Learning the many roles in a hospital or doctor’s office will be part of the West Los Angeles College licensed vocational nursing program that will be launched next fall. The program hopes to relieve the nursing shortage in Southern California.
Courtesy photo
Wave Staff Report
CULVER CITY — West Los Angeles College has launched a new licensed vocational nursing certificate program approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, to prepare students for licensure and entry into the field of vocational nursing.
Enrollment for the first cohort of students that begins next fall is already underway. Free information sessions will be held Dec. 16 and Jan. 20 via Zoom. Prospective students can register at WLAC.edu/events.
“We are thrilled to launch our LVN program,” said Carmen Dones, dean of academic affairs. “This certificate gives students a clear, achievable pathway into a critical role in health care — and supports our commitment to providing living-wage training aligned with community need.”
Dones said students will be able to access this training for thousands of dollars less that they would pay at a private career college. Tuition at West L.A. College is just $46 per unit for California students and most full-time, first-time freshman can qualify for the college’s $0 Tuition Promise Program.
The demand for licensed vocational nurses in the Los Angeles area remains strong, driven by an aging population and increasing health care needs. Thousands of new openings are projected each year due to both job growth and the need to replace retiring nurses.
The Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research reports that in the Los Angeles/Orange County region, the number of job openings for licensed vocational nurses significantly exceeds the number of certificates and degrees conferred in recent years. The new licensed vocational nursing program at West L.A. College will help bridge the gap and hospitals will be encouraged to collaborate with the college to support clinical placements, student mentorship, and hiring pathways for program graduates.
In addition to ample opportunities, program graduates can expect to earn, on average, just over $70,000, according to ZipRecruiter.
Licensed vocational nurses provide basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. Their duties include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, changing bandages and assisting patients with daily activities like bathing and dressing. They also collect patient samples, maintain health records and report on patient status to the rest of the health care team.
For many, being a licensed vocational nurse is a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse. After six to 12 months, licensed vocational nurses who have gained valuable job experience, can enroll in an LVN to RN bridge program which typically takes just one or two years.
Upon completion of the curriculum, the student will be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse. If successful, they will qualify for the increased responsibilities and salary of a registered nurse.
