Certificate in Practical Nursing/Vocational Nursing

If you are looking for a career that allows you to help physicians and care for patients, practical nursing or vocational nursing is a great choice. Carrington College’s Practical Nursing/Vocational Nursing program is designed to provide you with the classroom instruction and hands-on training you need to pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse. You will get real-world experience in a clinical setting, helping you feel comfortable and confident in a professional setting before you even graduate.

Upon completion of either the Practical Nursing or Vocational Nursing program, graduates will be able to:

Implement the nursing process in providing care for patients in a variety of clinical settings

Demonstrate academic preparedness to take the NCLEX-PN examination for licensure as a practical nurse

Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking.

Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively, communicate clearly, and act professionally.

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses can work in a variety of professional settings, including:

Hospitals

Physicians’ Offices

Home Health Care Services

Nursing Facilities.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are different titles for the same job. They are both entry-level positions providing basic medical care under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. Practical Nursing (PN) and Vocational Nursing (VN) programs prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-PN. Passing the NCLEX-PN is required for licensure of both LPNs and LVNs.

The biggest difference between a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is actually the name. LVN is used in California and Texas, while LPN is used throughout the rest of the United States. So the difference in the title really depends on where you are.

At Carrington College, the Albuquerque and Boise campuses' PN program offers a certificate of achievement in as little as one year. The VN certificate program is offered at the Sacramento and San Jose campuses, and an associate of science degree can be completed in as few as 17-27 months based on the program version.