The healthcare industry is diverse, with an accumulation of talented professionals working for one common aim: Patient care. Doctors, Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists, and technicians are the prime contributors to enhanced patient care. Licensed vocational nurses (LVN), also known as licensed practical nurses (LPN) in some states of the USA, are one of the key roles in the healthcare industry.
In this blog, we are going to understand the training programs and essential skills required to become an LVN in the US. We will also explore some of the crucial steps to becoming an LVN.
Training programs and requirements to become an LVN
The process of becoming an LVN can be broken down into smaller steps such as education, training, and meeting requirements. To gain a clear understanding, let’s tackle each step one by one.
Diploma programs
To become an LVN, the first step in education is to take the Diploma programs. Community colleges, vocational schools, and also some facilities offer diploma programs. A typical diploma program’s duration is 12-18 months. Its curriculum covers theoretical classroom sessions and practical classes. These programs are a pillar stone in your LVN career. The following are the nursing disciplines:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Maternal-newborn nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Geriatric nursing
- Communication and documentation
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
The second option to become an LVN is to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). This course is designed to help students understand the broader subject of nursing. It lasts 24 months and covers in-depth topics such as leadership and research. An ADN degree is one of the key requirements for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
These two options are the significant LVN training programs.
Admission criteria for LVNs
Admission criteria or requirements are one of the major areas before taking admission to any program, they vary slightly across institutions but they typically include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA (usually 2.0-2.5)
- Passing entrance exams (some programs may require them)
- Completion of prerequisite courses (may include biology, chemistry, math, and english)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Proof of immunizations
What else is required to become an LVN
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- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: It is uncommon to face emergencies in the healthcare industry. With proper critical thinking and problem-solving skills, you can tackle emergencies without any worries.
Clinical rotations: To become an LVN, one must complete clinical hours, during which one gains practical experience under the supervision of licensed nurses in various healthcare settings. The clinical hours usually range from 200 to 700 and may change depending on the program.
NCLEX-PN exam: The crucial step in an LVN career is passing the NCLEX-PN exam. This exam will assess your knowledge and skills in nursing. To become an LVN, one must pass the NCLEX-PN exam, which is mandatory across all the US states.
Additional qualities and skills for success
While the programs only offer theoretical and practical knowledge, here are some additional LVN requirements for a successful LVN career
- Physical stamina and dexterity: The LVN job is often stressful because it involves assisting with the patient’s physical condition. This may include lifting, walking, and exercising. One must have enough physical stamina and dexterity to attend to the job responsibilities.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: It is uncommon to face emergencies in the healthcare industry. With proper critical thinking and problem-solving skills, you can tackle emergencies without any worries.
Some qualities and skills for success
While specific programs have selection processes, some qualities, and skills are highly valued in potential LVNs:
- Compassion and empathy: Providing emotional support and understanding to patients is essential.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills: You must build rapport with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Making sound judgments in fast-paced situations is crucial.
- Time management and organizational skills: Effective prioritization and organization are essential for managing patient care efficiently.
- Physical stamina and dexterity: The job may involve lifting, walking, and assisting patients with various needs.
Career opportunities for LVNs
LVN career offers numerous opportunities in various healthcare settings because of its diversity:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Clinics
- Doctors’ offices
- Home healthcare agencies
- Hospice care centers
With proper experience and additional qualifications, LVNs have advanced opportunities to pursue geriatrics, pediatrics, or wound care.
What’s next?
After completing your education and training and ensuring that you meet all the requirements, it’s time to apply for a job as an LVN. You can do this by reaching out to an LVN staffing agency such as MedCadre, where you will find over 500 job listings for LVNs.
Once the program and training are complete, the next crucial step is applying for a job. Job hunting is a time-and-money-consuming process. Healthcare professionals often choose a job agency for job openings. It can be a turning point in your progress to become an LVN.
Wondering why is it more meaningful?
A job agency plays a crucial role in a healthcare professional’s career. They source candidates’ profiles to healthcare facilities cost-effectively and time-efficiently. Agencies do 90% of the job hunting.
Are you looking for a similar agency?
You are at the right place! Medcadre is one the leading job agencies in the USA. With over 1000+ placements across the top healthcare facilities in the country, we take pride in leading the talented medical community.
We are a team of 100+ professional recruiters who dedicatedly work for healthcare professionals in the job hunting process. We invest more in the best resources in the industry, such as ATS software, leading job portals, communication tools, and infrastructure, and this makes our job easier, and so is yours.
Ready to apply for a job with MedCadre?
Following are the steps for your dream career
- Search for the job that matches your requirements
- Apply for the job through the “Apply Now” button
- You will receive an email or call from our recruitment team for further processing
Conclusion
To become an LVN, one must clear the program courses and essential to clear all the medical tests. However, additional skills like Compassion and empathy, communication, critical thinking, and time management assist you more in your career. Upskill every day and research different programs to enhance your career growth.
