Licensed vocational nursing programs are not
fully available online, but students may be able to complete
prerequisite courses online or enroll in a hybrid (online and on-campus
courses) format program. Programs require attendance in clinical
rotations for hands-on experience and some classroom instruction, in
addition to online classes
State boards issue licenses for vocational nurses. Because these
programs are experience-intensive and require hands-on training, many
courses cannot be completed totally through distance education. Some
programs may be available in hybrid format, combining traditional
learning, clinical rotations and online classes. LVN certificate
programs are often 50 to 60 credit hours and may take anywhere from 1-2
years to complete.
The majority of classes for LVN training must be completed on-campus
in a skills lab or clinical settings. A handful of LVN courses may be
available online, early in the program. Some programs do not offer LVN
specific courses online but may offer prerequisite courses like
mathematics or English online.
Students must have a computer with e-mail and Internet access. The
computer must meet the specifications, as outlined by the university, to
support the content management system used by the university. Certain
software may be required, including anti-virus, Adobe Reader and
Microsoft Office.
List of Common LVN Courses
Students enrolled in an online LVN program take online LVN specific
courses, general education classes and on-campus clinicals. An
institution may schedule clinicals on the weekend. Graduates are
eligible to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensing Exam for
Practical Nursing) exam.
Nursing Overview Class
Students cover a wide range of topics from the historical background
of the field to the responsibilities and expectations of a licensed
vocational nurse in courses on the foundations of nursing. Ethical and
legal concerns, diversity and communication are also topics explored in
these courses.
Professional Development Course
Students examine topics related to professional growth. These may
include job interviewing, resume writing, delegating authority,
continuing education and joining professional organizations.
Nursing - Maternal and Neonatal Course
Course looks at the nursing process in the management and assessment
of families in their childbearing years. Course considers the
biological, psychological, sociological and culture needs of the
families.
Pediatrics Course
Students learn about childcare from the infant to teenage years.
Topics include childhood diseases and caring for an ill child using
nursing methods.
Physiology and Anatomy Course
This course explores microbiology principles. Other topics include normal function and structure of the body.
General Education Prerequisite Class
LVN certificate programs may suggest, or even require, that students
complete courses in general education subjects like mathematics,
English, medical terminology or basic computer courses. Some of these
subjects, such as English or introductory computer courses, are
available online.
Under the guidance of registered nurses and doctors, a licensed
vocational nurse cares for disabled or injured individuals or those
recovering from illness or injury. Typical duties include recording a
patient's vital signs and administering medications. According to a May
2009 survey cited by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed
vocational nurses earned a median yearly salary of $39,820 (
www.bls.gov).
To work as a licensed vocational registered nurse, graduates must
complete a state-approved education program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
Licensed vocational nurses may seek to become registered nurses (RNs) by
enrolling in a LVN to Registered Nurse (RN) bridge program, generally
not offered online.
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