CNA to LPN Programs Riverside, CA

Nurses are the heart of the healthcare industry. If you’re a currently certified nurse aide, you can use your experience and prepare for a career as a licensed vocational nurse by enrolling in a CNA to LVN program in California. As a vocational nurse, you will have a more active role in the daily operation of the health care facility. The vocational nursing program will provide the knowledge, insight, and abilities needed to provide critical support to both registered nurses and physicians. LVNs perform both clinical and non-clinical duties. Your role on the health care team will depend on the place of work and your experience. Like other health care careers the demand for vocational nurses is faster than the average for all occupations.

Riverside City College – School of Nursing

Riverside City College’s School of Nursing prepares quality nursing healthcare providers using a student-centered approach. The Vocational Nursing program is open to nurse aides who plan to provide general nursing care as a licensed vocational nurse under the direction of a registered nurse, physician, or dentist. There are two academic pathways available depending on the eligibility of the applicant – the Certificate and the Associate Degree. The certificate program covers 51 to 56 units. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, introductory concepts of vocational nursing, vocational nursing practice and nutrition across the lifespan, principles of pathology, intermediate concepts of vocational nursing, advanced vocational nursing foundations role transition, principles of pathophysiology, medical surgical nursing, and developmental psychology. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the NCLEX for Vocational Nurses. The duration of the certificate is 12 months.

Admission criteria:

• Apply for admission to the program online
• Must have a valid Government issued picture ID – driver’s license, identification care, passport, military ID
• Must have valid American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card
• Must clear a criminal background check, drug and health clearance upon admittance to the program
• Must complete physical exam and immunizations
• Applicants who complete all pre-nursing coursework before submitting an application will have a greater chance of being accepted
• Attending a Pre-Nursing Workshop before submitting an application is recommended
• Submit documentation of current CNA certification

The estimated cost of tuition, student services fees, parking, and health services is $2,000 for 13 months. Other costs include uniforms, nursing books, physical exam/lab work, background check, standard testing package, personal health, and accident insurance.

• Website: https://www.rcc.edu/
• Address: 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92506
• Phone: 951-222-8405
• Email: Nursing@rcc.edu
• NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 97%

North-West College

The Vocational Nursing program at North-West College provides certified nursing assistants with the health care knowledge and training required to begin a career as a vocational nursing working a medical office, clinic, hospital, and other health care facilities. The program meets the educational requirements that leads to licensure as a vocational nurse in California. It exceeds the 1,530-clock hour requirement of the BVNPT. The curriculum covers 1692 hours of lectures and practical, hands-on experiences. Course units include Seminar for Success, Nursing Fundamentals, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology, Maternal Health, Child Health, and Mental Health. Graduates are eligible to sit the NCLEX-PN for licensure as a Vocational Nurse in California. The duration of the program is 64 weeks.

Admission criteria:

• Complete an admissions interview and tour of the college.
• Submit verifiable documentation of high school completion or GED.
• Take and pass a standardized basic skills assessment such as ACT or SAT scores.
• Completed paperwork for admission and registration fee of $100.
• Pass a criminal background check, physical exam, and drug screen
• Submit documentation of nurse aide certification

The program cost of $37,991 includes tuition, books, supplies, registration fee, and STRF.

• Website: https://www.nw.edu/
• Address: 4550 La Sierra Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505
• Phone: 951-324-4157
• NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 83%

Summit College

Summit College prepares nurse aides for success in patient care. Professional faculty use their experience and training to prepare students for real-world situations. The curriculum provides a broad foundation, covering various specialties including obstetrics, pharmacology, pediatrics, nutrition, and psychology. Hands-on learning and small class sizes support the development of clinical skills used on the job. Areas of study include nutrition, psychology, growth and development, gerontological nursing, rehabilitation nursing, maternity nursing, pediatric nursing, communicable diseases, community nursing, medical surgical nursing, nursing fundamentals and process, and communication. The program covers a total of 1,586 clock hours. Coursework is delivered in hybrid format. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Vocational Nurses. The duration of the program is 12 months.

Admission criteria:

• Must be of compulsory age
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must complete an interview with an Admissions Advisor
• Must pass an entrance exam
• Must have a current CNA certificate
• Must have a computer with internet access
• Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen
• Must have current CPR certificate

Tuition for the program is $31,400. The cost of books and supplies is not included.

• Website: https://summitcollege.edu/
• Address: 851 S. Cooley Drive West, Colton, CA 92324
• Phone: (888) 504-2552
• NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 74%

Stanbridge University

The vocational nursing program at Stanbridge University prepares CNAs for an exciting career as a vocational nurse. Students will receive real-world healthcare practices in advanced training facilities, expert guidance, and a solid foundation in anatomy, terminology, and med math for LVNs. The program is approved by the BVNPT and covers a total of 1808 clock hours including theory and clinical externship. Course topics include nursing fundamentals, pharmacology fundamentals, body systems, pediatric nursing, community nursing, nursing leadership and supervision, reproductive and maternal nursing, mental health nursing, and NCLEX preparation. Students earn 105-quarter credits at the conclusion of the program. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Vocational Nurses. Part-time and full-time schedules are available. Full-time students complete the program in 13 to 14 months, and part-time students require 26 to 28 months to complete the program.

Admission criteria:

• Submit an application online
• Submit acknowledgment of the COVID-19 vaccination disclosure
• Take the online readiness quiz
• Meet an admissions representative and schedule a campus tour.
• Schedule and take an entrance exam.
• Provide documentation of completing high school or GED.
• Complete the paperwork and background check
• Attend an interview with a designated member of the VN program
• Provide proof of vaccination by the 7^th day after class
• Attend an orientation prior to the start of the program
• Apply for financial aid
• Provide documentation of current CNA certification

The program cost of $37,078 includes tuition, books, supplies, and fees.

• Website: https://www.stanbridge.edu/
• Address: 2041 Business Center Dr., Suite 107, Irvine, CA 92612
• Phone: 888-378-6676
• NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 92%

Beaumont Adult School

The Vocational Nurse program at Beaumont Adult School provides adults with the knowledge and skills needed for employment as a vocational nurse. The program is specially designed for persons with previous experience in healthcare – such as certified nurse aides. Theory and practical experiences will build on students prior learning and experience in healthcare. Students must complete the Pre-nursing class before the start of the LVN class. Course topics include fundamentals, introduction to pharmacology, geriatrics endocrine system, mental health, leadership, obstetrics and pediatrics, respiratory and immune systems, and other body systems. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Vocational Nurses. The duration of the program is 18 months. Classes start in March and end in August of the following year.

Admission criteria:

• A high school diploma or GED (sealed transcript required).
• Valid state ID and social security card.
• No felony convictions.
• Completed the Pre-Nursing Classes.
• Unofficial college transcript.
• College Anatomy and Physiology.
• Current CNA, EMT, or MA certification.
• Complete a panel interview with members of the Department
• Must submit required medical documentation
• Must have current immunization – TB test or chest x-ray, flu shot, COVID-19, hepatitis B, varicella, MMR, and TDAP
• Must have CPR card

In-state tuition is $30,034. Books and supplies cost an additional $4,466. It includes books, uniform, nursing supplies, Livescan fingerprinting, NCLEX-PN prep, NCLEX-PN testing fee, and LVN application fee.

• Website: https://bas.beaumontusd.us/
• Address: 1575 Cherry Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223
• Phone: 951-845-6012
• NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 97%

High Desert Medical College

The vocational nursing program at High Desert Medical College is open to nurse aides seeking to advanced their careers. The program is delivered in a traditional on-campus as well as hybrid format. Students will learn in the classroom or online and through practical experience in the school’s lab as well as local health care facilities. The curriculum covers a total of 1679 clock hours – exceeding the BVNPT requirements for vocational nursing education. Topics covered include fundamentals of nursing, medical surgical nursing, obstetrics, pediatrics, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, human growth and development and clinical experiences in various facilities. Graduates will receive a vocational nursing diploma and be eligible to take the NCLEX for Vocational Nurses. Part-time and full-time schedules are available. Full-time classes meet for 56 weeks and part-time classes meet for 68 weeks.

Admission criteria:

• Must be at least 18 years of age. Parental signature is required for students who are 17 years old
• Provide documentation of high school diploma or GED
• Must be able to read, write and speak English
• Take and pass the Wonderlic exam with a score of 19 or above
• Take and pass the prerequisite coursework with a score of 75% or higher
• Take and pass the entrance exam (HESI) with a score of 75 or above
• Submit a 150-word essay “Why do you want to be a nurse?”
• Obtain a satisfactory background screen
• Must obtain final approval from the Director of Nursing to be admitted to the program
• Attend the mandatory student orientation
• Submit documentation of current nurse aide certification for consideration in the admission process

The program cost of $31,747 includes tuition, registration fee, textbooks, workbooks, lab fees, malpractice insurance, CPR fee, uniforms, student ID, background check, and NCLEX registration.

• Website: https://hdmc.edu/
• Address: 2000 24^th Bakersfield, CA 93301
• Phone: 888-633-4362
• NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 77%

California Preparatory College

Certified nursing assistants may use their experience to qualify to take the NCLEX in a short period of time. At California Preparatory College, experience counts. This gives nurse aides the opportunity to complete the requirements for licensure as a vocational nurse in just two semesters. Students will complete pharmacology in semester one and NCLEX-PN review in semester two. They will learn test taking strategies and nursing interventions covered during the test. Students will be prepared for success on the Next Generation (NGN) NCLEX-PN exam soon to be released. The program can be completed in 23 weeks – 6 months total.

Admission criteria:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Valid state ID and social security card.
• No felony convictions.
• Current CNA certification.
• Must have current immunization – TB test or chest x-ray, flu shot, COVID-19, hepatitis B, varicella, MMR, and TDAP
• Must have CPR card

Tuition for the program is $2250. A flexible payment plan is available for all students.

• Website: https://www.capreparatorycollege.com/
• Address: 5939 Magnolia Ave., Riverside CA 92506
• Phone: 909-534-4812
• NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A