California LVN Programs
Credit: Manuela Durson / EyeEm / Getty ImagesOnly two states in our country, being Texas and California, have the specific job title LVN (licensed vocational nurse). In other states, the job is known as LPN (licensed practice nurse). An LVN is supervised by a physician or a registered nurse (RN). Their role is to provide bedside care in a variety of settings to their patients. If you live in California and wish to become an LVN, it is important that you follow the right training at a good school.
Let’s take a look at the top LVN programs in California.
Explore the Best California LVN Programs and Schools
Carrington College-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA- 2 year
- Campus + Online
At Carrington College, there is a strong focus on health sciences and their Practical/Vocational Nursing program is held in high esteem. Students are trained to be truly compassionate and to enter a workforce in which they have the ability to change people’s life. Students are also expected to be responsible and self-directed as the field of nursing may be personally fulfilling, it is also highly challenging.
- Campus: Pleasant Hill, Sacramento and San Jose, CA
- Type: College institution
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Tuition: Varies
- Minimum time commitment: One year
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: High school or equivalent
- Program: Practical Nursing / Vocational Nursing Program
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled1,641
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationNo
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
- San Mateo, CA
- 4 year
- Online
The LVN program at Gurnick focuses on the fact that nursing is a career that is both simple and complex. Its emphasis is on homeostasis and how this appropriately represents the problems faced by various patients. Hence, students will learn about anatomical systems, but they will also learn about the various specialization areas that exist within nursing. During the program, students will take part in both didactic lessons as well as laboratory training. They also have to complete an internship to apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained.
- Campus: San Mateo, Concord, Modesto and Fresno, CA
- Type: Academy
- Accreditation: Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
- Tuition: $29,379.50
- Minimum time commitment: 13 months
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: Prerequisite courses
- Program: Vocational Nurse Program
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,708
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
College of the Redwoods
- Eureka, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
The College of the Redwoods offers a certificate of achievement and an associate’s degree in licensed vocational nursing. Both programs allow students to take part in the NCLEX-PN exam, after which they can enter the workforce. The focus for this college is strongly on delivering humane, compassionate services.
- Campus: Mendocino, Eureka and Del Norte, CA
- Type: Community College
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
- Tuition: Varies depending on course chosen. Financial aid is often available. Total costs are generally between $10,122 and $21,882.
- Minimum time commitment: 60 units for associate of science and 46 units for the certificate of achievement
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: High school or equivalent
- Program: Licensed Vocational Nursing (associate of science or certificate of achievement)
- In-State$1,104
- Out-of-state$8,088
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,686
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationNo
Clovis Adult Education
- Clovis, CA
- Campus
At Clovis Adult Education, you can take part in an LVN program. This will give you the knowledge and skills that are required to be able to work in the ever-changing world of health care. The college is focused on excellent standards, which are expected of all health care professionals. On completion, you will be able to take the NCLEX-PN exam. The college also strongly recommends their students to move on to Fresno City College on completion of their LVN program, where they can study towards becoming a registered nurse.
- Campus: Clovis, CA
- Type: Adult Education Institution
- Accreditation: Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners
- Tuition: Varies depending on circumstances. Financial aid may be available.
- Minimum time commitment: 13 months
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: 2 letters of recommendation, prerequisite classes, Level A TABE test, personal interview
- Program: Vocational Nurse Program
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled340
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Merritt College
- Oakland, CA
- 2 year
- Campus
At Merritt College, there are a number of options towards vocational nursing. All of them, however, are designed to teach students how to be intelligent and compassionate around the bedside of their patients, how to help in rehabilitation the sick and how to help prevent disease. All students are expected to become contributing members of society, living the principles of nursing and health. Once graduated, they can apply for a license at the California state examination.
- Campus: Oakland, CA
- Type: Community college
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Tuition: Various depending on chosen pathway
- Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen pathway
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: High school or equivalent, health clearance, prerequisite courses
- Program: Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing, Vocational Nursing Certificate and Certificate of Achievement in Vocational Nursing
- In-State$1,104
- Out-of-state$7,464
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,289
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationNo
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