---
title: Is Vocational Nursing Right for Me?
description: Do you love helping others? Can you handle the sight of blood? If yes to both, read more to find out if vocational nursing is right for you!
---

[The Nightingale Blog | Los Angeles Nursing School | LVN Programs ](https://www.angelesinstitute.edu/nightingale)

# [Is Vocational Nursing Right for Me?](https://www.angelesinstitute.edu/nightingale/blog/thenightingale/is-vocational-nursing-right-for-me)

 Written by [Alicia Robinson](https://www.angelesinstitute.edu/nightingale/author/alicia-robinson) | Oct 21, 2015 1:31:48 AM

 If you’re considering returning to school to become a nurse, you may be wondering if a vocational nursing program is right for you instead of a traditional four-year program at a college. The biggest difference between the two programs is the length of time for completion. A vocational training program will have you ready to join the nursing profession in less than a year.

### Job Duties

As a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), you’ll provide basic nursing care while being supervised by registered nurses and/or doctors. This care may include:

- Taking vital signs
- Administering prescribed medications or treatments, including injections
- Serving meals
- Providing personal care
- Cleaning equipment and instruments

There are a variety of health care settings where you could work other than a hospital, including doctors offices, nursing or assisted-living homes, and group or private homes.

### Job Outlook

When choosing a career, you want one that is recession-proof and that has a good outlook for the future. The [Bureau of Labor Statistics](http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm) predicts that the job outlook for LVNs will continue to grow at a rate of 25 percent through 2022. This is a faster rate than many other full-time occupations.

According to a [2015 Occupational Employment Statistics survey](http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/data/wages.html), the average wage for an LVN in California is $52,422 a year. Most also receive benefits from their employers that include sick days, vacation and health insurance.

### Continuing Education

At the conclusion of your vocational training, you will be required to pass a fingerprint background check, as well as the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam. Once you become an LVN, you always have the option later to advance to a higher level of nursing. Many colleges offer completion programs where you can continue working as an LVN while working towards a registered nursing degree.

If you’re seeking financial independence, choosing to enter a vocational nursing program will open doors for you in the medical field and provide you with a stable career to provide for your family.

 

 

If you're interested in becoming an LVN in just **10 months**, check out our latest LVN guide below! 

 

[View full post](https://www.angelesinstitute.edu/nightingale/blog/thenightingale/is-vocational-nursing-right-for-me)

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