Fresno residents who are thinking about beginning a vocational nursing career need to first complete a state-approved licensed vocational nurse (LVN) educational program.
LPN and LVN programs are regulated at the state level as opposed to the federal level. In California, the Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) is the official state body that approves those LVN Fresno nursing schools located in and around the city.
This article explains how nursing students can find their local Fresno LVN program and explains the California licensing requirements.
LVN Fresno Nursing Licensure
First-time nursing students who have never attended an official nursing program from an accredited nursing school in the United States must complete the following steps before seeking employment as a Fresno LVN:
- graduate from an LVN program approved by California
- pass the NCLEX-PN licensing examination
- undergo a criminal history review
Licensed nurses practicing in another state who would like to transfer their licensure to California can contact BVNPT at (916) 263-7800 and inquire about the state's endorsement process.
Fresno LVN Programs' Classes
BVNPT-approved schools are allowed to craft their own class schedules and course offerings. However, all state-approved LVN Fresno nursing schools are required by the state to offer the following specific elements:
- a minimum of 1,530 total hours of instruction
- at least 576 hours of theoretical learning in the classroom
- at least 954 hours of clinical practice that is supervised by a professional nurse
Fresno nursing students enrolled in state-accredited LVN schools learn many important content areas, including:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Gerontological nursing
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- Medical and surgical nursing
- Disease management
In addition to the academic learning, students in state-approved Fresno LVN programs are given the opportunity to work directly with a range of patients in state medical facilities. This clinical training, which is supervised by a professional nurse, helps to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam.
LVN Fresno Nursing Schools
BVNPT-approved schools are offered by a multitude of educational providers, including community colleges, technical colleges and career schools.
To find approved Fresno programs, see the California list of LVN programs and search for those that are located in the Fresno area.
Benefits of Fresno LVN Training
Students who are able to both graduate from a state-approved LVN Fresno nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam are able to work as a vocational nurse in state medical facilities throughout California.
To find more nurse training options in California and elsewhere, see also:
The Best Nursing Programs Online
David Harris-Gershon - David Harris-Gershon – a blogger for Tikkun magazine and a freelance writer on Israel, the Middle East and America’s role in ...
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