Fact Sheet

BOARD OF VOCATIONAL NURSING AND PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIANS
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite: 205
Sacramento, California 95833
Telephone: (916) 263-7800
Fax: (916) 263-7859
http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov

LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE - FACT SHEET

What is a licensed vocational nurse(LVN)?

An entry-level health care provider who is
responsible for rendering basic nursing care.
A vocational nurse practices under the direction of a physician or registered nurse. The licensee is not an independent practitioner

What are the curricular requirements for an LVN?

1,530 Total Hours	576 Theory Hours* 954 Clinical Hours
* Inlcudes Pharmacology - 54 Hours.
Program Length: Full-time Part-time	12-14 Months of Training 18-20 Months of Training

What is the course content for an LVN program?

Anatomy/Physiology
Nutrition
Psychology
Pharmacology
Communication
Normal Growth
and Development
Nursing Fundamentals
Medical/Surgical Nursing
Gerontological Nursing

Nursing Process
Rehabilitation Nursing
Patient Education
Maternity Nursing
Pediatric Nursing
Communicable Disease including Human
Immunodeficiency Virus
Leadership
Supervision

Where are Vocational Nursing Programs located?

Community Colleges	45	(47.0%)
Adult Education includes High Schools	24	(25.0%)
Private Schools	17	(18.0%)
Regional Occupational Centers	7	(7.0%)
U.S. Armed Forces	2	(2.0%)
Hospitals	1	(1.0%)
Total 96

Where are LVNs employed?

Acute Medical/
Surgical Hospitals
Convalescent Hospitals (Long-Term Care, Skilled Nursing)
Home Care Agencies
Outpatient Clinics
Doctor's Offices

Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Dialysis Centers
Blood Banks
Psychiatric Hospitals
Correctional Facilities
Vocational Nursing Programs

What is the typical salary range of an LVN?

$18-$24 per hourr
$42,000-plus per year