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What is Required to Complete a CNA-to-LVN Program?
What is Required to Complete a CNA-to-LVN Program?
Licensed vocational nursing (LVN) programs give certified nursing assistants (CNAs) the practical skills and medical knowledge they need to become LVNs. In a CNA-to-LVN program, you may be able to receive course credit for your CNA nursing experience. Learn about what is required to complete a CNA-to-LVN program.
CNA-to-LVN Program Overview
As a CNA, you can complete a CNA-to-LVN training program at a community college or vocational school. These programs cover the same coursework as regular LVN training programs, but you may be able to skip some basic nursing courses, depending on your CNA education and experience. In this type of program, you may be required to have experience as a CNA before enrolling. Some programs may also allow you to transfer credits if you're currently registered as a CNA.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisCareer">Important Facts About This Career</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Degree Field of Study </td><td> Medical</td></tr>
<tr><td> Concentrations </td><td> Nursing education, advanced public health, psychiatric mental health</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability</td><td> Hybrid courses are available, with distance learning options and in-person practical instruction</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Additional licenses are required for different fields, including forensic nursing</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $48,070 (<i>for all licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 6% growth (<i>for all licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CourseRequirements">Course Requirements</h3><p>CNA-to-LVN programs usually take about one year of full-time study to complete. Topics address a number of issues, such as the legal and ethical aspects of nursing, standards of care, social and cultural diversity and safety regulations that protect both patients and healthcare providers. Some of the courses you can expect to take include:
</p><ul><li>Practical nursing
</li><li>Mental health nursing
</li><li>Anatomy and physiology
</li><li>Adult, infant and child nursing
</li></ul><h3 id="section---LicensingRequirements">Licensing Requirements</h3><p>After completing a CNA-to-LVN program, you are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is required to work as an LVN. You may also obtain additional certifications that will allow you to perform more tasks. For example, an IV therapy certification will permit you to draw blood and insert intravenous lines.
</p><h3 id="section---CNAAndLVNDefined">CNA and LVN Defined</h3><p>CNAs provide personal care to patients in medical and assisted-living facilities. Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) have more training and greater responsibilities than CNAs. LVN responsibilities require more medical knowledge than those of the CNA. As a CNA, your typical duties may include:
</p><ul><li>Bathing and cleaning patients
</li><li>Transporting patients
</li><li>Feeding patients
</li><li>Checking vital signs
</li></ul><p>As an LVN, you'll also assist patients with daily living tasks, such as feeding and helping with personal hygiene. However, you may also teach patients about healthcare and disease prevention, administer medication, assess patients, perform lab tests and supervise CNAs.</p>
