LVN Requirements

Each school has different requirements. It’s always good to contact the school you are interested in and request an information package. From there you can accurately know what requirements each school has.

Here there would be a discussion of the general requirements for licensure, though it should be noted that there exists some distinction (according to institutes) and we would advise those interested to begin their search by contacting school’s academic officer.

Basic Requirements for LVN

Becoming a licensed Vocational nurse (LVN) consists in three steps: 1) one must fulfill an education requirement. 2) one must pass the physical and mental health tests. 3) one must pass a licensing exam.

Educational Pre requisites

1. Current NAC License.
2. Passing scores on the COMPASS or ESL/COMPASS exam are required for enrollment into the LVN (License Vocational Nurse) program pre-requisite courses.
3. The minimum acceptable grade for any Pre-requisite Course is 2.0.
4. Provide proof of completion by submitting an official college transcript by the application deadline.
5. The minimum cumulative GPA to be awarded the in Certificate in Practical Nursing is 2.0.
6. No criminal record before pursuing an LVN (License Vocational Nurse) program.
7. Check the current class schedule.

Physical and Mental Health Tests

Due to student and patient safety concerns, it is necessary to determine physical and mental health criteria that meet employers' potential for practical nursing performance. These criteria include:

1. Heavy lifting.
2. Heavy carrying.
3. Straight pulling. 
4. Pushing.
5. Walking.
6. Standing.
7. Repeated squatting.
8. Climbing, legs only.
9. Operation of medical equipment.
10. Ability for quick mental and muscular synchronization concurrently.
11. Near/Far vision correctable
12. Hearing
13. Ability to process/respond to written and oral instructions
14. Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently
15. Ability to communicate efficiently
16. Ability to maintain interpersonal professional relationships.

All States require LVNs (License Vocational Nurses) to pass a licensing examination after completing a State-approved vocational nursing program.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a certificate or diploma in practical nursing; they then sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN) (National Council Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse).

License Exam

The PN licensing exam, referred to as the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse), is controlled by state boards under the administration of the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nurses).
The test is computer-adaptive and consists of a group of questions allocated by complex ratings.

Throughout their careers, LVNs (License Vocational Nurses) must renew their license through continuing education courses. Most practical nursing programs last about 1 year and include both classroom study and supervised clinical practice (patient care).

Having fulfilled all the requirements will allow you to practice, but it does not make you a good nurse. An LVN (License Vocational Nurse), due to the fact that she works directly with patients (more so than other nurses), need to be genuine caring person. Sick and injured people are often confused and disturbed, so you have to be psychologically steady to deal with it.