Vocational Nursing Program (LPN/LVN)

Vocational nursing is a level of nursing practice focused on providing basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) help support patient care by monitoring health, assisting with treatments, and helping maintain patient comfort across a variety of healthcare settings. (1)

Vocational nursing programs are designed to help you begin building the foundational knowledge and clinical skills used in entry-level nursing roles.

A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) provides basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Responsibilities may include monitoring vital signs, assisting with patient care, supporting treatments, and maintaining patient records. (1)

In this role, you may work closely with patients and support communication as part of a healthcare team.

Licensed vocational nurses may work in a variety of healthcare settings, depending on their training and state regulations. (1) Common work environments may include hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and physician offices. (1)

These settings offer opportunities to support patient care as part of a healthcare team.

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) both support patient care, but they differ in training and responsibilities.

CNAs typically assist with daily living activities such as bathing, feeding, and mobility. LVNs complete additional education and may perform clinical tasks such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with treatments, and administering certain medications (as permitted by state regulations). (1)

LVNs work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians and generally have a broader scope of responsibilities than CNAs.

Vocational nursing and registered nursing differ in education, scope of practice, and responsibilities.

LVNs provide basic patient care under supervision, while registered nurses (RNs) complete additional education and may take on expanded responsibilities such as patient assessment, care planning, and coordination of care. (1) (4)

If you’re considering your next step, comparing nursing programs can help you decide which educational path aligns with your goals.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) perform similar roles in patient care. The primary difference is the title, which varies by state. Some states use “LPN,” while others use “LVN.” Responsibilities and scope of practice may also vary based on state regulations. (1)

Admission requirements for a vocational nursing LVN program may vary by institution, but common requirements can include:

• Being at least 18 years of age by the expected start date
• Holding a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider card
• Completing the ATI TEAS admission assessment
• Submitting proof of required immunizations
• Completing a background check and drug screening within a required timeframe prior to enrollment
• Meeting transfer credit requirements, including evaluation of prior coursework

You can review full admissions requirements in the Academic Catalog.

The Carrington College VN program is designed to help students build the knowledge and clinical skills used in practical nursing. Whether you pursue a certificate or associate degree in vocational nursing, graduates may be eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), depending on state requirements. (1) (5)

Carrington College prepares students to pursue certification and licensure related to their program of study. Carrington does not guarantee that students will pass exams or become licensed.

Students in the Vocational Nursing program complete supervised clinical training in healthcare settings. These experiences may take place in environments such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. (1)

During clinical training, you’ll have the opportunity to begin applying what you’ve learned and developing hands-on patient care skills in real-world settings.