For those looking to become a licensed LVN in Los Angeles, it is of the utmost importance to understand the process, and to conduct thorough research on the available LVN programs that present the best match to one’s specific needs and personal objectives.
Researching LVN Programs in Los Angeles
Los Angeles County offers promising employment opportunities in the health care field, including increasing job positions for those pursuing a career as a Licensed vocational Nurse. After successfully completing a state-approved LVN program, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) increases the chances of obtaining the best available jobs in the state. The highest number of LVN programs and job opportunities for an LVN are found in the San Fernando Valley, Burbank, and Glendale. In LA County, an LVN can expect to earn a median annual salary of $54,690 – one of the highest figures for this occupation in the United States.
Eligibility Checklist in Los Angeles
- Complete one of the state-approved LVN programs in California.
- Register to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
- Gain licensure through the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).
- Conduct a search for employment.
- California LVNs must complete 30 continuing education units every 2 years.
Finding a Los Angeles LVN Program
Finding the right program to accommodate personal needs and learning preferences makes becoming a Licensed vocational Nurse in Los Angeles a much easier task to accomplish. There are over 20 approved LVN programs in the county that offer class schedules in the day and evening, and sometimes both.
While some programs admit a new class as many as four times per year, others only let new students in once every 18 months. When researching potential LVN programs in Los Angeles, it is recommended to acknowledge attrition rate, NCLEX-PN pass rate, employment placement rate, and qualifications of instructors. Admission requirements also vary from school to school, which may include entrance exams, interviews, and personal essays.
Five Highest Rated LVN Programs in Los Angeles
Marian College 818-782-6163 5900 Sepulveda Blvd # 101 Van Nuys, California 91411 www.mariancollege.edu/
Career Development Institute 310-559-0225 1830 S Robertson Blvd Los Angeles, California 90035 cdi.edu/
Angeles College 213-487-2211 3440 Wilshire Blvd #310 Los Angeles, California 90004 www.angelescollege.edu/
Central Nursing College 213-384-4789 3550 Wilshire Blvd #830 Los Angeles, California 90010 cncusa.edu/
CES College 818-563-9822 401 S Glenoaks Blvd #211 Burbank, California 91502 cescollege.com/
Taking the Exam in Los Angeles
Those who wish to take the National Council Licensure Examination for vocational Nurses or NCLEX-PN to gain licensure in Los Angeles California as an LVN must complete two steps. The first is submitting an application to California’s BVNPT, which will determine a candidate’s eligibility to sit for the exam.
The second is registering with Pearson VUE and paying fees for taking the test; they then send an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter that must be brought to the NCLEX testing center on the candidate’s scheduled date of the exam. Those who pass the LVN exam will receive a license from the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).
Becoming Licensed as an LVN in Los Angeles
To gain licensure in Los Angeles California, candidates must complete a Board-approved curriculum that includes at least 1,500 contact hours, and is at least 10 months long. After satisfying program requirements, graduates must submit an application to obtain a license from the Board, as well as send an official transcript to the Department of Public Health.
An application and payment of non-refundable fees to Pearson VUE are also required before a vocational nurse can take the NCLEX-PN. Obtaining a license in Los Angeles as a vocational nurse opens doors to more employment opportunities in the health care field throughout the state.
Starting a Career and Finding a Job as an LVN
Upon gaining an LVN license in Los Angeles, the next step to enjoying a nursing career is to find open, local job positions. LVN job feeds is one way to learn of potential employment options throughout the state. Increasing visibility to potential employers through online resumes and profiles also aids a job hunt.
Continuing your Education as an LVN
Becoming a licensed vocational nurse qualifies a graduate to assume an entry-level position within the health care field. Those with a desire to earn a higher salary and possess the ability to apply to a wide-ranging pool of available jobs, often go back to school to earn Registered Nurse (RN) credentials.
In addition to offering RN programs geared towards LVNs, LA County also provides the opportunity to easily transfer credits to a higher program – California has a mandated articulation agreement where associate’s programs award a minimum number of units to a licensed LVN upon meeting standard admission requirements. There are over a dozen LVN to RN programs at community colleges throughout LA County.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are there Online LVN Programs Currently in Los Angeles?
While there are no fully online LVN programs in Los Angeles, some students still opt to take classes over the Internet as a way to strengthen what they have already learned or to study for the NCLEX-PN.
What is the Average Tuition for LVN Programs in Los Angeles?
The average tuition cost for an Los Angeles LVN program is around $12,000, and takes into account the various price tags for tuition, books, and additional school fees. However, many students are eligible to receive assistance when paying for their nursing education.
Common options include Pell Grants, subsidized Stafford loans, scholarships, and funding through the Workforce Initiative Act (WIA).
What is the Average Salary for LVNs in Los Angeles?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) identifies Los Angeles as one of the highest paying cities in the United States for licensed vocational nurses. According to the BLS, the average median LVN salary working in the County is $54,690.
In Los Angeles, the BLS also identifies two areas in the state that have made the top ten highest-paying metropolitan areas in the U.S: Burbank ($55,880) and Glendale ($55,440).
What Kind of Reciprocity Does an LVN License in Los Angeles California Offer?
California is a non-compact state, which means that if an LVN gained their license in Los Angeles (and wishes to accept employment in a state outside of California), he or she must apply for licensure by endorsement in the new state of residency. The LVN license from California is not affected, and remains active as long as licensure in the state is maintained.