Vocational Nursing

The Vocational Nursing program provides students with nursing skills for direct patient care. Graduates should be able to function as part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team in selected healthcare settings with individuals, families and communities across the life span. Vocational Nurses are entry-level nurses who care for sick, injured, or convalescing patients, under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.

The goal of the program is to develop the nursing student with the educational foundation to pass the NCLEX-PN exam, foster upward mobility and establish a career path in nursing. The student will be able to demonstrate the knowledge in promoting wellness, providing safe, empathetic care, and provide the nursing care to the community in a culturally sensitive manner.

Career Highlights & Opportunity

Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses typically do the following:

• Monitor patients’ health—for example, by checking their blood pressure
• Administer basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters
• Provide for the basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress
• Discuss the care they are providing with patients and listen to their concerns
• Report patients’ status and concerns to registered nurses and doctors
• Keep records on patients’ health

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (LPNs and LVNs) is projected to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs and LVNs will be needed in residential care facilities and in home health environments to care for older patients.

A number of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, have become more prevalent in recent years. LPNs and LVNs will be needed to assist and care for patients with these and other conditions. In addition, many procedures that once could be done only in hospitals are now being done outside of hospitals, creating demand in other settings, such as outpatient care centers.

Program Overview

Total Clock Hours: 1,687 hours

Length of Program: 56 weeks for AM track and 68 weeks for PM track

• AM Track – Tuesday or Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm, Saturday, Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• PM Track – Tuesday, Thursday 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. or Wednesday, Friday 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Graduates will receive a Certificate in Vocational Nursing

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the Vocational Nursing Program, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate command of basic knowledge and principles of safe and effective nursing care by passing the NCLEX-PN exam on the first attempt.
• Demonstrate safe and effective clinical decision-making skills as an entry level Vocational Nurse.
• Utilize the Nursing Process in determining the needs of the client.
• Collaborate with the client, family and members of the interdisciplinary team to achieve positive outcomes for the clients.
• Participate in the process of exploring the many varied and dynamic roles of nursing in our society today.
• Utilize effective communication skills with clients and healthcare team members.
• Demonstrate culturally competent care by the identification, honor and respect of each client’s cultural heritage.
• Practice within the legal and ethical standards of the nursing profession.

Prerequisites: Must have a high school diploma or GED and pass the entrance exam.

Please refer to the latest School Catalog for more information.