Vocational Nursing Certificate Program

Vocational Nursing Certificate Program

Our Vocational Nurse Program will provide you the opportunity to learn how to provide patient care to residents at healthcare facilities.

A Vocational Nursing Certificate is designed to help provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a licensed vocational nurse. A vocational nurse (VN) provides patient care to residents of short-term and long-term healthcare facilities. VNs must receive licensure and become licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to work in the field and work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or doctor. LVN duties include assisting patients in basic hygiene, monitoring patient vital signs, and providing preliminary nursing care. Licensed vocational nurses also provide emotional support for patients, so LVNs must be compassionate and caring individuals. With a certificate in the Vocational Nursing Program from The College of Health Care Professions, you will be able to apply for your vocational nursing license.

Program Details

Program Length

On-Campus: 48 weeks

Available Locations

Houston - Northwest
Certificate Program
Module IModule IIModule III

Basic Nursing Skills

VNSG 1011

This course provides an introduction to nursing and roles of the nurse in micro- and macro-systems; as well as profession related and patient care concepts. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, quality care. The theoretical foundation for basic assessment and nursing skills is presented, and the student is given an opportunity to demonstrate these skills in a laboratory setting and clinical setting. An introduction to the nursing process provides the student with a beginning framework for decision making. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory32hr.
Externship80hr.
Total Hours160hr.
Credits6 

Vocational Nursing Concepts

VNSG 1031

This course is an introduction to the nursing profession and its responsibilities and the legal and ethical issues in practice. Concepts related to the physical, emotional, and psychosocial self-care of the learner/professional Prerequisite: None

Lecture16hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours16hr.
Credits1 

Medication Administration for LVN Practice

VNSG 1041

This course provides an introduction Reading, interpreting, and solving calculation problems encountered in the preparation of medications. Includes conversion of measurements within the apothecary, avoirdupois, and metric system. Student will have demonstrated competency in medication calculation through computer modules and class setting Prerequisite: None

Lecture16hr.
Laboratory32hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits2 

Essentials of Medical Terminology

HPRS 1106

This course is a study and practical application of a medical vocabulary system. Includes structure, recognition, analysis, definition, spelling, pronunciation, and combination of medical terms from prefixes, suffixes, roots, and combining forms. This course prepares the student to become familiar with medical terms throughout the remaining courses in the program. Prerequisite: None

Lecture16hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours16hr.
Credits1 

Pharmacology for Health Professions

HPRS 2300

This course provides an introduction to the principles of pharmacology including: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, common adverse/side effects, and contraindications. Emphasis is placed on drug classifications and nursing care related to the safe administration of medications to patients across the life span. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health

BIOL 2400

This course is an introduction to the human body and includes chemistry and the human body, the structure and function of membranes, cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. Additionally, mechanisms of disease, human development, inheritance, weights and measures, and normal physiological values are studied Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Mental Health Nursing

VNSG 2101

This course introduces the student to the mental health needs of individuals and families across the life span within a cultural context. The focus is on communication skills, mental health disorders and various treatment modalities. The changing professional, legal, and ethical issues of practical nursing in the mental health setting are also explored. The students will be given the opportunity to develop increased personal insights about their own view of self and the world. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture32hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours32hr.
Credits2.5 

Advanced Nursing Skills

VNSG 2111

This course builds on the basic concepts incorporating complex, multi-system disease processes requiring more developed critical thinking. Students continue to build their knowledge, skills and competencies to appropriately and effectively assess and manage clients/patients in a hospital/clinic environment. The students will provide safe, evidence-based professional, holistic nursing care related to the management of clients with advanced medical and surgical needs. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture0hr.
Laboratory64hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours64hr.
Credits2 

Medical-Surgical Nursing I

VNSG 2121

This course is a study of human diseases and disorders, including symptoms of illness and methods of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The student is taught the care of adult persons with common medical-surgical disorders. The content is presented in sections according to bodily systems and taught through lecture, audiovisual aids, demonstration, and supervised clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on meeting needs of individual patients, as determined by the nursing process. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory32hr.
Externship168hr.
Total Hours248hr.
Credits7.5 

Nutrition

VNSG 2131

This course is an introduction to nutrients and the role of diet therapy in growth and development and in the maintenance of health. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture16hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours16hr.
Credits1 

Growth & Development

VNSG 2141

This course will study the stages of growth and development in a continuum across the entire lifespan and integrates concepts related to changes that normally occur in each stage of the life cycle. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture32hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours32hr.
Credits2 

Nursing Care of the Older Adult

VNSG 2151

This course begins with an overview of the aging population and age-related disorders and is integrated into fundamentals of nursing and social sciences. The adjustment of the older adult to degenerative changes, nursing home placement, and alternatives to placement in long-term care facilities are discussed. Concepts relevant to pathophysiology, nutrition, pharmacology, psychosocial development, and ethical/legal responsibilities are emphasized. The student practical nurse is taught to use the nursing process to respond to the biological, psychological, and sociological needs of the healthy older adult. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture32hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours32hr.
Credits2 

Medical-Surgical Nursing II

VNSG 3111

This course builds on the concepts from VNSG 2121 and previous courses with a focus on health management, maintenance and prevention of illness; care for the individual as a whole; and deviations from the normal state of health. Administering patient care includes use of the nursing process while performing focused assessments, using sound judgment, and providing patient education as it relates to the LVN scope of practice. The systems included are immunology, sensory, neurology, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive, as well as oncology nursing. The concepts of patient care, treatments, pharmacology, and diet therapy are included within each system. Prerequisite: Module I and II

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship168hr.
Total Hours216hr.
Credits6.5 

Nursing Care of Women and Newborns

VNSG 3112

This course will give an overview of the health promotion and risk assessment of individuals and families during pregnancy and birth. Therapeutic communication and assessment skills for providing holistic care to culturally diverse childbearing families during the prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. Caring for mother and baby in utero and after birth. Prerequisite: Module I and II

Lecture32hr.
Laboratory16hr.
Externship48hr.
Total Hours96hr.
Credits3.5 

Nursing Care of Children

VNSG 3113

This course is a study of the basic aspects of growth and development through the life span from infant to adolescent. Nursing care of children is also a study of childhood disease and child care from infancy through adolescence. This study will focus on the care of the well and the ill child and will utilize the nursing process. Prerequisite: Module I and II

Lecture32hr.
Laboratory16hr.
Externship48hr.
Total Hours96hr.
Credits3.5 

Issues and Leadership for the LPN/LVN

VNSG 3114

This course facilitates the transition of the student to the role of an LPN/LVN. Emphasis is placed on issues related to nursing and health care as well as skills necessary to provide care to multiple patients and assign tasks to other LPNs/LVNs and unlicensed personnel. Concepts related to leadership and management are presented as well as career development options that enhance career mobility. Standards of practice and the importance of practicing according to state regulations and statutes are examined. Prerequisite: Module I and II

Lecture32hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours32hr.
Credits2 

VN Senior Capstone

VNSG 3141

This course explores the roles, responsibilities, leadership and management, cultural, ethical, and legal issues related to the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LP/VN). The course provides an opportunity for students in the final semester of the program to transition from the student to the graduate LPN role. Each student will have an opportunity to choose what area of practice he or she would like to practice in for the final capstone. Students will demonstrate critical thinking in the development and implementation of comprehensive plans of care. Students will integrate principles of advocacy, collaboration, coordination and evidence-based care to meet the complex needs of clients during clinical experiences. Student will be required to complete an estimated four week NCLEX review and achieve a specific percentage in order to fulfill the requirements of the course. Prerequisite: Module I and II

Lecture32hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship128hr.
Total Hours160hr.
Credits4.5 

NCLEX Preparation for LVN Practice

VNSG 3151

This is a required NCLEX-PN® preparation course designed to build confidence, review relevant content, and provide strategies to prepare candidates for the NCLEX-PN® exam. Prerequisite: Module I and II

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours30hr.
Credits2 

About the Vocational Nursing Program

The goal of CHCP’s Vocational Nursing Program is to help you build the skills you need to become a competent and successful LVN. We do this by providing you the opportunity to train in both the hard and soft skills LVNs need, such as basic nursing techniques, active listening, empathy, and patient advocacy. We mentor you as you progress through the program and prepare to transition into the working world. Training at The College of Health Care Professions is designed to equip you with skills needed in vocational nursing and prepare you to certify your skills for entry into the workforce.

What Skills Will Be Taught in the Vocational Nursing Program?

Becoming a licensed vocational nurse means that you must be proficient in a variety of nursing skills. CHCP's Vocational Nursing Program emphasizes the following skills:

  • Basic and advanced nursing skills
  • Vocational nursing concepts
  • Medical terminology
  • Pharmacology
  • Mental health nursing
  • Medical-surgical nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Growth and development
  • Nursing care for specific populations
  • Nursing across the lifespan

Is There Room for Advancement after a Vocational Nurse Certificate From CHCP?

LVNs can advance their nursing careers by becoming a registered nurse (RN). If you decide to become an RN, we can help. We have a program specifically designed for LVNs moving to positions as RNs. Click here to learn more about our Nursing AAS (LVN to ADN) Program.

What Career Options Are Available for LVNs?

LVNs often work in the following healthcare settings:

  • Hospitals
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Schools
  • Medical offices
  • Research clinics
  • In patients’ homes

The demand for LVNs is growing and is projected to continue to grow by 6% from 2021-2031. This growth is much higher than the average growth for all other occupations. It is believed that as the baby boomer population ages, LVNs will be vital for the care of residents in long-term care facilities and in-home health environments. To learn more about LVN salary and job outlook, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To learn more about enrolling in our Vocational Nursing Program, simply fill out the form. Someone will be in contact with you soon with more information!

Start Your Application

How Do I Enroll?

If you are ready to provide compassionate nursing care for patients, enroll in our program! To enroll, you must supply the following:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Up-to-date immunizations and vaccinations
  • A current physical examination of good health
  • American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR Certification
  • A clean criminal record or possession of the Texas Board of Nursing Blue Card, Operations Outcome Letter, Enforcement Outcome Letter, or Eligibility Order
  • A negative drug screening
  • A minimum composite score of 61.7% on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Entrance Exam
  • Complete the entrance essay assigned by the campus
  • An interview with the Nursing Admissions Committee
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