Valley Medical College

Nursing Programs Offered

LPN Program Details

Our LPN classes teach you how to provide care and assist physicians in the diagnostic assessment of patients. Licensed practical nurses play a vital role as members of healthcare teams.

At VMC's practical nursing school, emphasis is placed on

The nursing process
Universal precautions
Anatomy and physiology
Disease process
Pharmacological approach to treating patients
The different stages of life

In addition, students engage in hands-on training involving electrocardiograms, laboratory tests, venipuncture, infusion therapy and many specialized care procedures. This program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the requirements of the Oregon State Board of Nursing to participate in the NCLEX-PN exam, leading to licensure as a practical nurse.

Once you become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you can pursue additional training to specialize in an area such as gerontology and pharmacology. You can also further your education and opportunity through an LPN-to-RN program.

Your duties as an LPN can vary depending on whether you work in a hospital, a nursing home or home healthcare. Your lab assistant and phlebotomy training are more valued in a hospital. In a nursing home, you may be working with patients to develop care plans and supervise nursing aides. In home healthcare, more household duties may be required, along with teaching family members some of the more simple tasks you learned in practical nursing school.