Practical Nursing / Vocational Nursing Training (LPN/LVN)

Practical nursing (LPN/LVN) is a career that gives you the chance to deliver care that makes a difference in people’s lives. The LPN/LVN program at Carrington College® and Carrington College® California is an excellent way for compassionate, self-directed and responsible students to enter a field that can be challenging and personally fulfilling.

When you earn your Certificate or Associate degree in Practical/Vocational Nursing you can develop the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients at an essential level, providing simple nursing care for patients who are experiencing common, well-defined health problems. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in some states including California, work under the guidance of a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed physician. Practical nurses can find employment in a wide range of healthcare settings, including clinics, doctors’ offices, assisted living facilities and in the community providing home health care.

The curriculum we have developed for our LPN/LVN programs are designed to help you acquire a command of the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue an entry-level position as a licensed practical nurse. As a student, you can:

• Attend a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory practice and clinical training in area healthcare facilities
• Learn from passionate instructors with extensive nursing experience
• Receive preparation for taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)

Professional success begins with a well-rounded education

Over the course of four semesters, the education you receive as a student of the Practical/Vocational Nursing program will help you build a solid base of knowledge and progressively challenge you with new concepts and skills. The first semester is comprised solely of classroom instruction that introduces you to subjects such as basic anatomy and physiology, sociology, psychology and medical terminology. During semesters two through four, you will divide your time between the classroom, laboratory and clinical assignments that can give you valuable real-world experience. In addition to developing the skills you will need in your career, material covered may include nutrition, basic pharmacology, pediatrics, obstetrics, health data collection, and medical-surgical nursing, which focuses on the application of the nursing process. 

Once you have earned your Certificate or Associate degree in Practical Nursing, you should be prepared to provide basic bedside care to patients in a variety of clinical settings. You should also be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills and be competent in information management. The nursing responsibilities you should be able to demonstrate include:

• Assisting patients with eating, bathing, dressing and personal hygiene
• Measuring and recording vital signs
• Preparing and giving injections
• Administering medications
• Collecting samples for laboratory testing
• Dressing wounds
• Evaluating the needs of assisted living facility residents

Nursing is a dynamic field that offers a variety of opportunities for talented and compassionate individuals

If you are looking for a career that enables you to help physicians and care for patients, then practical nursing is a great choice. As a matter of fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of licensed practical nurses is expected to grow 22% between 2010 and 2020, that’s faster than average for all occupations. * Plus, you may be encouraged to learn that median annual wages of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses were $41,150 in May 2011. The middle 50% earned between $34,670 and $47,920. The lowest 10% earned less than $30,650, and the highest 10% earned more than $57,080. * For many, though, practical nursing is just the beginning. Becoming an LPN/LVN is an important first step toward becoming an RN, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) or pursuing any of a number of possible advanced degrees.

Note that admission to, or graduation from, our Practical Nursing program at Carrington College does not guarantee obtaining a license or certificate to practice nursing. Licensure and certification requirements are the exclusive responsibility of the State Board of Nursing.

Admission to or graduation from the Vocational Nursing program at Carrington College California does not guarantee obtaining a license to practice nursing. Licensure requirements are the exclusive responsibility of the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.

To learn more about educational and career opportunities in Practical Nursing, contact one of our Enrollment Services Representatives. 

Practical/Vocational Nursing available at the following campus locations

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