Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) programs are a great way to earn a nursing degree while also having the flexibility to continue your education.
If you want to become an LVN or RN, then this article, with the best 9-month LVN program, will help you learn more about how these programs work and what they require.
About LVN
As explained, Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) refers to the same profession in healthcare.
A licensed practical nurse provides care to individuals with medical conditions. They are professional licensed nurses who care for the injured, sick, disabled, or convalescent.
In most parts of the US and Canada, they are called a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), while in the southern parts of the US, in places like California and Texas, these health professionals are called a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
LVN/LPNs in the US operate under the direction of mid-level physicians and practitioners. They may also work under the direction of registered nurses based on their jurisdiction.
LVN Job Description
LVNs are healthcare professionals with expertise in caring for the sick, injured, disabled, and recovering. The primary task of a licensed practical nurse (LVN) is to properly care for patients who are struggling with health problems.
These paramedics also assist doctors and other nurses with necessary medical support.
If you intend to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse, it may be very important to learn more about the Lvn 9 Month Program. Their job description includes the following:
- Be a source of support for the patient’s family members
- Interviewing patients about why they decided to visit a healthcare facility
- Taking accurate records of the patient’s medical history, including symptoms and vital signs
- To place IV lines
- Assisting patients in grooming and dressing
- Administering prescribed and requested medications to patients
- Assemble the necessary medical instrument for testing
These are the basic duties of a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the health care system.
LVN Program Requirement
Participating in the 9-month LVN program is one thing and meeting the requirements is another. Becoming a paramedic takes a lot emotionally, physically, mentally, and educationally.
Choosing to build a career in the medical field shows how mentally prepared health professionals can be to handle medical situations.
It would help if you had a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) to go through the LPN/LVN program.
Attending a nursing institution requires a GPA of 2.0 or higher with a greater focus on science courses.
Always run a background check on your preferred specific programs for college credit transfer requirements and policies, as each institution may have different requirements.
As a licensed professional nurse, you are expected to possess several qualities and characteristics.
- Show interest in helping people who are not at their best to feel better.
- Excellent problem-solving skills. If you want to detect the mode more often, look for underlying health problems.
- Show empathy for people in difficult situations.
- Pay attention to details. You will need to be precise in the dosages of the drugs and learn about the patient’s medical history.
- Fine communication skills, reporting accurately to other medical team members and communicating with patients.
- You will need the strongest physical stamina as your job requires a lot of walking and standing.
How To Apply
The first step in getting into an Lvn program is to apply. You can do this online at any time, but it’s best to start as soon as possible so you have time to complete all of the required steps.
Once you have submitted your application, they will review it and let you know if they will accept or deny your request. If they approve it, congratulations; you’re one step closer to becoming a nurse practitioner.
Once accepted into an LVN program, there are several things that new nurses need before starting their clinical journey.
Tuition can vary depending on the school you choose to attend. It may be anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 per year.
The higher tuition fees are typically associated with online programs, and lower ones are likely to be offered by schools that offer scholarships or grants and other financial aid packages.
Read Also: How Do I Get An InterQual Certification?
LVN Licensing
There are specific requirements for licensure as a registered nurse and a practical nurse in Texas. It is important to know these requirements before starting any LVN certification program.
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) administers LVN initial licensure and licensure renewal.
Below are the basic requirements that must be met before obtaining an LVN license in the state of Texas.
Education And Training
Anyone applying for an LVN license is expected to have a college diploma or GED and complete a BON-approved Texas LVN nursing program.
If you obtained your LVN license outside of the state of Texas, you might be approved by the BON to take the NCLEX-PN exam and apply for an LVN license in Texas.
Fingerprints And Criminal Background Check
The US government has a criminal background check system. In order for someone to become a professional in the healthcare system, thorough background checks are conducted to prevent misconduct.
To obtain an LVN license in Texas, fingerprinting and a criminal background check are required to screen all applicants for a Texas LVN license.
This process involves mandatory electronic fingerprinting, which is done at any of the more than 80 identoGo designated centers throughout Texas.
The FBI does criminal background checks, while the Texas Department of Public Safety focuses on fingerprints.
Professional Nursing Exam
The State of Texas requires all applicants for LVN licensure to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
The NCLEX-PN exam comprises 85 to 205 multiple-choice questions covering four important categories.
These four categories are health promotion and maintenance, safe and effective care environments, and psychosocial and physiological integrity. They are authorized to take the test for a maximum of five hours.
Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam And Preparation Course
All applicants for Texas LVN licensure are mandated to sit for and take the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination (NJE).
The Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination contains 50 questions that cover the rules and regulations overseeing the practice of nursing in Texas.
The test (NJE) is taken online and open book and is expected to be completed before taking the NCLEX-PN exam.
How Long Does It Take To Get A LVN License?
Well, the answer depends on the program you are in and where you live. In general, when it comes to the time frame for obtaining a license, the longer your program is, the longer it will take for you to complete your education and become licensed.
If you are studying at an online school or taking classes on your own, that can also have an effect.
In addition, if there is a lot of demand for licensees in your state, then it could mean that some people may have trouble getting through all their classes within six months or so.
If you’re looking for a way to start your nursing career quickly, then a 9-month Lvn program is perfect for you.
A 9-month Lvn program offers students the opportunity to complete all of their required coursework and get their license in as little time as possible.
Some schools even offer accelerated courses that can be completed within six months or less. What makes these programs so popular?
These programs are especially popular with people who want a fast track into the medical field but don’t have much money or time on their hands because they are working full-time jobs or pursuing other careers outside of education.
They also make it easier for those who cannot afford longer institutions like community colleges, where most traditional bachelor’s degrees take four years.
Read Also: What Is A Child Care Specialist?
LVN Job Outlook
After you have successfully completed the 9-month LVN program, what jobs could you look out for? LVNs can work in a variety of fields, including:
- Office Administration
- Finance and Accounting
- Customer Service/Sales
According to the U.S Bureau of Statistics, there are opportunities for LVN with different working expectations and accomplishments:
- Median annual salary- $45,030
- Typical entry-level education- Postsecondary nondegree award
- The career outlook is expected to grow by 12% from 2017 to 2026, which is faster than the average
- The education required is a certificate or diploma
- The work schedule includes a 24-day shift, weekends, and holidays inclusive
You can advance in your career by working as an Administrative Assistant or Executive Assistant. A company could also hire you to fill out their administrative needs.
LVN Program | Best Schools
Lake Area Technical College – Best Overall LVN Program / Several Nursing Programs
The renowned Lake Area Technical College is loved for its convenience and focus; because the nursing school offers you four ways to earn your LVN degree.
The college has the options for a full-time campus or online nursing program that you can complete in as little as 11 months and an online or on-campus LVN part-time nursing program that lasts 22 months.
You can choose any program that best suits you based on where you live and how much you need to balance life and school.
Northland Community And Technical College – Best Personal Practical Nursing Program
While online nursing programs are a great choice for most people, some simply prefer the classic interaction that classroom instruction provides to nursing students.
Northland Community and Technical College strive to provide LVN students with the most interactive classroom and hands-on nursing experience possible.
Holmes Technical College – Renowned Hybrid Practical Nursing Program
Holmes Technical College’s famous hybrid practical nursing will help make learning easy with their five-semester blended online-physical education nursing program.
Distance learning also makes an LVN program cheap in the long run compared to other colleges.
Utah State University – Top Public University LVN Program
If you would love to spend more on quality LVN education at a university, then Utah State University may be the school to get your practical nursing certificate.
The fact that their tuition is higher may mean they have the best learning resources for students.
Their nursing school has a wide variety of nurses to help you through your mental health, medical-surgical, family health nursing, pharmacology, and other licensed practical nursing courses.
South Florida State College – Resourceful Student Support For Nursing Students
The full-time LVN program at Southern Florida State College ensures that you complete your coursework in just 11 months and prepare for the NCLEX exam.
We can say that the school is perfect for people who want to jump-start a nursing career.
The school takes place in the warm weather of South Florida, which can make things a little easier when schoolwork gets tough.
You can access additional student support, such as tutoring, to help you benefit from your nursing education.
The school offers an LVN transition course if you wish to pursue the degree after completing your program.
North Central Texas College – Leading LVN Real-Life Training Program
North Central Texas College School of Nursing is to Harvard what Harvard Business School is to Harvard because the school is arguably the largest and most advanced facility at Gainesville College.
The LVN course takes 12 months to complete, and depending on your preferences or where you are located, you can opt for an on-campus, online, or blended nursing program.
While nursing school may seem to do a great job in the classroom, nursing students are sent to real hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing home health facilities, community health events, and other healthcare facilities to gain real experience.
FAQ
Can You Work As An LVN Without A License In California?
For you to practice as a licensed practical nurse in California, you need to be licensed by the California State Board of Professional Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
What Is The Fastest LPN Program?
Delta’s Practical Nurse Advanced Certificate program features an accelerated program typically completed in one year, not including required coursework.
How Long Does It Take To Get An LVN License In CA?
Program Length: Full-time 12-14 months of training. Part-time 18-20 months training.
Where Does LVN Make The Most Money?
Alaska was the highest-paying state for LVNs/LPNs, paying an average salary of $67,620 and an average hourly wage of $32.51.
How Much Do LVNs In California Make An Hour?
Licensed practical nurses with this license earn 11.28% more than the average base wage, which is $34.05 per hour.
How Much Do Entry-Level LVNs Make In California?
As of November 24, 2022, the average annual salary for an entry-level LVN in Bakersfield is $48,777 per year.
In case you need a simple wage calculator, it works out to about $23.45 per hour. That’s the equivalent of $938/week or $4,064/month.
What Is The Highest LPN Salary?
While entry-level LPNs typically earn $38,500 per year, professionals can earn up to $58,500 per year. Additionally, when considering average annual salaries by state, Washington state offers the highest salary at $53,528.
How Much Money Does An LVN Make In California?
The average LVN salary in California is $57,846 as of November 2022, but this range is typically between $52,562 and $64,389.
Can You Make A Living As An LVN In California?
The average salary for a Licensed Vocational Nurse living in California is $57,200 as of October 27, 2022, but the range is typically between $51,940 and $63,630.
Who Makes More Money, CNA Or LVN?
In general, LVNs have higher salaries than CNAs. In the U.S., the average salary base for LVNs is $67,828 per year, and the average for CNAs is $35,340 per year.
However, salaries for both jobs may vary depending on location, years of experience, overtime compensation, and other factors.
Conclusion
We hope that this list of 9-month LVN programs will help you make a good decision about which program is right for you.
Some of them have extra requirements like having a criminal background check or a drug test, while others require only passing the classroom portion and having some experience as a nurse before applying.
But after reading all our information on these schools, it seems clear that there are no bad ones out there, just great ones. Good Luck!