LVN Program | Vocational Nursing Program

The Vocational Nursing Program (LVN or LPN) at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts utilizes the plan that nursing courses progress along the continuum of simple to complex, normal to abnormal. The organizing principle is homeostasis as it relates to the study of representative client problems by addressing the various anatomical systems and specialty areas in nursing.

During the first module (first 4 months) of the vocational nursing program (LVN) students incorporate concepts and skills learned in the basic course into the vocational nursing program. Anatomical systems are introduced with simple anatomy, physiology, microbiology and related medical terminology. Nutrition and pharmacology are incorporated into the program and there is an expansion of physical and psychosocial assessment concepts and skills. Simple abnormalities and related nursing activities are incorporated. The students are introduced to the clinical atmosphere on their 4th week of training. This is a calmer atmosphere for students who are having their first experiences with clients.

During the second module (3 months) of the program students incorporate all previously learned concepts and skills and utilize new concepts of complex path-physiology to the care of clients with acute illnesses and long-term illnesses. Core concepts of the nursing process, the teaching process and preventive nursing care measures are emphasized. The students are introduced to the theory relative to the adult client, covers basic pathology, signs, symptoms, incidence, methods of diagnosis and treatment, and medical and surgical conditions. Students continue to study pharmacology. This portion of the curriculum provides the student with an opportunity to relate theory to practice in a supervised situation.

During the third module (3.5 months) of the program students continue to learn the role of the practical nurse in caring for aging patients both in the home and health care settings are explored. Clinical experience and client centered conferences are used to reinforce classroom theory. Students start to learn the total care of the obstetrical client including the therapeutic uses and effects of drugs during pregnancy, labor and delivery, the immediate postpartum period and nutrition as it relates to pregnancy and lactation. This portion of the curriculum provides the student with an opportunity to continue to relate theory to practice in a supervised situation and sharpen their clinical skills.

During the fourth module (3.5 months) of the program, students learn leadership and supervision concepts are addressed and practiced in either the long-term care facility or the acute care facility. Students also continue to study obstetrical nursing. The students are introduced to Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health concepts. The ability of the student to provide safe and effective nursing care to selected clients with a minimum of supervision by the clinical instructor is evidenced by meeting specific behavioral objectives in each clinical area.

To be considered for acceptance into the program, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
1. Student must have graduated from high school, or earned a GED and be at least 18 years of age.
2. Student must pay all applicable fees, as per the current published fee schedule prior to the issuance of an enrollment contract or make other arrangements acceptable to the school.
3. Students must complete an Ability to benefit test (SLE – Scholastic Level Exam), with a score of at least 19.
4. Student may be asked to pass an interview with the nursing program director or associate program director.
5. Completion of the prerequisite course.
*** The prerequisite course “Essential Medical Bioscience must be completed before starting LVN program. Applicants with the previous medical background might challenge the test to be accepted to the LVN program without taking the prerequisite.

Length: 14 months (1530 Hours)
Internship: 960+ hours in affiliated medical facilities.
The didactic training correlates with the lab and clinical education.
Didactic / Lab sessions schedule: Morning - 9AM - 2PM; Evening - 5PM-10PM
Clinical sessions schedule: Morning - 7AM - 3PM; Evening - 4PM - 11PM

Tuition: $ 21,350.00
Books & Materials: $ 900.00
Application Fee: $ 75.00
Total Program Cost: $22,325.00

Prerequisite coursework (Additional, if applicable): $1,600.00
 
# SLM Financial private student loans are available now for those who qualify.
# For details please call 650-685-6616 (San Mateo Campus) or 925-687-9555 (Concord Campus) or 559-222-1903 (Fresno Campus) or 209-521-1821 (Modesto Campus)

Employment of LVN / LPNs is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012 in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general growth of healthcare. Replacement needs will be a major source of job openings, as many workers leave the occupation permanently. Employment of LVN in nursing care facilities is expected to grow faster than the average. Such facilities will offer the most new jobs for LVN as the number of aged and disabled persons in need of long-term care rises. In addition to caring for the aged and the disabled, LVN in nursing care facilities will care for the increasing number of patients who will have been discharged from the hospital, but have not recovered enough to return home. Employment of LVN is expected to grow much faster than average in home healthcare services. This growth is in response to an increasing number of older persons with functional disabilities, consumer preference for care in the home, and technological advances that make it possible to bring increasingly complex treatments into the home.

The median expected salary for a typical Licensed Practical Nurse in San Mateo, CA 94401, is $42,905. This basic market pricing report was prepared using the Certified Compensation Professionals′ analysis of survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at employers of all sizes, industries and geographies.

(Provided by www.hotjobs.com)

Disclaimer Form
To all Vocational Nursing students: The law does require Vocational Nurses be BVNPT certified to work. To get the LVN license it′s required to pass a licensing examination after completing a State-approved Vocational Nursing program. Students will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure examination to become certified after completion of the program.