Embarking on a career in vocational nursing is a rewarding path, and understanding the program hours and curriculum is crucial for prospective students. American Career College (ACC) offers a comprehensive Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this in-demand healthcare profession. This article delves into the details of the American Career College Lvn Program Hours, curriculum structure, and what you can expect from this career-focused training.
Comprehensive LVN Training at American Career College
The Vocational Nursing program at American Career College is meticulously structured to provide a robust educational experience. It balances theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training to ensure graduates are well-prepared for entry-level LVN positions. The program is offered at multiple locations, including Los Angeles, Orange County, and Ontario, making it accessible to students across Southern California.
ACC’s LVN program is classified under Instructional Programs (CIP) code 51.3901, focusing on Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training. It aligns with the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code 29-2061.00 for Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses, ensuring the curriculum meets industry standards and prepares students for relevant roles.
Program Hours Breakdown: A Detailed Look
Understanding the program hours is vital for planning your education and career trajectory. The American Career College LVN program is a comprehensive course encompassing a total of 1570 hours, broken down into distinct categories to provide a well-rounded learning experience:
- Theory Hours: 615 hours – These hours are dedicated to classroom learning, covering essential nursing concepts, medical knowledge, and theoretical frameworks necessary for competent nursing practice.
- Lab Hours: 152 hours – The lab component provides hands-on practice in a controlled environment. Students develop crucial clinical skills using instructional equipment and mannequins, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.
- Clinical Hours: 803 hours – A significant portion of the program is dedicated to clinical practice. These hours are spent in diverse healthcare settings, allowing students to apply their knowledge under supervision and gain real-world experience in patient care.
This structured distribution of program hours ensures that graduates are not only theoretically sound but also practically proficient and clinically experienced, making them highly employable upon graduation.
Program Duration and Scheduling Options
The duration of the American Career College LVN program is designed to be intensive yet flexible, catering to different student needs and schedules.
- Day Program: The day program is designed to be completed in approximately 54 weeks. This accelerated pace allows for quicker entry into the workforce for those who can dedicate their weekdays to study.
- Evening/Weekend Program: For students requiring more flexibility, the evening/weekend program extends over approximately 84 weeks. This option accommodates those who need to balance their studies with work or other commitments.
It’s important to note that these durations are estimates, and the actual program length may vary slightly due to holiday schedules and other unforeseen factors. However, both schedules ensure the completion of the full 1570 program hours required for comprehensive LVN training.
Curriculum Outline: Term-by-Term Breakdown
The LVN program at ACC is divided into four terms, each building upon the previous one to create a progressive learning experience. Here’s a term-by-term overview of the curriculum and associated program hours:
Term 1: Foundations of Nursing
Term 1 lays the groundwork for your nursing education, focusing on fundamental concepts and introductory skills.
| Module Number | Title | Theory Hours | Skill Lab Hours | Clinical Hours | Total Hours | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANA100 | Intro to Human Anatomy & Physiology | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 3.0 |
| VOCN100 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 82 | 0 | 0 | 82 | 8.0 |
| VOCN100L | Fundamentals of Nursing Lab | 0 | 120 | 0 | 120 | 6.0 |
| VOCN100C | Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical | 0 | 0 | 60 | 60 | 2.0 |
| VOCN110 | Nutrition | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 3.0 |
| Totals | 142 | 120 | 60 | 322 | 22.0 |
Term 2: Medical-Surgical Nursing I and Foundational Sciences
Term 2 introduces you to medical-surgical nursing principles and essential supporting sciences.
| Module Number | Title | Theory Hours | Skill Lab Hours | Clinical Hours | Total Hours | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOCN200 | Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 60 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 6.0 |
| VOCN200C | Medical-Surgical Nursing I – Clinical | 0 | 0 | 210 | 210 | 7.0 |
| VOCN210 | Geriatrics | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1.0 |
| VOCN210C | Geriatrics Clinical | 0 | 0 | 30 | 30 | 1.0 |
| PSYCH1 | Psychology | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 3.0 |
| PHARM1 | Pharmacology I | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 3.0 |
| Totals | 130 | 0 | 240 | 370 | 21.0 |
Term 3: Medical-Surgical Nursing II and Mental Health
Term 3 builds upon your medical-surgical knowledge and introduces the critical aspect of mental health in nursing.
| Module Number | Title | Theory Hours | Skill Lab Hours | Clinical Hours | Total Hours | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOCN300 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II | 90 | 0 | 0 | 90 | 9.0 |
| VOCN300C | Medical-Surgical Nursing II Clinical | 0 | 0 | 210 | 210 | 7.0 |
| VOCN310 | Mental Health | 15 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 1.5 |
| VOCN310C | Mental Health Clinical | 0 | 0 | 45 | 45 | 1.5 |
| GD300 | Growth and Development | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 3.0 |
| PHARM2 | Pharmacology II | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 3.0 |
| Totals | 165 | 0 | 255 | 420 | 25.0 |
Term 4: Advanced Nursing Concepts and Specializations
The final term focuses on advanced medical-surgical nursing, maternal child nursing, and concept mastery to prepare you for licensure and practice.
| Module Number | Title | Theory Hours | Skill Lab Hours | Clinical Hours | Total Hours | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOCN400 | Medical-Surgical Nursing III | 94 | 0 | 0 | 94 | 9.0 |
| VOCN400C | Medical-Surgical Nursing III Clinical | 0 | 0 | 220 | 220 | 7.0 |
| VOCN410 | Maternal Child Nursing | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 3.0 |
| VOCN410L | Maternal Child Nursing Skills Lab | 0 | 32 | 0 | 32 | 1.5 |
| VOCN410C | Maternal Child Nursing Clinical | 0 | 0 | 28 | 28 | 0.5 |
| VOCN420A | Concept Mastery I § | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 3.0 |
| VOCN420B | Concept Mastery II § | 24 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 2.0 |
| Totals | 178 | 32 | 248 | 458 | 26.0 |
Career Opportunities and Objectives
Upon completion of the American Career College LVN program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as Licensed Vocational Nurses. LVNs provide essential direct patient care under the supervision of physicians, dentists, or Registered Nurses in various healthcare settings, including:
- Medical Offices
- Clinics
- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
- Acute Care Hospitals
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Home Health Agencies
The program’s career training objective is clear: to develop competent and caring LVNs who can contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector.
Instructional Equipment for Hands-On Learning
To facilitate effective learning and skill development, American Career College provides a comprehensive range of instructional equipment, including:
- Anatomy Charts & Anatomical Models
- Hospital Beds with Overbed and Side Tables
- Procedural Anatomical Mannequins
- Procedure Kits
- Medication Carts
- Glucometers
- Sphygmomanometers
- Stethoscopes
- Thermometers/Electronic/Tympanic
- Wheelchair / Walker
- Scale
- Skeleton
This equipment ensures students gain practical experience using industry-standard tools, enhancing their readiness for clinical practice.
Take the First Step Towards Your LVN Career
The American Career College LVN program, with its well-structured curriculum and comprehensive program hours, offers a strong foundation for a successful career in vocational nursing. If you are looking for a program that balances theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience and prepares you for the NCLEX-PN exam, ACC’s LVN program is an excellent choice.
Learn more about ACC’s Vocational Nursing Program and take the first step towards your rewarding nursing career today.
