Becoming an LVN (licensed vocational nurse) provides an excellent opportunity to enter the nursing field quickly.
It enables aspiring nurses to find entry-level positions at a healthcare facility for people interested in the healthcare field.
With that said, the LVN program offers only a beginner’s level education.
As a result, some LVNs have trouble finding opportunities to advance their career due to their lack of knowledge.
Those who want a higher salary and more career opportunities must return to nursing school to become registered nurses.
Fortunately, there are options available to LVNs that make transitioning into their nursing program quick and fluid.
The LVN to RN programs at colleges and universities allow licensed vocational nurses to take further nursing courses.
As a result, they can earn their registered nurse license in less time than a new student.
ADN and BSN Bridge Programs
The LVN to RN programs include the Associate’s Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
Depending on the college offering the transition program, LVNs receive up to 1-year credits toward the program.
Those who enter the program may have to take a one-credit transition course to make the transition seamless.
LVNs may also be required to take several prerequisite courses before being given entry into the LVN to RN program.
Each college varies in terms of requirements to get accepted into the program.
The most common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, biology, psychology, sociology, math, and English.
Nursing School Prerequisite Courses:
- Anatomy & Physiology I and II
- Intro to Psychology or Psychology 101
- Biology
- Math
- Introduction to Sociology or Sociology 101
- English 101
With that said, not all colleges require students to complete every mentioned prerequisite course.
The best way to figure out which requirements are necessary to enter the program is to speak with the guidance counselor.
Ask them what prerequisite courses and GPA average is needed to get accepted into the program.
It may also be beneficial to find out how much competition that school has for those trying to enter the program.
It will help you determine your acceptance odds and whether that school is right for you.
If the school has significant competition, apply to numerous universities to improve your acceptance odds.
LVN to ADN Program Length
One common question regarding the transition program is, “how long do you have to study to become a registered nurse?
The LVN to ADN program length varies depending on the university offering the nursing program.
Each program has distinct requirements, and minimal credits students must complete.
Some programs require two years of education plus prerequisite courses to complete their schooling.
Other students can complete the LVN to ADN bridge program in 15 – 18 months!
It depends primarily on the university teaching the program and the student’s prior education.
Some programs also enable students to transfer credits from general education courses to speed up the process.
NCLEX-RN Examination
At the end of the LVN to RN nursing program, all students must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain their licensure.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides this examination.
It tests a nurse’s proficiency in various areas to ensure they can perform their duties adequately.
Students must also pay licensing fees and other state expenses to obtain their registered nursing license.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for licensed vocational nurses is relatively strong, with the demand for nurses increasing nationwide.
Registered nurses have more career opportunities and earn higher salaries due to their additional training and education.
However, LVNs serve essential healthcare roles, enabling other medical professionals to manage higher-level duties.
LVNs support registered nurses, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
They also enable hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities to run more smoothly.
Over the next decade, job growth will increase by 9%, creating more opportunities to secure jobs and earn a decent living.
In addition, numerous nurses are retiring, further driving the demand for qualified healthcare providers.
Becoming an LVN offers nurses an excellent opportunity to enter the healthcare field quickly.
It enables aspiring nurses to gain experience, earn a living and determine whether nursing is the right career path.
It’s also less expensive and time-consuming than becoming a registered nurse.
As a result, this career is ideal for those unsure whether they want to work in healthcare long-term.
Many students who become registered nurses start careers as LVNs to gain experience and earn money.
Finally, becoming an LVN looks excellent on a resume.
It will make finding a job more painless once you return to school to become a registered nurse.
The additional work experience provides an advantage over students with no background in nursing.
Reasons to Become a Registered Nurse
There are numerous reasons to become a registered nurse if you work as an LVN.
Firstly, registered nurses earn exceptional incomes and receive great benefits, enabling them to live comfortable lives.
RNs also have numerous career opportunities with over one hundred specializations and growing.
As a result, finding a career that suits your skills, interests, and passions is more effortless.
Because nursing is in high demand, there are many flexible career options.
These healthcare professionals can work part-time, travel nurses, work from home, or take per diem nursing assignments.
Finally, the registered nursing profession is highly secure compared to other occupations.
Healthcare workers are essential to the nation’s health, well-being, and welfare.
As a result, these specialists can readily find reliable work throughout the country at any time of the year.