Becoming an LVN – licensed vocational nurses – in California is a great choice. Also known as an LPN in many other parts of the country an LVN provides the basic nursing care a wide variety of patients need under the supervision of an RN and/or a doctor. In California current labor figures indicate that despite the state’s financial problems in other areas approximately 115,000 new LVN positions will be created before 2018 if a nursing shortage that impacts patient care is to be averted.
Requirements to Get into LVN Programs in California -Unlike is the case in some other states the average accredited LVN program take 12-15 months to complete, slightly longer than some others. In order to become licensed after graduation you must have attended a school that offers LVN programs in California that are fully accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians so it is very important that you ensure that the one you are considering is.
Each different LVN program in California has slightly different entrance requirements but there are some common factors that apply to all LVN programs in California and in order to enroll in one successfully a student must:
Be a high school graduate or possess a GED
Be a US citizen or alien with the right to work in the US
Able to pass a basic medical and a drug test, as well as a general background test.
Some schools also require that students pass a Career Programs Assessment Test that covers basic math, science and language arts subjects. Also known as the CPAt it is usually vocational school offering LVN programs in California that require students take the test but students can take practice tests on line before siting the real thing.
Finding the Best LVN programs in California – There are a great many LVN programs in California and which is best for you may depend on a number of factors that matter to your personal situation only. With that in mind you may want to look at the following factors when choosing between LVN programs in California:
Class Size and Flexibility – Many students who want to become LVNs have other jobs they are already holding down in the meantime and for them part time evening and weekend classes can be the only way to go. Class size also matters to those who need a little extra attention from tutors as a rule and finding a school with a smaller class size usually helps ensure they get that.
Licensing Test pass rate – One of the questions you should be asking when choosing between LVN programs in California is what percentage of graduates pass their state licensing exam the first time around. The higher that figure the better because that generally indicates that the school prepares its students for the test very well.
Reputation – If you really are stuck between several LVN programs in California it may help if toy make a few inquiries at local medical facilities in your area that employ LPNs. Which schools do they recommend? Which schools do they think are better than others? That professional input from those who have already been there can be invaluable.