Are you considering a rewarding career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)? American Career College's LVN program offers comprehensive training to prepare you for success in this vital healthcare role. Understanding the prerequisites and program requirements is your first step toward this fulfilling career path.
LVN Program Overview
American Career College's Vocational Nursing program is designed to prepare you for the NCLEX-PN, the national licensing examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The program is available at three Southern California campuses: Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, with convenient evening and weekend classes available.
LVN Program Duration
The LVN program at American Career College can be completed in:
- 12 months for regular program
- 18 months for the evening/weekend option
LVN Prerequisites and Requirements
To enter the Vocational Nursing program at American Career College, you'll need to:
- Complete educational requirements: You'll need a high school diploma or GED equivalent, which aligns with the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) standards for education.
- Meet program-specific requirements: Unlike some programs that require extensive prerequisites, ACC's program includes foundational courses like Anatomy & Physiology and Nutrition within the curriculum.
- Pass entrance examination requirements: Vocational Nursing program applicants must take and pass the Wonderlic SLEQ entrance examination with a minimum score of 21. Alternative qualifications include:
- A score of 70% or higher on the HESI exam within the last 36 months, OR
- A score of 21 or higher on the Wonderlic SLE Exam within the last 5 years
- Obtain background clearance: All applicants must obtain a background clearance at the time of enrollment, with information provided during the admissions process.
- Complete health requirements: Health screening examinations, pathology tests (if applicable), and immunizations are conducted on campus prior to clinical assignments.
- Meet physical requirements for clinical experience: Students must be able to:
- Lift up to 30 lbs. individually
- Demonstrate visual capacity to read small print
- Demonstrate auditory perception to hear and understand verbal communication
- Effectively communicate in English to patients and healthcare team members
- Demonstrate coordinated range of motion of all four extremities
- Stand, bend, walk, and sit for 6-12 hours in clinical settings
- Be prepared for potential drug testing: May be required in certain clinical placement situations.
LVN Program Curriculum
The LVN program at ACC is structured across five terms, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience:
Term 1
- Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
- Nutrition
- Fundamentals of Nursing (theory, lab, and clinical)
Term 2
- Pharmacology 1
- Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing
Term 3
- Pharmacology 2
- Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing
Term 4
- Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Life Span Development
Term 5
- Maternal Child Nursing
- Clinical Capstone
- Concept Mastery
Skills You'll Learn
Through the program, you'll develop essential skills for vocational nursing:
- Monitoring vital signs including blood pressure and heart rate
- Providing comprehensive patient care
- Collecting and recording medical data
- Administering prescribed medications
- Charting changes in patients' conditions
- Evaluating nursing intervention outcomes
Important Qualities for LVN Success
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, successful LVNs possess these key qualities:
- Compassion: LVNs must be empathetic and caring toward the people they serve
- Communication skills: Must be able to convey information effectively, such as relaying patient test results to registered nurses
- Detail oriented: Need to pay attention to details to ensure patients receive the correct care at the right time
- Interpersonal skills: Must be able to build rapport and interact effectively with patients and other healthcare providers
- Multitasking skills: Often work with multiple patients who have various health needs, ensuring each receives appropriate care and attention
- Physical stamina: Should be able to perform physical tasks, such as bending over patients for extended periods
LVN Career Opportunities
As a Licensed Vocational Nurse, you'll be qualified to work in various healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Physicians' offices
- Home healthcare
- Outpatient clinics
LVN Licensing and Regulatory Information
After completing your education, you'll need to:
- Apply for licensure through the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), which oversees professional licensing in the state
- Pass the NCLEX-PN examination
- Understand that once licensed, your practice will be regulated by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) Enforcement Division, which ensures all LVNs maintain professional standards
Getting Started
To begin your journey toward becoming an LVN at American Career College:
- Request information from the college
- Schedule a campus tour to see the facilities firsthand
- Speak with an admissions advisor about enrollment requirements
- Explore financial aid and scholarships options, which are available to those who qualify
Why Choose ACC's Vocational Nursing Program?
- Program approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
- Real-world training with over 800 hours of clinical experience
- Labs and classrooms modeled after actual medical settings
- Preparation for the NCLEX-PN certification exam
- Campuses voted as "Best Career College" in their respective areas
- Career and student services to support you during school and after graduation
- Instructors with real world experience
Ready to Start Your LVN Journey?
Don't wait to begin your path to a rewarding healthcare career. The healthcare industry needs dedicated professionals like you who are ready to make a difference in patients' lives.
Enroll in the LVN program at American Career College today!
Our admissions team is standing by to answer your questions and help you navigate the enrollment process. Take the first step toward a fulfilling career as an LVN where you'll develop valuable skills, enjoy job security, and experience the satisfaction of helping others when they need it most.
