Vocational Nursing

About

Vocational Nursing, as an important part of the healthcare team, blends nursing skills with human understanding in care delivery. In hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, and similar facilities, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities under the direct supervision of doctors and registered nurses. The graduate will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination–Practical Nurse after finishing this program (NCLEX-PN). The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians regulates the registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these exams (BVNPT).

Length of Study

This full-time 12-14-month training program comprises up to 1,700 contact hours. * Hours vary among education providers and approved programs.

Prerequisites

• Attend an FH information session (mandatory attendance).
• Take the Wonderlic Assessment with a cut score of 20.
• Submit a personal statement of intent (score of 15; see rubric).
• Participate in a pre-program interview (score of 15; see rubric).
• JumpStart Course: Human Touch Healthcare.

Learning Outcomes

The learner will be able to:

• Provide safe, caring, and compassionate nursing care to diverse patients across the lifespan in various healthcare settings using evidence-based practice to improve outcomes.
• Function as a competent, entry-level healthcare provider, applying leadership and management skills and embracing ethical and legal principles to provide culturally appropriate nursing care.
• Collaborate with members of the inter-professional healthcare team to provide optimal care for diverse patients and their families.
• Communicate effectively through verbal, nonverbal, and technological methods with patients, families, and members of the inter-professional healthcare team.

Online Type

• Classroom-based
• Skills lab/ Clinical off-site

Credential Awarded

• Certificate of Completion
• Diploma

Occupation

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Charge Nurse, Clinic Nurse, Office Nurse, Pediatric LVN (Pediatric Licensed Vocational Nurse), Private Duty Nurse, Triage LVN (Triage Licensed Vocational Nurse)

Career Level

• Gateway/ Entry Level

Student Support

• Each of our educational partners will offer student support services, and you will have access to their respective student handbooks.
• Along your scholar journey, your assigned Futuro Health Success Coach will give you more coaching and enrollment support.

Student Cost

• Futuro Health supports the mission to expand the broadest network of healthcare professionals through our generous annual financial support.
• Students must apply for FAFSA upon enrollment with the Education Provider if applicable. The Futuro Health Scholarship Fund will supplement the remaining tuition depending on the federal or state aid allocation for scholars who are awarded and enrolled in this program in 2023/2024. For example, a student eligible for $4,000 in aid will receive a $33,000 Futuro Health scholarship. If a student is eligible for $10,000 in aid, the Futuro Health scholarship will be $27,000.
• The total cost for the Vocational Nursing (VN) Program is $37,000, which is fully inclusive of all educational expenses, including tuition, supplies and uniforms, fees, books, program advising, career coaching, Human Touch Healthcare JumpStart coursework, and NCLEX exam and licensure fees.
• Scholars will incur minimal out-of-pocket costs for the application and enrollment processes. Here is a list of these expenses:
  • $150 non-refundable application fee for Jump Start coursework and gateway training program.
  • Required is a one-time background check and a drug test for those enrolling in clinical externship programs. $77–$119 Background Check and Drug Screen cost.
  • Up-to-date Vaccination expenses. Those enrolling in clinical programs must possess current immunizations. The list is provided under the minimum qualifications section.
  • Physical examination by a licensed health care provider.
• For additional optional benefits, students can join SEIU-Healthcare UHW's Justice Division. The monthly fee for this SEIU-UHW membership is $20. Current SEIU-UHW members are exempt from paying this $20 monthly fee.

Fast Facts

Enrollment

Minimum Qualifications

• Upon acceptance to a technical training program with Futuro Health, will you seek a job in the field for which you are being trained?
• Are you a current California Resident?
• Are you at least 18 years old?
• Are you able to provide proof of high school diploma/GED or equivalency?
• Are you legally allowed to work in the United States?
• Do you possess a government ID with a name that matches your ID and Social Security card?
• Are you able to pass a background check with no felony conviction?
• Are you willing to commit 3-5 hours per day (estimated at 20+ hours per week) of study time for your coursework?
• Do you have regular access to high-speed Internet?
• Do you have regular access to a computer or laptop less than seven years old?
• Do you have proficiency in English fluency reading and comprehension?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced and rigorous work environment?
• Are you comfortable providing direct patient care to individuals (e.g., bathing, grooming, toileting)?
• Are you comfortable working with bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and mucus?
• Are you willing to take a drug test if needed?
• Do you have reliable transportation?
• Do you have reliable accountability from family/friends to support you in completing your education?
• Are you currently enrolled in another training program that may lead to a certification or license in allied health or nursing?

ALL CLINICAL OR EXTERNSHIPS PROGRAMS

Several providers may require the following immunizations at your expense:

• Undergo a background check performed by the school to show that the student has no convictions in any court of law of a crime other than minor traffic violations.
• Are you willing to complete a physical examination (at your expense) signed by a physician or nurse practitioner attesting that you are physically fit to function as a vocational nurse before the beginning of the course?
• Are you willing to complete and provide proof of all immunizations and vaccinations? (Please note that completing immunizations could take 6 months for unvaccinated individuals). Yes/ No
  • Immunizations
    • 2 x MMR (measles, mumps & rubella) or titer immunity in the last 3 months.
    • 2 x Varicella (chickenpox) or titer immunity in the last 3 months.
    • Tetanus within one year.
    • 3 x Hepatitis B or titer immunity in the last 3 months.
    • A PPD Mantoux test (TB), Blood titer, or chest X-ray showing non-infection is required– Most often, this is not required until nearing your externship start date (typically within 30 days of program start). This is either a one or two-step PPD Mantoux test.
    • 2 x COVID-19 (Proof of injections-NOTE: there is a 3-week gap needed between the 1st and 2nd immunization) or booster. Students may need COVID boosters before the start of their clinical rotations.
• This program requires full-time clinicals to complete the program, which may require you to: Coordinate your work and family obligations, as applicable (i.e., childcare, transportation, work schedule, etc.); Have availability up to 40 hours per week until your externship hours are fulfilled; Maintain flexibility to attend externships based on available locations and external site offerings provided to you by your educational provider. Are you able to commit to these requirements? Yes/ No

Preferred Qualifications

• Family or friend referred by a member of SEIU-UHW who is in good standing.
• How would others describe your level of attention to detail on written documents?
• How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? I see myself as dependable/self-disciplined.
• How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? I see myself as disorganized/careless.

Additional Requirements

• Must take the pre-entry assessment (e.g., HESI, TEAS) with a passing cut score.
• Complete an interview for admission with the Nursing Director of the Vocational Nursing Program.
• Submit two letters of recommendation from professional or academic resources (letters from family and friends are unacceptable).
• Lift at least 50 lbs. unassisted, stand, carry, and balance on even terrain; stoop, kneel, climb, crouch, and crawl to reach patients and safely remove and transport them.
• Must complete the educational provider prerequisite course.