Becoming a licensed vocational nurse, or LVN, is a meaningful career in health services. The following is everything you need to know about the best online LVN programs.
What Is an Online LVN Degree?
An online LVN degree is the degree a licensed vocational nurse earns remotely rather than attending classes in person. An LVN is very similar to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Some states use LVN, while others use the term LPN.
Licensed vocational nurses normally work with doctors or registered nurses in a variety of healthcare settings. An LVN fulfills basic nursing duties and provides general care for patients. This might include changing bandages and cleaning sutures, taking blood pressure, and maintaining health records. What exactly an LVN can legally do is likely different from state to state. The best online LVN programs can prepare you for this type of nursing career.
If you’re studying to become an LVN through an online program, you will probably start with several online classes that teach human anatomy and basic nursing procedures. Other classes may involve specific areas of nursing, such as maternity, pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health.
You’ll correspond with professors and other students through email and online message boards. Late in the program, you will probably need to visit a hospital, nursing facility, or other type of healthcare setting to get on-site clinical experience. Even some clinical experience is online because of the evolving nature of the healthcare industry. Learning how to assess patients and work with other healthcare professionals through telemedicine is rapidly becoming commonplace.
Why Choose an Online LVN Degree?
The United States is currently struggling with a nursing shortage. Now is an excellent time to begin your career in the health industry. There are many jobs available for an individual with an LVN degree.
It’s also a good time to work online to earn a degree. You’ll save time and money in transportation costs while earning a valuable degree in the comfort of your own home. An online program may include classes you can take at your convenience. Other courses online may require a student to log in and participate at a specific time.
How Much Does an LVN Degree Cost?
How much an LVN degree program costs will depend on several factors. These include whether you’re a resident of the state in which you’re taking the program and what type of accreditation the program has. Make sure the program you enroll in has the right accreditation for the license you want to obtain.
Besides the actual tuition, there are other costs you will need to pay. These may include the application fee, technology fee, and the costs of books and any equipment you’ll need, such as a good computer and a printer.
Costhelper Education states that a program may cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. Vocational Training Headquarters provides similar numbers. This site states that the cost for a public education is $5,000 to $25,000, while a private education may cost in the $20,000 to $40,000 range.
How Much Do LVN Majors Make?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an individual with an LVN degree is $48,820. This was the median pay in May 2020. This salary breaks down to approximately $23 to $24 per hour. Payscale reports that the median hourly income for an LVN is $23.32 as of August 2021. The amount of pay will vary depending on where in the country you work and how much experience you have.
Payscale, for example, shows that in Sacramento, California, an LVN will make a median hourly wage of $25.09 during the early part of their career, while an LVN with more experience in a smaller town may make less per hour. An “early career” would likely describe a nurse with less than five years of experience. Another aspect of the job that could affect pay is which shift a person works. Night shift nurses often earn higher pay or bonuses.
What Is the Job Outlook for LVN Holders?
The job outlook for a person working as an LVN is excellent. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a nine percent rise in jobs between 2019 and 2029. This is much higher than the national average.
Scholarships for LVN
There are several types of scholarships available for those looking to become an LVN. Some are merit scholarships. Others are for financial needs, and some are for people who specialize in certain areas of nursing. A few places you can look for scholarships includeFederal Pell Grants, the Nurse Corps Scholarship, and the School Nursing Scholarship through the American School Health Association.
FAQs About LVN Degrees
Summary Information
- Both standard and accelerated programs are available for someone pursuing an LVN.
- Popular concentrations include pediatric and neonatal nursing.
- Programs typically take 12 months to complete.
- Students can complete programs online while still working.
- Online instruction prepares students to sit for board exams for LVN certification.
- Online programs can provide essential training for LVN careers.
- There are a variety of career opportunities in a high-growth industry for individuals with LVN certification.
- Students may complete some fast-track online programs in as little as six to nine months.
- Costs vary considerably from school to school.
- Programs can cost as little as $5,000.
- A variety of scholarships are available for LVN programs.
Becoming an LVN is a rewarding career with a number of areas to specialize in. You’ll want to research different programs and colleges to find the best online LVN programs that offer what you’re looking for.