LVN

[godraw]

Hello all...just a quick random question.

is LVN a degree? I’m hearing conflicting information and I don’t want to call BVNPT since it takes 50 years for them to pick up calls.

[Neo Soldier, BSN, RN]

If you complete your LVN at a community college, then you would have an associate's degree in Nursing-LVN.

If you complete the LVN at a trade school, it would be a diploma.

[caliotter3]

No. LVN is a license to practice nursing. Some LVNs get a degree in nursing but most just obtain a certificate from the school they graduate from. Many community college LPN/LVN programs allow the student to leave with a certificate (that allows them to take the licensing exam for LPN/LVN) while other students complete the additional courses necessary to graduate with an associate's degree. Most LPN/LVNs go to proprietary schools that only award certificates of completion or diplomas.

[godraw]

Based on your comment...I assume it’s based on the number of units you took? But upon passing Nclex all are equal as generic LVNs??

[caliotter3]

A license is a license and a degree/diploma/certificate is an academic credential. A form of apples and oranges. One can complete the academic criteria to get the certificate, diploma, or degree and choose not to take the licensing exam at all. Then they would not be allowed to practice nursing just like the person who never went to nursing school at all. You must have the license in order to legally practice. And it is not based upon the number of units one takes. The units taken must apply to the degree requirements. Also, proprietary schools are not authorized to grant degrees by the education authorities of their respective states. They only issue the piece of paper that corresponds to the level of approval that has been granted.