LVN to RN programs abound in the state of California. Why so many? Well, two reasons; the size of the state of course (more population that want to become nurses) and that the Licensed Vocational Nurse only exists in two States, California and Texas. The Bakersfield College Nursing Program allows LVN’s to skip semesters in the RN program.
So for this document we will be discussing California. For Texas, please refer to LVN to RN Programs in Texas.
So why are LVNs just in these two states?
Well it has to do with the naming of the level of nursing back in 1951 by the Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). They apparently labeled it that because nursing is a vocation and they passed a senate bill requiring licensing. They had no idea that later on the federal government would define the position as Licensed Practical Nurse, and thus the rift was created. In California, the LVN is semi-equivalent to the LPN and elsewhere many people incorrectly equate the two as the same.
How does the LVN and LPN differ in California?
Unfortunately, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as well as other governmental institutions lump both LVN and LPN together as if they are interchangeable. In fact, the job duties of the LVN and the job duties of the LPN are exactly the same. Let’s look at some raw data from the Employment Development Department for the state of California for nurses who have completed at least LVN training: The mean hourly wage for an LVN in CA is $24.61 (about 51K/year).
As LVN programs in Bakersfield Ca award a degree that is considered an entry level nurse we see that both designations require about on year of study, therefore costing about the same to achieve. The real difference between the two shows itself when an LVN wants to become an RN. In the state of California only two types of RN degrees are available for Licensed Vocational Nurses. The “30 unit” Registered Nurse and the “Non-Degree” RN. This is a big handicap to your career! In fact, a Kern County Licensed Vocational Nurse often ends up working in CNA jobs in Bakersfield Ca, which is vastly under-utilizing their abilities.
The 30-Unit RN
The 30 units refer to the amount of schooling you have completed (30 semester units are required for a LVN to RN program in California) to site for the NCLEX-RN exam but check this out: You are only able to work as an RN in the state of California with this designation. That may be fine for some of you that plan to live there your whole life, or for other reasons do not see yourself trying to attain work outside of California.
The Non-Degree RN
Your RN certification will forever be stamped “non degree” even if you continue your education. This to us, seems almost as if it is invalidating the degree and for many states outside of California, it does indeed!!
So what’s the best course of action?
One avenue is to attain the 30-unit or the non-degree RN certification and later have that converted to the nationally recognized RN degree. This may also be the subject of future research and writing by our staff as it is a nice middle ground between advancing your career now and insuring your career for the future. Of course the last avenue (door number two) is to sadly take your occupational loss, which is only a loss outside of California and go for an LVN to RN program with the above limitations that have been outlined. Heck, if you aren’t going anywhere, then in California it is considered a regular RN certification and treated as such. Another thing we will evaluate is leap-frogging the RN degree and go from LVN to BSN or see what can be done about a 30-unit RN degree being converted to a BSN degree.
There are many people who started their nursing career as licensed practical nurses also known as licensed vocational nurses(LVN) without actually knowing what it is all about or the differences between LPN and RN. When they realize these differences, they will like to take the bull by the horn by enrolling in LVN to RN Programs in Bakersfield Ca in order to enable them to work as RN. There are various reasons why people will want to work as registered nurses rather than LPN. Here are some of the reasons.
Reasons for taking up LVN to RN Programs in Bakersfield Ca
One of the major reasons why most people decide to take up LPN to RN programs is because of the awesome salary that RNs are earning. In the United States, registered nurses are among the highest paid group of people. This is because of the fact that there is increasing demand for them in the healthcare sector. The monthly earning is far better than that of the licensed vocational nurses. However, one of the reasons why they earn higher than LPN is because their training and educations take more years than those of LPN.
Registered nurses are ranked higher than LPN. In fact, the LPNs work under the supervision of the RN. Most LPN register for LPN to RN programs in order to be placed high in their field. This will help them to have a promising career in the healthcare sector. There is always a limit that you cannot exceed in terms of promotion if you are working a practical nurse. In order to exceed the limit, you have to register for the course.
Another reason why a LVN may want to become a RN is because of the wider job opportunity that RNs has over them. Generally speaking, there is increasing demand for nurses in the healthcare sector, but the registered nurses are needed more than the licensed practiced nurses. The job opportunity for the RNs is very high. This coupled with their high salary is the motivating factor behind the desire of most LPNs to switch from LPN to RN.
The nature of the LVN to RN Programs in Bakersfield Ca
The LNP to RN programs normally lasts for 1 or 2 years. The programs make it possible for LPNs to get their Bachelor of science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate degree in Nursing. The programs also qualify a nurse to take the NCLEX-RN in order to work as a RN. It will also make them eligible to for higher nursing degrees such as MSN.
Searching for a suitable program
There are a number of programs that you can register for. There bridge programs also. You can make use of the internet in order to find the right program. It is also advisable that you consider your eligibility to do any LPN to RN program. Do not register for a program that you are not qualified to do.
The LPN to RN programs can be done online or in the conventional nursing schools. No matter the medium through which you are following the program it is highly necessary that you do it in a school that is accredited. This is the only means of getting valid certificate.