The shortage of qualified nurses in recent years has led to increased attention on the opportunities offered by nursing careers. Weatherford College's Allied Health department offers training to those wishing to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). To help students understand what career opportunities these programs offer, this article will address the following:

• Differences between LVN and Associates Degree Nursing (ADN) pathways
• Where to find work
• Skills for success
• Specific job growth information
• Opportunities for continued study after WC
• WC Nursing clubs
• Other information resources

This is a brief summary of program requirements. Consult the Weatherford College course catalog, academic advisors and faculty when making decisions.

LVN

• 12 month program consisting of a fall, spring and summer semester
• Total of 42 credit hours (1520 clock hours) required to complete
• No prerequisites
• Graduate prepared to take licensure exam to begin working as LVN

ADN

• Two year curriculum, plus 15-16 hours prerequisites
• Total of 70 semester credit hours
• Graduate prepared to take licensure exam to begin working as RN
• May continue at university to earn bachelor's degree and beyond

Employment of Nurses

LVN - The two most common employers for LVN's are hospitals and nursing homes, followed by physician offices, home healthcare and government agencies. About 1 in 5 LVN's were employed part time as of 2002. Other possibilities cited by WC faculty include military and school districts.

RN - As of 2002 about 3 out of 5 were employed in hospitals - others in physician offices, nursing homes, home healthcare and government agencies. About 1 in 5 were employed part time. Work may also be available in public schools, prison systems and sales offices. Managerial and public school teaching opportunities are possible for applicants with a Bachelor of Science or above. Positions in administration, forensic nursing, higher ed teaching and as nurse practitioner are possibile for those with a Masters of Science degree and above. Doctoral graduates may also work with research projects and in higher education.

Critical Skills

Strong interpersonal skills, time management, study skills, applied math, and reading and writing with ability to analyze data and think critically to prioritize actions. Must also have ability to act ethically and maintain confidentiality.

Job Growth

LVN

• Jobs expected to grow about as fast as the average for all other careers through 2012
• Jobs in hospitals expected to decline
• Jobs in nursing homes expected to grow faster than average
• Jobs in home health care to grow much faster than average

RN

• Job growth expected to be faster than the average for all occupations through 2012, leading to many new openings
• Employment in hospitals is expected to grow more slowly, but growth in hospital outpatient facilities should grow rapidly
• Opportunities should be very good for those with advanced education and training

Further Training

Degree programs suggested by WC Allied Health faculty include those at the University of Texas at Arlington, UT San Antonio Health Science Center, Midwestern State University, Texas Woman's University and Texas Christian University. Many hospitals may offer tuition reimbursement to an RN seeking an advanced degree.

Other Sources of Information

Our Allied Health department has more detailed information about their program requirements and curricula, as well as contact information for their department on their website.

The labor market information in this article came from the Bureau of Labor Services Occupational Outlook Handbook. Visit their pages for more detailed and comprehensive information.

Registered Nurses
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Also see the Board of Nurse Examiners site for licensing and regulation information.