Nurses are the lifeblood of the healthcare industry. They work with patients to rehabilitate and restore health. Vocational nurses have a unique role. They work under the direction of registered nurses to provide critical support, basic care, observation, and monitoring of patients. They may also perform non-clinical duties such as updating patient records, answering the phones, counseling patients, and scheduling appointments. Licensed vocational nurses may work in hospitals, but more than 65 percent of them work in long-term care. Like other careers in the healthcare industry, the demand for LVNs is growing at a much faster than average rate and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an increase of as much as 6% in job opportunities for LVNs by 2031.
Summit College
Certified nursing assistants may enroll in the vocational nursing program at Summit College an gain a competitive advantage in the admissions process. The program includes hands-on training conducted by caring instructors who have real-world experiences of the role and function of a vocational nurse. The curriculum covers a broad foundation in general practice as well as specialty areas such as obstetrics, pharmacology, pediatrics, nutrition, and psychology. Students will develop practical skills during the clinical experiences included in the program. Other areas of study include communicable diseases and community nursing, maternity nursing, rehabilitation nursing, patient education, communication, normal growth and development, nursing fundamentals and process, and leadership and supervision. The program covers a total of 1586 instruction hours including 647 clinical hours. Some of the coursework may be delivered online via distance learning. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for vocational nurses. Day and evening schedules are available. The day program may be completed in 12 months and the evening program is 18 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must the Wonderlic SLE entrance exam
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Must provide documentation of completing high school or GED – diploma or transcrpts required
- Must attend the student orientation
- Must obtain final approval from the Director of Nursing
The program cost of $34,400 includes the cost of books and supplies. The evening program costs $36,737. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: http://www.summitcollege.edu/
- Address: 1639 E. Edinger Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705
- Phone: (888) 504-2552
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 53%
North Orange County ROP
The vocational nursing program at North Orange County ROP is open to nursing assistants who want to prepare for practice as a vocational nurse. The program is approved by the California Department of Education and accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Students will learn in the classroom and develop nursing skills through hands-on activities in the school’s lab and clinical experiences at local health care facilities. The curriculum will cover a total of 1600 hours of instruction including 1000 hours in a clinical setting. Areas of study include nutrition, medical surgical nursing, psychology, concepts of leadership, growth and development, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and maternal-child nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for state licensure. The duration of the full-time program is 13 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must submit a completed application for admission
- Must complete prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- CNA applicants must present current certification and documentation of health care experience
- Take and pass the entrance assessment
- Must have required vaccination including COVID-19 vaccination
Tuition includes all textbooks online, fingerprinting, resources, electronic health records program, badge, liability insurance, uniforms, and equipment.
- Website: https://adults.nocrop.org/
- Address: 1617 East Ball Road, Anaheim, CA 92805
- Phone: 714-502-5950
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 85%
American Career College
The vocational nursing program at American Career College is open to certified nursing assistants seeking to advance their career by preparing for licensure as a vocational nurse. The program will provide CNAs with knowledge and skills to qualify for an entry-level position in a a medical office, clinic, acute care hospital, long-term care facility, or other health care setting. The curriculum comprises of 1630 instructional hours including 803 clinical hours. Course topics include vocational nursing student success, intro to human anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of nursing, vocational nursing student readiness, nutrition, medical surgical nursing, geriatrics, psychology, pharmacology, mental health, growth and development, maternal child nursing, and concept mastery. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for state licensure. The duration of the program is 55 weeks for day students and 86 weeks for evening/weekend students.
Admission criteria:
- Complete a campus tour prior to enrollment
- Must meet with an Admissions Advisor
- Must take and pass the Wonderlic SLEQ entrance exam with a minimum score of 21
- Must complete the enrollment agreement and pay the non-refundable application fee
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must obtain background clearance at the time of enrollment
- Must complete health screening examinations, pathology tests, and immunizations
The program cost of $40,210 includes costs for tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
- Website: https://americancareercollege.edu/
- Address: 1200 North Magnolia Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801
- Phone: 714-952-9066
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 88%
CNI College
Certified nursing assistant may apply for credit when enrolling in the vocational nursing program at CNI College. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in acute and long-term health care settings. Theory and practical instruction cover areas related to the enhancement of the health and well-being of others. Students will learn basic nursing skills to care for acutely and chronically ill clients with predictable health outcomes. They will learn in the classroom, lab, and at local health care facilities. Course modules include introduction to client-centered care, life cycles, body systems, immunology, oncology, leadership/supervision, obstetrics, pediatrics, nursing specialties, rehabilitation, senior practicum, and capstone course. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN for licensure as a vocational nurse. Those that pass qualify for entry-level employment as Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Admission criteria:
- Must complete a potential student questionnaire form for admission
- Must attend an initial personal interview with CNI College Admissions Advisor and attend a campus tour
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Must have graduated from high school or completed GED
- Must take and pass the Wonderlic SLE exam with a minimum score of 18
- Must take and pass the TEAS VI with a minimum score of 50%
- Must take the Pre-Vocational Nursing Program Academic Preparatory Course before beginning the program
- Must complete an Enrollment Agreement
- Submit documentation of any required health examinations and immunizations
- Must complete a satisfactory background check
The program cost of $36,841 includes tuition, registration, books, supplies, uniforms, and technology fee.
- Website: https://cnicollege.edu/
- Address: 1610 E Saint Andrew Place, Santa Ana CA 92705
- Phone: (800) 455-4700
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 87%
Crystal G
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.