Available at technical or vocational schools, community and junior colleges, and approved high school and hospital-based training programs, LVN training generally takes one year to complete. Entrance to LVN programs is usually competitive, but this can vary by location. A high school diploma is typically a requirement for program admission, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, most programs do not require any college coursework before beginning the program, but instead use an entrance exam as the basis for admission. Attending a state-approved program ensures that you will be eligible to sit for the licensure exam. Your state's board of nursing can tell you which programs qualify.
An LVN program course of study covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, nursing practice and pharmacology. It also includes a clinical portion, where students get work-related training and experience at health care facilities. During this time, the student will learn everything it takes to perform the duties of a vocational nurse. After graduation, the student is eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN and begin working as a graduate vocational nurse.
Each state awards nursing licenses to candidates who pass the NCLEX-PN. The states also govern the requirements to sit for the exam. The NCLEX-PN is given in various locations around the state; a list of locations and more information can be found on each state's board of nursing website. The NCLEX-PN is a computerized test that can take up to five hours to complete. The number of questions varies based on the testers' responses, with a minimum of 85 questions and maximum of 205. After successfully completing the test, you will be a licensed vocational or licensed practical nurse.