Healthcare careers can be challenging but they’re also extremely rewarding. Certified nursing assisting is a fast and simple way to break into the field. It will give you the opportunity to work closely with nurses to care for patients. If your role as a nursing assistant calls you to something more, your education and experience in patient care will provide an excellent start. Nursing schools value and reward the experience of CNAs. Programs such as the CNA to LPN career ladder program are designed for CNAs who are prepared to take the next step. CNAs holding an active license to practice may be awarded up to 3 units of advanced standing credit when they matriculate into a vocational nursing program. Some schools may not utilize the CNA to LPN title but may award some credit that will reduce the duration and cost of the program. In other cases, the nursing assistant might simply gain a competitive advantage or extra points in the selective admissions process. CNA experience could be the element that places you in the lead if all candidates are on an equal footing. Completing the practical nursing program and getting your license to practice as a vocational nurse is an accomplishment that will expand your patient care duties, boost your pay rate, and increase your motivation to continue the upward path on the nursing career ladder.
Xavier College – School of Nursing
The vocational nursing program at Xavier College is a certificate program that prepares certified nursing assistants to take the NCLEX-VN. The curriculum includes theory and practical instruction in the classroom, lab, and clinical experiences at local health care facilities. Areas of study include fundamentals of nursing, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacological nursing, human development, gerontology nursing, mental health nursing, medical surgical nursing, pediatrics nursing, and nursing leadership. Students will meet 40 hours per week. Clinical practice will take place in acute and subacute health care facilities, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities in Stockton, Lodi and French Camp. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN to become a licensed practical nurse.
Admission criteria:
- Must be a minimum of 17 years of age
- Must attain a minimum 12th-grade education
- Must provide identification – driver’s license
- Must provide original diploma or official transcript of high school or GED
- Must complete entrance test – ATI Science, Reading, English, and Math with a cumulative adjusted score of 60. Applicants have two attempts to pass
- Must submit a completed application form and submit a non-refundable application fee of $100
- Must submit evidence of CPR certification current through the duration of the program
- Must obtain a negative TB test (skin or chest x-ray) and have updated immunizations including MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B, COVID 19, and influenza vaccine
- Submit a report of physical examination completed not earlier than 90 days from the first day of the program
- Provide documentation of a current nurse aide certification
- Must obtain a negative COVID 19 test and completed screen for symptoms
Tuition and other charges cost $28,000. It includes the cost of books, online final exams, and learning resources, uniforms, and background screens.
- Website: https://xavier-college.com/
- Address: 1340 North El Dorado St, Stockton, CA 95202
- Phone: 209-941-0968
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 71.43%
Blake Austin College
The vocational nursing program at Blake Austin College offers a comprehensive nursing experience for certified nursing assistants to prepare for a career as a licensed vocational nurse. The program will build on their experience and education and prepare them to care for patients of all ages as they train in diverse health care facilities. Nursing course will simulate the clinical environment using the latest medical furnishings and equipment. Students will be prepared for direct patient care through classroom lectures, practice on manikins, and hands-on practice in the lab and at clinical sites. Course topics include nursing fundamentals, medical surgical nursing, nursing specialties and leadership, medical calculations, health and wellness, client diversity, treatment of disease, cultural sensitivity, nutrition needs, and pharmacological agents. The curriculum will cover a total of 1620 contact hours and 64 semester credits. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX for vocational nurses. They will also be certified in CPR through the American Heart Association CPR course.
Admission criteria:
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must have a high school diploma or GED – transcripts or diploma required
- Must complete a Blake Austin College Application for Admission
- Must take and pass an institutional Entrance Assessment – Math (80%), Reading Comprehension (80%), Vocabulary (80%)
- Must complete financial aid requirements
- Must attend a General Student Orientation
- Must complete the immunization requirements – MMR. Varicella, Tetanus, and Flu Vaccine. A TB test is also required
- Must complete a drug and background screen
- Must submit two professional letters of recommendation
- Submit documentation of CNA certification
- Must complete health screening
- Attend a vocational nursing orientation
Tuition for the program is $36,132. It includes the cost of books, uniforms, and supplies.
- Website: https://blakeaustincollege.edu/
- Address: 611-K Orange Drive, Vacaville, CA 95687
- Phone: 707-455-0557
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
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.