Vocational Nursing

Nurses are medical professionals dedicated to providing healthcare services to those suffering from different ailments, infections and injuries. They also guide the patients’ families about different medical conditions, do office work, operate medical equipment and assist doctors and other medical staff.
 

What Is Vocational Nursing?
 
Vocational nursing is one of the fields within the healthcare sector. Just like other nurses, vocational nurses assist doctors and patients in various medical settings. Vocational nurses are also known as licensed practical nurses. These nurses basically hold entry-level positions and perform fundamental duties of nursing care.
 
Vocational Nursing Schools
Students who would like to pursue a career as a vocational nurse need to enroll in a program offered at vocational nursing school. They must also pass licensing examinations. Students can enroll in vocational or community colleges and get into an LVN program that spans over one year. These programs entail hands-on training other than classroom lectures. The curricula may include a wide array of topics such as first aid and an administration of drugs, pediatrics nutrition and obstetrics, anatomy and physiology.
 
These schools also offer associate degrees in nursing that can help a student pursue a career as a vocational nurse. An associate’s degree takes two years to complete. Some of the courses you will go through in this program include human development, health assessment and psychiatric nursing.
 
Aspiring nurses must also complete the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses to become a vocational nurse. It is a computer-based test which helps to assess the knowledge and skills of LVPs.
 
Admissions Requirements
Enrolling in LVN programs is very simple as they do not have many prerequisites. Students who want to pursue such degree programs must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Other requirements for admission may vary by school. 
 
Career Prospects
Career prospects for vocational nurses are very bright as scores of new jobs have emerged for such healthcare professionals across the country. According to official statistics, vocational nursing jobs are expected to grow by 21% from 2008-2018. Once students complete the required training and gain a license, they can work in a number of healthcare settings such as clinics, outpatient facilities, hospitals and more. Vocational nurses can learn in the range of $40,380 to $56,000 on an annual basis.
 
Continuing Education
Vocational nurses can further their career by enrolling in RN programs. These advanced degrees allow vocational nurses to become registered nurses and find rewarding jobs. Those who are already engaged in part-time or full-time jobs can either pursue these advanced programs online or alongside their professional commitments.
 
Online Programs
Aspiring vocational nurses can also get into online programs in nursing and pursue a rewarding career in a convenient manner. Online programs allow students to study at timings that suit their routines. These programs are self-paced and thus give students the freedom to learn and complete trainings according to their own preferences. Compared to regular programs for these nurses, the online programs are also more cost effective. This is why students who want to get into this field but have limited financial resources should consider the online option.