The San Joaquin Valley College Visalia LVN to RN program is a top-rated program that can help you become an RN in as few as six months. The program’s low cost and high success rates make it one of the best choices for LVN to RN programs in California.

In addition to being one of the most affordable programs in the state, San Joaquin Valley College Visalia LVN to RN also boasts a high pass rate for students. The program offers a cohort model, which means you will be immersed in a small community of like-minded peers who are all working towards the same goal: becoming an RN.

The San Joaquin Valley College Visalia LVN to RN program requires that students have completed their required prerequisites at another institution before applying. You’ll need to complete all prerequisite classes within two years prior to applying for enrollment into this program, which includes completing a math course with a grade of C or higher and an English course with a grade of C or higher.

The San Joaquin Valley College Visalia LVN to RN program offers both residential and online classes. The residential option allows students who are not able to take courses online due to work schedules or other commitments can still receive valuable hands-on

At a Glance

• Earn an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing (ADN) in as few as 20 months
• Conveniently available at two locations
• Prepare to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)*
• Registered Nursing – LVN to RN Bridge program also available
• Affordable tuition varies by location, learn more now

About the Program

What Will I Learn

What Will I Learn

Courses taken by our Registered Nursing Associate of Science degree students include:

Fundamentals of Nursing Theory

This course provides an introduction to nursing and roles of the nurse as well as profession related and patient care concepts. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, quality care. An introduction to the nursing process provides a decision-making framework to assist students in developing effective clinical judgment skills.

Health Assessment 

This course provides the framework for preparing students to perform comprehensive health assessments on patients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on taking a thorough nursing history, performing physiological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual assessments, as well as identification of stressors and health risks. Concurrent clinical experiences provide an opportunity to practice assessment skills on patients across the lifespan in a variety of settings.

Pediatrics Theory

This course provides an integrative, family-centered approach to the care of children, and adolescents. Emphasis is placed on normal growth and development, family dynamics, pediatric disorders, and the promotion of healthy behaviors in patients.

Please note, these courses are only available in the Registered Nursing degree program, not the Registered Nursing LVN to RN program or the Registered Nursing Certificate program.

Program Availability

Registered Nursing
Looking for an RN nursing school? SJVC’s Registered Nursing degree program is available at the Visalia and Ontario campuses. This program version can be completed in as few as 20 months.

SJVC also offers a Registered Nursing certificate option that can be completed in as few as 14 months.

In accordance with the Board of Registered Nursing Policy (Section 1435.5), California Licensed Vocational Nurses may apply for the non-degree program. This program is commonly referred to as the “30-Unit option” and prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN Examination, but does not award an A.S. Degree. Completion of this option may not meet the criteria to practice in other states. Applicants will be considered on a space available basis only and if program resources allow.

Registered Nursing – LVN to RN Bridge
SJVC’s Registered Nursing – LVN to RN Bridge program is available at the Visalia campus and can be completed in as few as 11 months.

SJVC’s Registered Nursing – LVN to RN Bridge program is designed for Licensed Vocational Nurses who want to take the next step in their medical career. This program allows licensed Vocational Nurses to use their LVN experience as credit towards their Registered Nursing program course of studies.

Application Process

The Registered Nursing and Registered Nursing – LVN to RN programs have a highly-selective application process in which only the most qualified candidates are chosen to fill the available seats. Please see the academic catalog or contact an Admissions Advisor for detailed information.

More information on pre-requisite courses is available here: http://www.sjvc.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements/prerequisite-courses-faqs.

Download the Registered Nursing Application

Download the Registered Nursing – LVN to RN Bridge Application

Important Dates
Visalia – Generic RN application deadline: 1/28/2022
Visalia – LVN-RN Bridge application deadline: 9/13/2021
Ontario – Generic RN application deadline: 1/28/2022

SJVC LVN Program prerequisite

What are prerequisite courses?

Prerequisite courses or “prereqs” are courses that must be completed prior to enrolling in specific SJVC programs or programs at another institution. Prepare to provide documentation that you have completed these prerequisite courses with your SJVC application. Not all SJVC programs have prerequisites, and prerequisite courses may vary by program. Please keep reading to learn more.

Does SJVC offer prerequisite courses?

Select SJVC campuses offer 10-week science classes and 5-week general education courses to meet prerequisite needs*. Some general education courses may also be available online. Learn more.

Which SJVC programs require prerequisite courses?

The following programs have prerequisites:

• Dental Hygiene
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Registered Nursing

What are the prerequisite courses required to enroll in SJVC’s Dental Hygiene program?

Applicants for SJVC’s Dental Hygiene program must have completed the following prerequisite courses:

• General/Inorganic Chemistry (with wet lab)
• Organic/Biochemistry (with wet lab)*
• General Microbiology (with wet lab)*
• Human Physiology (with wet lab)
• Speech/Oral Communication
• Introduction to Sociology
• Human Anatomy (with wet lab)
• Writing and Composition
• General Psychology
• Intermediate Algebra or higher (not included in the minimum GPA requirements for entry into the program)* The College will offer BIOL14 and CHE4 courses to students who meet all other program prerequisites, contingent on a sufficient number of enrollments.

Prerequisites must be completed at an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a minimum of a “C” grade and an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher (GPA calculation excludes mathematics). Learn more about SJVC’s Dental Hygiene program.

What are the prerequisite courses required to enroll in SJVC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program?

Applicants for SJVC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program must be at least 18 years of age and have completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade a“C” or higher at an accredited college or university:

• Writing and Composition
• Intermediate Algebra or higher
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology

Nine units of prerequisite course work will be applied to the general education graduation requirement. Applicants who have successfully completed the prerequisites will be considered for admission into the program. Using a point-based system, applicants will be ranked on the following criteria: cumulative GPA on prerequisite courses, an assessment, professional references, and a personal interview with program faculty. Enrollment decisions are made by the Program Director or his/her designee. Learn more about SJVC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

What are the prerequisite courses required to enroll in SJVC’s Registered Nursing program?

Applicants must complete a minimum of 34 units of general education prerequisite coursework (GPA of 2.5 or higher) in the following subjects at an accredited college or university to qualify for SJVC’s Registered Nursing program:

• Human Anatomy with lab
• Microbiology with lab
• Human Physiology with lab
• General Chemistry with lab
• Writing & Composition
• Intermediate Algebra or higher
• General Psychology
• Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology
• Introduction to Public Speaking/Oral Communication
• General Education (GE) Breadth Area C2 (minimum of 3.0 units in literature, philosophy, or foreign language)²

These courses may also be offered at SJVC.

Learn more about SJVC’s Registered Nursing program.

2. If the student does not have GE Area C2 units to transfer in, PHIL 1C: Ethics must be taken at SJVC.

Disclaimer

*Completion of the program’s general education requirements at SJVC does not guarantee entry into the Dental Hygiene, Registered Nursing or Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs. If you intend to transfer SJVC courses to another institution, you must contact that institution directly to determine the transferability of units. Accepting transfer credits is always and only up to the receiving institution. View a complete list of SJVC articulation agreements.

How much is San Joaquin Valley College’s (SJVC) RN program?

San Joaquin Valley College is a private, for-profit career college with campuses throughout California. The Visalia and Ontario campuses offer three registered nurse (RN) programs that will qualify graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and apply for an RN license within California. While the online and associate degree programs are open to all interested nursing students, the 30-credit certificate is only available for currently licensed practical nurses (LPN) and the courses will not count toward an associate degree.

Online Nursing Bachelor of Science (BSN) – Visalia

• First Year: $13,400
• Second Year: $3,350
• Total: $16,750

Registered Nursing Associate Degree – Visalia

• First Year: $29,870
• Second Year: $30,362
• Total: $60,232

Registered Nursing Associate Degree – Ontario

• First Year: $29,870
• Second Year: $30,362
• Total: $60,232

Registered Nursing (30-Unit) Certificate – Ontario

• First Year: $35,966
• Total: $35,966

How long is San Joaquin Valley College’s (SJVC) RN program?

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) is offering a very convenient way for aspiring registered nurses to complete an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program. According to their platform, full-time student nurses may finish their associate’s degree in 20 months, which is equivalent to around 84 weeks. Throughout the completion of this program, ADN graduates will also be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN.

A Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) to RN bridge program is also available at the college aside from the ADN program. A 14-week registered nursing certificate is also available occasionally. Some of the courses student nurses can expect to take include: fundamentals of nursing, health assessment, and pediatrics theory. SJVC is currently offering its ADN program in two locations – Ontario and Visalia. According to SJVC, affordable tuition may vary according to the location of study.