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Medi-Smart > Nursing Schools > Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a doctor. The difference between an LPN and an LVN merely depends on the state in which a person lives. In Texas and California, Licensed Vocational Nurse is the correct term to describe this particular nursing profession. Similar to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), but one step further along in the nursing journey, an LVN has the option to choose the setting in which he or she works--in a traditional hospital setting, in adult assisted living facilities, in private residences and more.

The training required to become an LVN is longer than that of a CNA, as one needs to complete a one-year vocational training program. Your salary will be higher than a CNA due to your increased level of education; as a result of this additional time spent in school, LVN jobs may be a great option for someone who is a bit more sure they want to enter the world of nursing. Think of an LPN as a sort of nursing apprentice--you're in the heat of the action as any RN would be, but you're also shadowing RNs who can teach you what they have learned through on-the-job nursing training.

LVNs often enroll in specialized LVN-to-RN degree programs to accelerate their nursing career, as these online and on-campus degree programs are a popular way to gradually work your way into a RN position. Check out the list of schools on Medi-Smart that offer LVN training programs to get more free information; the first step is finding out what your options are and going for it.

Click here for more information on Licensed Vocational Nurse Salary levels.