Licensed Vocational Nurse
A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is a professional considered to be equally qualified as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in most states within the US. However, the states of Texas and California exclusively use the LVN as a designation for professionals who have completed a year of training and hold a diploma in nursing.
Online Licensed Vocational Nurse Programs
With the American healthcare industry booming, a number of people wish to become involved in the nursing profession. However, not everyone has equal access to the resources. Online LVN programs allow universities to facilitate the access to the curriculum for a larger number of people. This demographic includes individuals who are working a full-time job and wish to transition into nursing as a career, or those who may feel uncomfortable signing up for a campus-based offering due to their age.
Enrolling in online LVN programs follows the same principles as those for campus-based offerings. Students must be at least 18 years of age and have a certified high school diploma or have passed the General Education Degree (GED) test. When choosing a program, ensure that it is offering a nationally approved curriculum. This is because you are required to take a test upon completing your training, which will allow you to practice your profession legally. Completing a state approved training program is necessary to be eligible for this test.
Benefits Of Online Programs
With online LVN you are granted unmatched convenience and flexibility. Over a two-year period, you will undergo rigorous training in various areas of biology, from physiology to emergency response. You will also develop a greater understanding of the ways to operate technical equipment and monitor patient health for maximum care. The material is uploaded online, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the world. You can work through the material at your own convenience, without being bound to a campus-based setting. Clinical experience can be covered by working with local hospitals under close supervision. There is a disadvantage however: different hospitals allow trainees to become involved at different levels, which means that there can be great differences in the quality of training a person receives. In comparison, students in a campus-based setting will all undergo the same curriculum and hence receive a standard form of training, putting them at an equal footing. Additionally, online LVN do not allow for a great deal of personal interaction between peers, which some see as a disadvantage. If you want to undergo your LVN training without compromising on the experience, an online program may not be the one for you.
Career Outlook
Upon completing your training, you will have to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) in order to practice your profession within the United States. It will also open several opportunities for you in terms of career growth. Individuals who aspire towards more senior roles in their career can use their LVN training to acquire a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, and eventually become specialists like Nurse Practitioners or Nurse Midwives. With added qualifications, the responsibility and pay-grade also increase.