Online Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing (ASVN) Program

Q: Are ASVNs and LVNs the same thing?

An LVN is essentially a job title, whereas an ASVN is a degree. Some nurses continue their education after graduating from a Vocational Nursing program and pursue an ASVN degree. Most ASVN programs build on the education students previously received by adding more science or General Education courses.

Vocational Nursing Degree Program Overview

Earn your Vocational Nursing degree in as little as 10 months

You may be eligible for our Vocational Nursing Associate Degree Program if you already have a diploma from an approved Vocational (or Practical) nursing program. We designed our online Vocational Nursing program for busy adults who must balance their schedules between school and work. By completing our online General Education and science courses, you can build upon your current diploma to earn your Vocational Nursing degree in 10 months or less.

This post-licensure program aims to help Vocational Nurses grow their careers in the nursing profession. Our graduates benefit from enhanced critical thinking, scientific knowledge, and communication skills. A Vocational Nursing degree can also lead to greater career opportunities, as some employers will only consider applicants with an associate degree.

Furthermore, if you ever decide to pursue a career as a BSN-Registered Nurse (RN), our online curriculum grants you the necessary Gen Ed and science courses to qualify for our advanced placement BSN program.

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Even after you graduate, (Unitek) will still help you and send you job referrals. That is what i like about them.

- Joseph E. (Unitek College Graduate)

Frequently Asked Questions

What you need to know

What is a Vocational Nurse?

A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides basic medical care. They work under the direction of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. Depending on your location, an LVN might also be referred to as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Are ASVNs and LVNs the same thing?

An LVN or LPN is essentially a job title, whereas an ASVN is a degree. Some nurses continue their education after graduating from a Vocational Nursing program and pursue an ASVN degree. Most ASVN programs build on the education students previously received by adding more science or General Education courses.

In order to qualify for the ASVN program at Unitek College, you must have completed an approved Vocational Nursing or Practical Nursing program.

Is ASVN the same as RN?

Registered nursing is a licensed profession. The ASVN degree program is for Licensed Vocational Nurses, not Registered Nurses, although it can be a good step towards an RN degree program. Aspiring RNs often seek an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). To put this into perspective, LVNs/LPNs can further their educational pursuits with an ASVN degree, but they do not have the same level of responsibility as an RN.

What is an ASVN degree in nursing?

An Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing is a degree that LVNs can use to become more well-rounded professionals. This additional education might also create more job opportunities and career prospects. Courses often cover topics like anatomy and physiology, microbiology, lifespan development, and applied managerial statistics.

Why do I need an Associate’s degree to be a Vocational Nurse?

While you don’t need an Associate’s degree to become a Vocational Nurse, acquiring an ASVN degree can only boost your chances of employment as well as open new doors of opportunity. Not only are there jobs in traditional healthcare settings, such as clinics, physician offices, sub-acute and long term care facilities, but Vocational Nurses that have an ASVN degree can also find work in education, research, pharmaceutical, and medical equipment fields.

In order to qualify for the ASVN program at Unitek College, you must have already completed an approved Vocational Nursing or Practical Nursing program.

How long does it take to complete the ASVN degree?

Earning your ASVN degree will typically take about two years total. At Unitek College, students can complete the ASVN program in as little as 10 months, depending on their number of approved credit transfers.

Can I get my ASVN online?

It depends on the school and the program. Some might offer online instruction or a hybrid format for students. For instance, Unitek College offers an ASVN program with courses that are 100% online. The ASVN program at Unitek College is open to students who have already completed an approved Vocational Nursing or Practical Nursing program.

ASVN Program Curriculum

Our online ASVN curriculum can enhance and propel your fulfilling career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Building upon your Vocational Nursing diploma, you will complete the same online General Education and science courses required for graduates of our BSN program. In addition, you will gain essential knowledge and skills through virtual nursing experiences. With an Associate Degree, you can explore employment opportunities as an LVN in healthcare settings like clinics, physician offices, and long-term care facilities. You may also pursue career opportunities in education, medical research, pharmacy, and medical equipment.

By the end of our program, you will complete 540 semester hours of required classes. Course topics include Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Public Speaking, Microbiology with Lab, Anatomy & Physiology, Lifespan Development, Applied Managerial Statistics, and more.

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

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Finished the nursing program at Unitek and it was fun but challenging. The school environment was very friendly and the staff members are great. As challenging as the program was, they were always very supportive and kept our motivation going.

- Edward M. (Nursing School Graduate)

ASVN Admissions Requirements

How do I apply?

Our admissions team is eager to help you understand all the options surrounding your education. During your enrollment period, an admissions representative will guide you through every step of the admissions process. Our goal is to help you feel confident and ready to succeed before your first semester. For added convenience, you can complete the entire admissions process online.

To apply for the ASVN program, you must meet the following requirements:

Submit proof of graduation from a nursing board-approved Vocational Nursing program from an accredited institution
Submit a copy of your government-issued photo ID
Complete an interview with the program director
Financing arrangements and, if applicable, all documents needed to obtain an official award letter for Federal Student Aid

While a nursing license is not required for enrollment into the ASVN program, students who plan to enroll in our Advanced Placement Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program must have an active LVN license.

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At the end, with the help of Career Services, I ended up getting hired at the first place my resume was sent to, and I really enjoy it.

- Charlene Z. (Nursing School Graduate)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition expenses for the ASVN program can vary depending on your unique financial situation. We offer several financial aid options for qualifying students. Fill out a contact request form to learn more. Our financial aid team can help you create a financial plan to manage the cost of your education.

Our financial aid options can cover many college expenses, such as:

Tuition
Books
Transportation
Computer equipment
Living expenses

Please visit the School Catalog for more details.

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Licensed Vocational Nursing Career

Nursing is considered one of the noblest professions, and rightfully so—nurses work tirelessly to provide care for others. Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) offer primary medical care in several healthcare settings, such as nursing homes, extended care facilities, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and private homes. They monitor their patients, report adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and gather their patients’ medical histories and other information. They can use this information to complete insurance forms, pre-authorizations, and referrals. Most importantly, they can use this information to work with an interdisciplinary medical team to determine the best course of care for a patient. Licensed Vocational Nurses also supervise nursing assistants and aides.

Depending on their employer or location, an LVN may administer prescribed medicines, start intravenous fluids, and provide care to ventilator-dependent patients.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LVN employment is expected to grow by 9% by 2030. Becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse can also lead to a reliable source of income. The BLS reports that the average salary* of an LVN is about $48,000. Licensed Vocational Nurses who earn wages in the top 10th percentile can earn as much as $64,000.

To learn more, click here to view our comprehensive career guide on becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

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Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees’ years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 11/15/2021)

ASVN Program Accreditation

Unitek College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

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The ASVN program is only available online. You must have completed an approved Vocational or Practical Nursing program to qualify for the ASVN program.

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I have read and agree to Unitek's privacy policy and understand how my personal information may be collected and used. By submitting this form, I agree that Unitek College may call and/or text me about educational services at the phone number provided, including a wireless number, using automated technology. Please note, this consent is not required to attend our institutions.*

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Online Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing

Earn your ASVN degree in as little as 10 months

Vocational Nursing Degree Program Overview

Earn your Vocational Nursing degree in as little as 10 months

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Frequently Asked Questions

What you need to know

ASVN Program Curriculum

ASVN Admissions Requirements

How do I apply?

Tuition and Financial Aid

Licensed Vocational Nursing Career

ASVN Program Accreditation

The ASVN program is only available online. You must have completed an approved Vocational or Practical Nursing program to qualify for the ASVN program.

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Latest News

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Online Associate Degree
in Vocational Nursing

Earn your ASVN degree in as
little as 10 months