Education is a good investment, but money can be a barrier to getting a degree. Not everyone can afford tuition, and then there’s the time out of work, but there are different levels of nursing, one of which only requires a vocational school diploma. A nursing career could be 12 months away. And best of all, CyberTex offers financial aid and veteran benefits to those that qualify. Contact us for more information to learn more. So, how much time do you have to spend in nursing school?
How Much Time Do You Want to Spend in Nursing School?
All nurses are professional caregivers, but registered and licensed vocational nurses require different education.
RNs need a two or four-year degree. Employers in acute care facilities prefer to put bachelor’s-educated RNs in supervisory positions because they have more training. Degree programs delve deeper into the scientific foundation of nursing, so graduates can manage complex medical issues independently.
Still, associate RNs have the same professional license and, with experience, qualify for most of the same jobs. RNs with two-year degrees, however, may struggle to find leadership roles. Almost half of registered nurses in the US have a bachelor’s degree. Nursing is an increasingly complicated profession, so upper management positions go to the best qualified.
Vocational nurses only need a diploma. Training programs are comprehensive but short, a year or less, and focused on practical skills. Graduates qualify for some of the same jobs as RNs, but they’re less likely to work in acute care settings. A vocational nurse’s skills are ideal for nursing facilities, doctor’s offices, clinics and assisted living centers. Many also work with home health agencies.
The good news for all nurses is that the job market is strong and education opportunities are plentiful. And for those who look ahead, the next step up the career ladder is always shorter than the last.
What Do You Learn During a Vocational Nursing Program?
Vocational school nursing programs are designed for entry-level nurses. If you have health care experience, it’s an advantage. You’ll learn what you need to know to be successful. The curriculum covers topics such as:
Health Science
Health science is an umbrella term that covers the many sciences that affect the body. You’ll learn biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, genetics and even physics in a practical, hands-on way.
Most registered nursing students take full and complete science courses. However, for LVN students, this less intense course is a good primer. It serves as a foundation for the rest of your education.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the study of therapeutic drugs and their effects. Medication administration is a core responsibility for LVNs. In this course, you’ll learn about medication classifications, the conditions they treat, side effects, interactions, and precautions.
Medication Administration
LVNs administer oral, rectal, topical, and injectable medications. Using the knowledge gained in the pharmacology course, students learn how to give drugs safely and legally. Topics include patient rights and responsibilities, safe administration practices, and recordkeeping. You’ll practice giving injections through simulation and later, on patients in a learning environment.
Nursing in Health and Illness
Nurses do more than care for the ill, they help the well stay healthy. Both teachers and caregivers, nurses support their patients and communities through wellness interventions.
Students in this class learn about the needs of different age groups from newborns to seniors. As a nurse, your mission is to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of your patients. So, you’ll explore essential topics from preventive health and mental crises to end-of-life needs and care for the physically disabled.
Basic and Advanced Nursing Skills
In an RN program, students take prerequisites first before moving on to nursing classes, but in an LVN program, there’s no time to lose. You’ll start learning basic nursing skills on day one, building on each as you gain knowledge through other courses.
Early on, you’ll tackle patient hygiene, safety, infection control, vital signs, and activities of daily living before moving on to mobility and range-of-motion techniques. Later topics include checking blood sugar, collecting fluid samples, administering tube feedings, and inserting urinary catheters. Finally, you learn to document the care you give to protect yourself and the patient.
Clinical Vocational Nursing
Every nursing program includes off-site clinical rotations in which you can practice your skills in a supervised medical environment. Schools partner with nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities to give student nurses a broad range of experience.
Upon graduation, you’ll feel confident in your skills and will have learned more about yourself along the way. Clinical rotations are also an opportunity to network with other nurses and potential employers. More than one nursing student has been offered a job after catching a supervisor’s eye.
Leadership and Professional Development
Training is the key to success in nursing. Once you take the first step, continuing education is encouraged. However, you can position yourself for professional development by getting the right training and making employment decisions early in your career. From getting your diploma to finding your first job, this course shows you how.
Final Thoughts
Launching a nursing career doesn’t have to take 2 to 4 years of schooling. You can start a fulfilling and rewarding career as a nurse in as little as 12 months. Take the first step and CyberTex will be with you every step of the way.
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Classes for the Vocational Nursing program are conducted in a student-friendly atmosphere conveniently located in Austin, Texas. After graduating from the Licensed Vocational Nursing program, students can apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and start their exciting new career immediately.
Contact us today to learn more about our CyberTex campuses.