios before your first official day on the job!

What Kinds of VN Jobs Are Out There?

You could find employment in nursing homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities, doctor’s offices, and you also have the option of working in private care in somebody’s home.
As you can see, you have the option of choosing a setting that will allow you to tailor your career to your lifestyle. If you don’t like the hustle and bustle of a large facility like a hospital, you can choose a home health setting. If you would prefer to work with seniors and not children, you have many options to find work in a nursing home or extended care facility – both of which employ a large number of LVNs.
Because the Baby Boomer population is aging, the career options for LVNs who wish to work with the elderly or in nursing homes are expected to grow rapidly over the next decade, as many of these seniors will need full-time care.
If you don’t see yourself working in an assisted living facility, there are still several options for you: do you prefer the medical side of care, like taking blood pressure and giving injections? You might want to work in a private doctor’s office. If blood makes you feel squeamish, consider working in mental health.
Psychiatric hospitals, or inpatient care facilities for people with acute mental health issues require LVN assessment to help develop treatment plans for patients, make sure the patients’ rooms are safe, and assist patients in their daily recovery. The LVN career has an ideal workplace for nearly every personality.

What Are the Pros of Being an VN?

Close relationships with patients, great entry-level salaries, and excellent job security might top the list.
If you’re the type of person who is a team player, can multitask well, and has a love for both people and science – an LVN career might be a perfect starting point for your nursing career.
Additionally, if you want to advance your degree to the RN level at any point, there are several options for you to do so.
Many colleges and universities offer an LVN-to-RN degree, which results in a Bachelor of Science in nursing and gives you the RN license.
Your options are numerous.  today to begin your education as an LVN.

Education

On one hand, registered nurses are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree. Vocational nurses, on the other hand, tend to complete training programs at community colleges and trade schools. Both are typically required to pass different versions of the NCLEX exam before beginning work in the field. The classes each takes cover many of the same healthcare related topics.

While many future nurses opt to attend four-year colleges and universities for their degrees, vocational nurses can enter the workforce sooner. Many vocational nurse (VN) programs can be completed in less than two years.

Responsibilities

Registered nurses spend much of their time on the job taking care of patients. They perform duties such as assessing patients, administering medication, assisting doctors in running patient tests and teaching patients how to care for themselves when they go home.
LVNs, on the other hand, play more of a support role in relation to doctors and nurses. They typically work under the supervision of RNs and doctors. Their primary duties include tasks such as taking blood pressure, changing bandages and maintaining patient records. The responsibilities of LVNs may differ depending on their employer and their location.

Employment

The employment for both registered nurses and vocational nurses is expected to rise in the coming years. The need for healthcare as a whole is expected to increase.

The number of RN jobs is anticipated to climb 12 percent through 2028, while LVN/LPN employment is projected to increase by 11 percent during the same period, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the present, there is a need for nurses of all skill levels, especially in support roles like that of an VN.

Compensation

Compensation differs between RNs and LVNs. However, the time and money spent on the shorter schooling period enjoyed by LVNs could be a compelling reason to go that direction.

LVNs working in government settings earned the most, while those working in physicians’ offices earned the least of the top industries in which they were employed. RNs working in government positions earned the most among their peers as well.

Now that we’ve covered the differences between VNs and RN, you might decide vocational nursing could be the right healthcare career for you.

Discover the ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ VN Difference

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s Vocational Nursing program is one of the largest VN programs in California and is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians. Students in ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s VN program receive a well-rounded nursing education that allows them to provide optimum care after licensure.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers both full-time and part-time enrollment in its VN program, providing students with flexibility around their busy lives. The full-time program offers classes during the day and can be completed in 12 months. The part-time program offers classes during evenings and weekends to accommodate students who work other jobs. Students in the part-time program complete it in 18 months. .

Discover the ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ Difference. Get started today at summitcollege.edu.

You might be wondering what exactly a vocational nurse is. The (BVNPT) describes a vocational nurse as “an entry-level health care provider who is responsible for rendering basic nursing care.”

As a vocational nurse, you will work alongside doctors and registered nurses in many different medical settings. You’ll perform tasks like taking blood pressure, changing bandages and maintaining patients’ health records.

Depending on the state in which you are employed, a vocational nurse’s role may be vastly different than LVNs in other states.

Vocational nurses (VNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) perform the same duties. The titles can be used interchangeably and the version used typically depends on the state in which you study or practice.

There are many perks of becoming a vocational nurse. We’ve highlighted a few of the many upsides of studying to become and working as a vocational nurse.

Get to Work Sooner

One advantage that LVN students have over BSN students is that they enter the healthcare workforce sooner. LVN programs can typically be completed in 12 and 20 months, whereas Bachelor of Science of nursing (BSN) programs take more than twice that time. And even if you have stellar grades, there are a limited number of spots at four-year colleges and you are not guaranteed to get one of them.

Save Money on Education

Another upside to choosing the LVN route compared to pursuing a BSN degree is the monetary cost. As you can probably infer, spending less time in school means spending less money to attend school.

Depending on the school, a four-year BSN degree costs anywhere between $40,000 and $200,000. Most VN programs, on the other hand, typically run between $20,000 and $40,000.

Job Outlook

The United States Census projects that number of people in the United States who are age 65 or older, currently , will more than double by 2060. The number of people with chronic illnesses, such as obesity and diabetes, is also on the rise. According to the National Council on Aging, “about 80 percent of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 68 percent have two.”

These factors and more have created a need for nurses that is at an all-time high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for licensed practical and vocational nurses to through 2024.

Job prospects are expected to be even more favorable for candidates who “are willing to work in rural and medically underserved areas,” according to the BLS.

While the national employment of vocational nurses is expected to rise at a greater rate than the average of other occupations, the outlook in California is even more promising. The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) anticipates that LVN employment in California will increase by 21 percent during that same period.

Multitude of Places to Work

Combined with stable starting salaries and promising job outlook, LVNs also have a variety of places where they can work. The many places vocational nurses are employed include:

• Physician’s offices
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes

Vocational nurses are often employed by insurance companies or for insurance purposes. In such instances, these nurses conduct examinations of individuals to protect employers against fraudulent workers’ compensation cases.

Find Your Passion

Vocational nursing programs tend to have well-rounded curricula and allow students to gain exposure to many arenas of medicine. These include pediatrics, obstetrics, pharmacology or more, depending on the program.

Exposing students to a variety of subjects prepare them to be more complete LVNs. They develop valuable skill sets that will be put to work in the healthcare field. Not only that, it allows them to find which area of medicine they are most passionate about. This gives them the option to specialize and further their education at a later time should they choose to do so.

Working as a vocational nurse can be a stepping stone to a more specialized career in the medical field.

Helping People

There are fewer feelings more satisfying than knowing you helped another person or helped make them feel better. Like any other professional in the healthcare field, vocational nurses enjoy helping patients.

LVNs not only perform routine procedures like inserting catheters, but they also listen to a patient’s concerns. Showing compassion and understanding is often just as important as the services performed by doctors.

Education is the first step

The various perks of becoming a vocational nurse might sound great, but it all starts with your education. Completing a quality LVN program can help aspiring LVNs stand out during their quest for healthcare employment.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s Vocational Nursing program is one of the largest LVN programs in California and is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians. Students who enroll in ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s LVN program receive a well-rounded nursing education that allows them to provide optimum care after licensure.

offers both full-time and part-time enrollment in its LVN program, providing students with flexibility around their busy lives.

The full-time program offers classes during the day and can be completed in 12 months. The part-time program offers classes during evenings and weekends to accommodate students who work other jobs. Students in the part-time program complete it in 18 months.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers the Vocational Nursing program at its Colton Campus.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s LVN program consists of both theoretical and clinical components. Once these are completed, students receive a certificate from the program. The course work at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ prepares students not only for real-world healthcare positions, but also for passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

All vocational nurses in the United States are required to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The exam assesses the core competencies required by all candidates to fulfill the role of a vocational nurse safely and effectively. Each state in the U.S. has at least one board responsible for the licensure of nurses. The licenses required by the state boards of nursing help ensure public safety.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers plentiful resources to its vocational nursing students to help them prepare for the NCLEX. Such resources include full-time NCLEX tutors and NCLEX review classes, which are offered for free as part of enrollment in the program. In some cases, students may be eligible for financial assistance with first-time application costs, in addition to other fees associated with acquiring a vocational nursing license.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ also offers students career assistance beyond acquiring their vocational nursing license, including resume help, mock interviews and externships. These resources help LVN students capitalize on lucrative entry-level healthcare jobs.

As far as financing your education while you’re in school, ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ has you covered. They offer a variety of different financing and payment options. There is also financial aid available to those who qualify. All you have to do is fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Vocational nurses start making a difference and saving lives sooner than other nurses. The need for nurses will only continue to grow as millions more Americans reach age 65 and beyond. Every LVN will make a difference in combatting the need for healthcare professionals.

All of the benefits of becoming a vocational nurse can be yours. What are you waiting for? Discover the ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ Difference. Get started today at summitcollege.edu.

There are currently living in the United States who are over 65 years old. The United States Census projects this number will more than double by 2060. In conjunction with increasingly prevalent chronic illnesses, such as obesity and diabetes, the need for nurses is at an all-time high.

While many future nurses opt to attend four-year colleges and universities for their degrees, vocational nurses can enter the workforce sooner. Many vocational nurse (VN) programs can be completed in less than two years.

It is crucial that the number of nurses in the workforce meets the demand for healthcare in the coming years. An increase in vocational nurses can help meet these needs.

What is a Vocational Nurse?
What exactly is a vocational nurse? The (BVNPT) describes a vocational nurse as “an entry-level health care provider who is responsible for rendering basic nursing care.” They typically work under the guidance of a registered nurse or a physician.

A vocational nurse (VN) and a licensed practical nurse (LPN) are the same in educational requirements, certification process and the tasks they perform on the job. The titles may be used interchangeably.

What do they do?
Vocational nurses work along side doctors and registered nurses in a variety to different medical settings. Common tasks licensed professional nurses perform include the following:

•Monitoring a patient’s health (i.e. taking blood pressure, temperature, etc.)
•Administration of basic care (e.g. applying/changing bandages, inserting catheters)
•Listening to patients’ concerns and address them
•Maintaining patients’ health records

The responsibilities of an VN are not as extensive as a registered nurse (RN) or a nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). However, depending on the state in which they are employed, a vocational nurse’s role may be vastly different than VN’s in another state.

Where do they work?
Among the many places vocational nurses are employed are physician’s offices, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals and nursing homes. Where doctors and registered nurses are employed, there are also likely to be VNs.

In addition to medical establishments, vocational nurses are often employed by insurance companies or for insurance purposes. In such instances, these nurses conduct examinations of individuals to protect employers against fraudulent workers’ compensation cases.

How do you become a VN?
Students seeking to become vocational nurses typically enroll in a VN program at a college offering a program. VN programs are comprised of both theory and clinical components.

The specific number of hours required to complete an VN program vary depending on the school and the state in which the school is located. Using California as an example, the BVNPT curriculum requires 1,530 total hours of study: 576 hours of theory and 954 hours completed in a clinic. The 576 hours of theory include 54 hours of pharmacology.

Once the clinical and theoretical work is completed, students receive a certificate from the program. Following completion of the program, aspiring vocational nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Candidates must pass the exam to work in the healthcare field as VNs.

Licensure exam
All vocational nurses in the United States are required to take and pass the NCLEX. The exam measures a candidate’s competencies needed to perform the role of a vocational nurse . Each state in the U.S. has at least one board responsible for the licensure of nurses. The licenses required by the state boards of nursing help ensure public safety.

VN vs. BSN
There are many benefits of enrolling in an VN program at a vocational school as opposed to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program at a four-year university. One advantage that VN students have over BSN students is that they can enter the workforce sooner. Whereas BSN programs traditionally take four years to complete, VN programs are typically completed in less than half the time, between 12 and 20 months.

Another upside to choosing the VN route compared to pursuing a BSN degree is the price tag. Depending on the school, a four-year BSN degree can cost . On the other hand, VN programs tend to run between $20,000 and $40,000.

Nursing programs at four-year colleges require stellar academic performance in the first two years of classes for admission into that institution’s nursing school. Even with immaculate grades, there are a finite number of students accepted each term. With VN programs, there is no such waiting or rigorous application process for admission.

Alternatives to in-state education
Though completing a vocational school’s VN program in one’s desired state of employment is one way to qualify to take the NCLEX, it is not the only way. Just as each state has its own nursing board, each state also has its own guidelines for licensure exam eligibility.

California, for example, has three additional ways a candidate can qualify for the exam beyond completing a vocational nursing program in the state.

Other means of qualifying include completing an approved out-of-state vocational nursing program or equivalent schooling and experience. Applicable education and experience in the United States military is also an option for gaining NCLEX eligibility.

Candidates can visit their respective state’s for more information on licensing eligibility options.

Employment Outlook
Given that VNs perform a variety of duties in a variety of different medical settings, it is no surprise that the job outlook for vocational nurses is promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for licensed practical and vocational nurses to by 2024, relative to 2014. The BLS attributes this projected growth to the rising demand for healthcare services needed to care for the aging baby boomer population.

According to the National Council on Aging, “about 80 percent of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 68 percent have two.” vocational nurses will be especially needed in residential care facilities to care for this aging generation.

The BLS also suggests that job prospects are even more favorable for candidates who “are willing to work in rural and medically underserved areas.”

While the national employment of vocational nurses is expected to rise at a greater rate than the average of other occupations, the outlook in California is even more promising. The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) anticipates that VN employment in California will increase by 21 percent during that same period.

Education is the first step
A quality education can help an aspiring vocational nurse stand out during their quest for healthcare employment. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s Vocational Nursing program is one of the largest VN programs in California is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians. Students who enroll in ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s VN program receive a well-rounded nursing education that allows them to provide optimum care after licensure.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers both full-time and part-time enrollment in its VN program, providing students with flexibility around their busy lives. The full-time program offers classes during the day and can be completed in 12 months. The part-time program offers classes during evenings and weekends to accommodate students who work other jobs. Students in the part-time program complete it in 18 months. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers its Vocational Nursing program at its Colton Campus.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers plentiful resources to its vocational nursing students to help them prepare for the NCLEX. Such resources include full-time NCLEX tutors and NCLEX review classes, which are offered for free as part of enrollment in the program. In some cases, students may be eligible for financial assistance with first-time application costs, in addition to other fees associated with acquiring a vocational nursing license.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ also offers students career assistance beyond acquiring their vocational nursing license, including resume help, mock interviews and externships. These resources help VN students capitalize on lucrative entry-level healthcare jobs.

Vocational nurses start making a difference and saving lives sooner than other nurses. The need for nurses will not be going away any time soon. Discover the ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ Difference. Get started today at summitcollege.edu.

After completing your LVN program and passing your licensure exam, you’ll be joining in America. That might seem rather large, but it pales in comparison to the over 46 million people living in the United States who are over 65 years old. Not to mention that 80 percent of older adults have at least one chronic disease and 68 percent have two, according to the . Those are a lot of people will inevitably need healthcare.

The career path you have chosen will have no shortage of work in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for licensed practical and vocational nurses to through 2024. That being said, it is difficult to take advantage of these great job prospects without a good education.

So how do you get started? That is probably the question on your mind. You can’t become an LVN and help people if you do not know where to begin. Luckily, beginning your vocational nursing education is an easy process with lots of help available if you need it.

This post will discuss how to get started in the LVN program and hopefully address many of the questions you have about beginning your journey to licensure.

What do I need to enroll to ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝?

To enroll at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝, you need either a high school diploma or a GED. The high school or GED program must be accredited by the United States Department of Education.

I have my high school diploma/GED. What’s next?

With your high school or GED diploma in hand, the next step toward enrolling at ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ is to contact an admissions advisor. You can do this by either filling out the contact form on the ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ website or calling 888-497-3382. Calling the phone number will put you in direct contact with an admissions advisor. If you opt to fill out the contact form, an advisor will contact you via email shortly after your submission.

The admissions advisor will provide you with additional information about ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ and schedule an interview. The interview will give you the chance to learn more about the program and help the advisor understand your career goals.

After your interview, the next step on your enrollment quest is to schedule a campus tour. Your visit to ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s Colton Campus will award you a chance to see everything the campus has to offer. Prospective students also get to see what the relationship between teachers and students is like, as this is a vital part of an education.

I’m blown away by the tour of campus. Can I just enroll already?

Once you decide that the LVN program and ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ are for you, there are still a few more hurdles to clear. One such hurdle is an entrance exam assessing your math and English skills. Though ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ doesn’t require students to take the SAT, the school still needs to see what you know.

Once you complete the aptitude test, the only obstacle standing between you and your LVN dreams is financing your education. The tuition costs for ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s LVN program range from $30,507-$32,844 depending on the type of enrollment.

The cost of the LVN might seem like a lot of money, but it is actually a fraction of the price of a four-year nursing degree. A four-year BSN degree can cost between $40,000 and $200,000.

Additionally, ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers a variety of financing and payment options. These include a number of federal and state financial aid programs. You can also meet with a staff member of ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s Financial Aid Department to explore your options.

Financial Aid

The easiest way to find out what kind of federal financial aid you qualify for is to file a FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps college students get their share of more than $150 billion of financial aid awarded annually. These funds are provided by Federal Student Aid, which is part of the United States Department of Education.

The FAFSA takes your personal financial into account when determining how much aid you will be awarded. Factors such as your or your parents’ incoming, expected financial contribution and other assets are among those that may influence your award.

Federal student aid is parsed out in a few different ways:

• Grants
• Loans
• Work-study funds

Grants are allotments of money given to you by the government. You do not need to pay back these sums after you graduate. Grants are typically need-based awards.

Loans are sums of money that you borrow from the government to finance your education. These come in both subsidized and unsubsidized varieties. Subsidized are loans that the government pays the interest on while you are enrolled in school. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest as soon as you take them out.

Following graduation, you are required pay back the loans in full with interest.

Work-study jobs are part-time jobs awarded to students while they are in school. These jobs allow students to work to earn some of the money they need for their education. Work-study jobs are available to both full-time and part-time students.

Many states and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for state- and school-awarded aid.

VN Program

Once your finances are in order, you can enroll in the VN program. You can choose between full-time and part-time enrollment.

The full-time program offers classes during the day and can be completed in 12 months. The part-time program offers classes during evenings and weekends to accommodate students who work other jobs. Part-time students complete the program in 18 months.

The LVN program consists of both theory and clinical components. The curriculum is comprised of 632 lecture hours and 751 clinical hours. During the program, VN students will gain exposure to a wide array of subjects, including:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Nutrition and Psychology
• Pharmacology
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics

Once the clinical and theoretical work is completed, students receive a certificate from the program. Following completion of the program, aspiring vocational nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination. Candidates must pass the exam to work in the healthcare field as LVNs.

Licensure exam

Every vocational nurse in the United States is required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The exam measures a candidate’s competencies needed to perform the role of a vocational nurse safely and effectively. With VN programs, there is no such waiting or rigorous application process for admission.

Given that VNs perform a variety of duties in a variety of different medical settings, it is no surprise that the job outlook for vocational nurses is promising.

A quality education can help an aspiring vocational nurse stand out during their quest for healthcare employment. ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s Vocational Nursing program is one of the largest LVN programs in California, is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians. Students who enroll in ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝â€™s LVN program receive a well-rounded nursing education that allows them to provide optimum care after licensure.

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ offers its vocational nursing students the resources they to ace the NCLEX. Such resources include:

• Full-time NCLEX tutors
• NCLEX review classes
• Financial assistance with first-time application costs and other fees associated with licensure (in certain cases)

ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ also offers students career assistance beyond acquiring their vocational nursing license, including resume help, mock interviews and externships. These resources help LVN students capitalize on entry-level healthcare jobs.

Once you pass the NCLEX, you can begin working as a vocational nurse. You will be able to work alongside doctors and registered nurses in a multitude of medical settings. You will help patients get better by handling a variety of tasks such as:

• Taking a patient’s blood pressure
• Applying/changing bandages
• Inserting catheters
• Listening to patients’ concerns and address them
• Maintaining patients’ health records

Vocational nurses start making a difference and saving lives sooner than other nurses. They are needed just as much as registered nurses and doctors. The need for nurses will not be going away any time soon. The sooner you enroll, the sooner you can start saving lives.

Discover the ĐÇżŐ´«Ă˝ Difference. Get started today at summitcollege.edu.