Benefits of Starting Your Nursing Career with an ASVN Degree
Learn how an ASVN can advance your nursing career
If you want to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), it’s important that you receive the right education. While some pursue a diploma program, others seek an Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing (ASVN). This degree aims to help Vocational Nurses grow their careers in the nursing profession.
Once you’ve completed a diploma program and passed the licensing exam, you can obtain an ASVN degree in as little as ten months. Students build on their VN program and benefit from enhanced critical thinking, scientific knowledge, and communication skills. A Vocational Nursing degree may also lead to greater career opportunities, as some employers will only consider applicants with an associate degree.
If you already know that a nursing career is right for you, click here to learn how to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
You can learn why Licensed Vocational Nurse made our list of the best entry-level medical jobs.
ASVN Definition
What is an ASVN?
Before we define an ASVN degree, let’s look at what vocational nurses are. A Licensed Vocational Nurse, or a Licensed Practical Nurse, provides primary medical care under the direction of doctors and Registered Nurses (RNs). LVNs have completed their educational program and passed the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
An ASVN degree stands for an Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing. Essentially, it is an additional step for LVNs to advance their careers. This is because applicants of an ASVN program must have already earned their diploma and an active nursing license. Many ASVN programs focus on General Education courses and professional skills. Not only can they be completed in a year, but some are online or offer hybrid formats.
ASVN Duties & Responsibilities
Licensed Vocational Nurses work under the direction of physicians and Registered Nurses. They care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled. They assess and monitor their patients, report adverse reactions to medication or treatment, gather information from patients, and help educate the public.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that LVNs usually perform tasks that include:
- Monitor patients’ health—for example, by checking their blood pressure
- Administer primary patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters
- Provide for the basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress
- Discuss the care they are providing to patients and listen to their concerns
- Report patients’ status and concerns to registered nurses and doctors
- Keep records on patients’ health
Why Start Your Nursing Career with an ASVN Degree?
An online ASVN program can enhance and jumpstart your career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Building upon your Vocational Nursing diploma, you will complete the same online General Education and science courses required for students of the BSN program.
Additionally, with an associate degree, you can explore employment opportunities as an LVN in various medical facilities, such as clinics, physician offices, and long-term care facilities. You can also pursue career opportunities in education, medical research, pharmacy, and medical equipment.
Cost-Effectiveness
AN ASVN degree can be more cost-effective than a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Not only will it take less time to earn your degree, but you will likely not incur as much debt as a BSN student. This is because Vocational Nursing programs may cost around $30,000 for 12 months of education. On the other hand, a BSN degree can cost more than $100,000.
These numbers don’t take individual situations or financial aid into account. Still, it’s important to consider your options and ensure they align with your personal goals. For instance, a VN diploma and ASVN program may take a little under two years to complete. A BSN program usually requires around three years.
Because most ASVN programs are online, you may not have to consider extra housing expenses or commute costs.
Flexibility and Convenience
ASVN degree programs are designed with working adults in mind who must balance their schedules between school and work. By completing their online General Education and science courses, you can build upon your current diploma to earn your Vocational Nursing degree in 10 months or less.
At Unitek College, the ASVN curriculum can enhance and propel your fulfilling career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). With your Vocational Nursing diploma, you can complete the same General Education and science courses required for graduates of the BSN program. In addition, you will gain essential knowledge and skills through virtual nursing experiences.
Job Opportunities
The need for Licensed Vocational Nurses is expected to grow 6 percent by 2031, which is about as fast as the average growth for all occupations. Every year, there are about 58,800 job openings for nurses. Most of this demand can be attributed to the aging baby-boomer population. As they grow older, they often encounter more health problems and require significant medical care.
A Vocational Nursing degree can also lead to more significant career opportunities, as some employers will only consider applicants with an associate degree. Once completing an ASVN program, graduates must likewise prepare for and pass the NCLEX-PN exam for the state where they plan to work.
You can explore employment opportunities as an LVN in healthcare settings like clinics, physician offices, and long-term care facilities with an associate degree.
ASVN graduates are trained in the following:
- Patient care
- Nursing fundamentals
- Pharmacology
- Treatment interventions
- Leadership
- Mental health nursing
- Mother/baby and pediatric nursing
- Public Health
You may also pursue career opportunities in education, medical research, pharmacy, and medical equipment.
Career Advancement
An ASVN program can open the door to various educational opportunities. Should you decide to pursue a BSN-Registered Nurse (RN) career, the online curriculum at Unitek grants you the necessary Gen Ed and science courses to qualify for the advanced placement BSN program.
You may also appeal to more employers with an ASVN degree over a VN diploma, as some healthcare facilities may prefer to hire candidates with a degree.
Earn Your ASVN Degree Online
Hopefully, you better understand the advantages of pursuing an ASVN degree. While the ASVN program at Unitek does not offer core nursing classes, it can provide students with General Education and science courses that can help them build on their diploma programs and advance their nursing careers. In addition, these Gen Ed courses can help prepare them for a BSN program.
Before deciding which path to take, consider your goals and the type of nursing career, job opportunities, and management roles, you want to pursue. If a VN diploma sounds like the best path for you, you can learn more about the Vocational Nursing program at Unitek College.
However, if an ASVN degree sounds more appealing, you can click here to learn more about our ASVN program at Unitek College. You’re sure to have a rewarding career, whichever nursing path you choose.
