Becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is a rewarding career path for those passionate about healthcare and patient care. American Career College (ACC) offers a comprehensive Vocational Nursing program designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field. A common question for prospective students is, “How long will it take to complete the LVN program at American Career College?” Let’s delve into the details of the program length and what you can expect on your journey to becoming an LVN.
The American Career College Vocational Nursing program is structured to be completed efficiently, allowing you to enter the healthcare workforce sooner. The curriculum is divided into four modules, each lasting approximately 13 weeks for the daytime program. For students who opt for the evening and weekend program to accommodate their schedules, each module extends to 20 weeks.
This modular structure allows for focused learning in key areas of vocational nursing. The program progresses systematically, building your knowledge and skills from foundational concepts to more advanced patient care techniques. Let’s break down the modules you’ll encounter:
-
Introduction to Client-Centered Care Module: This initial module lays the groundwork for your vocational nursing education. You’ll be introduced to the role of a student nurse and the broader nursing profession. The coursework includes essential subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, and Pharmacology, providing a strong base for understanding patient care. You’ll also learn about the fundamentals of nursing care for surgical clients, both before and after operations.
-
Care of the Client with Healthcare Deviations I: Building upon the first module, this section focuses on nursing interventions and the psychological aspects of caring for clients with integumentary disorders (skin-related conditions). You’ll gain practical experience through selected clinical experiences, honing your nursing skills. Furthermore, you’ll deepen your understanding of critical body systems including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.
-
Care of the Client with Healthcare Deviations II: This module expands your knowledge to encompass nursing care for clients with disorders of the gastrointestinal, urinary, immunology/oncology, and reproductive systems. Continuing with a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, you’ll participate in clinical experiences to refine your nursing abilities in these specialized areas.
-
Advanced Client-Centered Care: The final module in the core curriculum covers advanced topics such as obstetrics, pediatrics, neurosensory system care, and mental health/rehabilitation specialties. Through coursework and clinical practice, you’ll gain experience in a wide range of patient care scenarios, preparing you for the diverse responsibilities of an LVN.
-
Nursing License Preparation: This crucial final component is designed to ensure you are fully prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam, the national licensing exam for vocational nurses. This review course integrates all your previous learning in nursing theory, psychosocial sciences, and basic statistics. It also emphasizes leadership, communication, research, the nursing process, and critical thinking skills necessary for successful nursing practice. Passing the Exit HESI exam is a graduation requirement, ensuring you are ready for licensure and your LVN career.
Close-up of hands checking vitals
So, how long does all of this take? The daytime Vocational Nursing program at American Career College is designed to be completed in approximately 13 months. For students in the evening and weekend program, the duration is approximately 20 months. This accelerated timeline allows you to quickly gain the qualifications needed to start your career as an LVN and begin making a difference in patients’ lives.
This focused program length doesn’t compromise on the quality of education. ACC’s Vocational Nursing program is comprehensive, providing over 800 hours of clinical experience. This extensive hands-on training is integrated throughout the curriculum, allowing you to apply your classroom learning in real-world healthcare settings. You’ll work under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals, gaining invaluable practical skills and confidence.
Choosing the right vocational nursing program is a significant step towards your healthcare career. Understanding the program length is just one factor to consider. American Career College’s LVN program offers a balanced approach, providing a relatively short program duration without sacrificing thorough training and practical experience. This structure is designed to help you efficiently achieve your goal of becoming a qualified and compassionate Licensed Vocational Nurse.
If you are interested in learning more about the American Career College Vocational Nursing program, including tuition costs and financial aid options, it’s recommended to connect with their admissions advisors. They can provide personalized guidance and answer any further questions you may have about starting your journey towards a fulfilling nursing career.
