Online Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Degree Programs
Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic care to sick, injured and elderly patients under the supervision of a doctor or registered nurse (RN). Read on to learn how an online LVN program can help you prepare for a nursing career, and learn about the common classes, licensure process and job prospects.
<h3 id="section---IsThisProgramAvailableOnline">Is This Program Available Online?</h3>
<p>Some LVN programs offer online classes, although labs and clinical training must be performed in-person. Often, programs schedule this type of training for weekends to accommodate working students.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Format</b></td><td> Traditional coursework offered online, clinical experiences completed in-person</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Administrative medical assisting, patient care techniques, pharmacology and more</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Getting Licensed</b></td><td> State-approved exam following completion of LVN program</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 9% growth (for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $48,820 (for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITakeInALVNProgram">What Courses Will I Take In a LVN Program?</h3>
<p>Training to become an LVN typically requires a state-approved training or certificate program instead of a complete degree program. These programs generally take a year of full-time study to complete.
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<p>Throughout the LVN program, you can expect to take courses in physiology, patient care, anatomy, pharmacology and first aid. You'll learn how to provide basic bedside care, how to take vital signs and how to evaluate patients. You'll be instructed in healthcare ethics and cultural diversity. Classes in a LVN program may include:
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<ul><li>Administrative medical assisting
</li><li>Rehabilitation choices
</li><li>Diet therapy
</li><li>Financial management and insurance
</li><li>Complementary therapies
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowDoOnlineClassesDifferFromOnCampusClasses">How Do Online Classes Differ From On-Campus Classes?</h3>
<p>Online LVN programs have the same curriculum as campus-based programs. In order to participate in online classes, you must have a computer and an Internet connection to access online learning platforms and various communication tools. You'll hand in homework and communicate with faculty and fellow students using course management systems, online forums, chat programs and e-mail.
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<h3 id="section---CanIBecomeLicensedUsingAnOnlineProgram">Can I Become Licensed Using an Online Program?</h3>
<p>Online programs offer you the same eligibility for licensing as on-campus programs. Licensing requirements vary by state, but usually include the completion of a certificate program and passing an exam. The exam for LVNs is the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which is offered through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (<i>www.ncsbn.org</i>).
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<h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithALVNCertificate">What Can I Do With a LVN Certificate?</h3>
<p>Job opportunities are available to LVNs in hospitals, nursing facilities, residential care facilities, outpatient centers and physicians' offices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), projected employment opportunities for LPNs and LVNs were expected to grow much faster than average, at 9% between 2019 and 2029. This strong growth rate was due in part to the aging of the general population and an increased need for long-term care. The median annual salary for LVNs in 2020 was $58,820, according to the BLS.</p>