Lvn Programs California Community Colleges

California is leading the charge in training and hiring new licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to meet the growing demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) even projects 9% growth in employment for the industry through 2029, leading many to pursue this career pathway. LVNs in California earn approximately $27.02 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $56,200. This is roughly $9,150 per year more than the national average.12250

Are you looking to become a licensed vocational nurse in California? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in California are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools – we list 122 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 50 programs. For more information on our LVN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LVN programs in California click here.

Details on California LVN Schools & Classes

To become an LVN in California, you’ll need to enroll in and graduate from an accredited school. Once complete, students must take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to gain licensure. LVN programs can be round at a variety of colleges and technical/vocational schools across the state, making it easy for students to find one that suits their needs. LVN programs consist of a mix of nursing-specific courses and labs, with titles such as:

Anatomy and Physiology for Vocational Nurses
Nursing of the Mature Adult Theory
Pediatric Nursing Theory

Accreditation

The first thing students can do when researching LVN programs is to search for accredited schools. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a widely-known national accrediting body to keep an eye out for, and regional accreditations exist as well. You can also look for programs endorsed by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.

Admission Requirements

California LVN schools typically require the following in order to be eligible for admission, though it’s important to keep in mind that these requirements may vary from school to school:

High school diploma or GED
Transcripts of any previous college work
Must be at least 18 years of age
CPR certification for healthcare providers

Tuition and Costs

Many students are scared off by the thought of LVN school tuition, but there are programs in the state that fit many budgets. Students must consider the cost of tuition, mandatory school/program fees, and extras like textbooks and uniforms. The LVN program at southern California’s Pasadena City College, for example, runs roughly $4,463 in its entirety.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our California LVN to RN/BSN programs page.

California LVN Licensing Requirements

To become an LVN in the state of California, the applicant must complete 1,530 education hours at a vocational, trade, or private LVN school approved by the California Nursing Board—576 of these hours are in theory and 54 in pharmacology. Training includes coursework in: anatomy and physiology, psychology, communications, patient education, nutrition, growth and development, rehabilitation, maternity, and much more. The program can take anywhere from 12 to 20 months, depending on the level of commitment—part-time or full-time coursework. Other requirements to become an LVN may include physical strength requirements, including the ability to life patients, pulling and pushing patients and machinery, and extended periods of standing, squatting, walking, and running. There are no continued education requirements for those holding an LVN license, but licenses must be renewed biennially. If the license holder fails to renew for 2 or more years, he or she will be required to complete an additional 30 hours of continued education over the next 2 years.

NCLEX Exam Information

Once students graduate from an LVN program and complete their training, they must register for and pass the required test, known as the NCLEX-PN. This test consists of roughly 100 nursing-related questions, and students are required to pass this in order to be eligible for licensure as a vocational nurse. More about the NCLEX-PN can be found here, and students can also take advantage of our NCLEX-PN practice test in order to prep for the exam.

LVN Reciprocity and NLC

California is currently pending legislation for participation as a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. An individual can also become an LVN in the state of California by endorsement (transferring with a license from another state), in which he or she must have completed one of the following:

Graduated from an approved LVN program
Graduated from another state’s approved LVN/LPN program
Completed and education and experience equivalent
Completed the education and experience equivalent in the US military

And:

The applicant applying for endorsement must have received a passing score on either the NCLEX or SBTPE and submit verification of current licensure.

Check out more detailed information about LVN endorsement by application in California. Learn more about an alternative way to gain LVN licensure in California.

2021 CA NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

Total Number of State Approved LVN Schools: 122
Total Number of Test Takers in 2020: 5,462
2020 Average Statewide California NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 81.8%

accredited lvn programs

For those interested in the healthcare industry, earning an LVN degree is one of the quickest ways to enter a fast-growing field. As the U.S. population ages, the need for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) increases for hospitals and nursing home facilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for practical and vocational nurses to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029.

LVN programs focus on the core values of the nursing field: dignity, integrity, altruism, autonomy, and social justice. Over the course of a one-year program, students learn to apply these values to provide safe and quality healthcare as determined by the state board.

According to the BLS, LVNs earn a median annual salary of $47,480. These LVN careers include working in healthcare facilities under the instruction of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. Many LVN programs in Texas provide students with access to professional organizations and continued education programs to advance their careers.

What Can I Do With a LVN Degree?

With an LVN degree, students qualify to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nursing. After passing the exam, degree-holders can pursue various healthcare positions within the state of their licensure. This includes hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, schools, and private practices. Typical duties of an LVN include administering medication, taking vitals, providing patient comfort, and reporting on a patient’s condition to a physician or RN.

An LVN degree can also serve as the foundation for advancing a nursing career. Often the courses in an LVN program provide basic knowledge for pursuing an associate degree or a bachelor of science in nursing. This shortens the time and cost of a four-year degree.

Accreditation for an LVN Degree

When choosing an LVN program, check the school’s accreditation. Accredited schools pass quality reviews conducted by third-party organizations. Regionally accredited schools pass review by regional institutions, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Schools with regional accreditation are often nonprofit, academically oriented colleges. Credits from these schools typically transfer smoothly to both regionally and nationally accredited schools.

National accreditation often goes to vocational schools or specific programs. Students should research the accreditation status of their desired school and give preference to regionally accredited schools. Learners can check a school’s accreditation using the Department of Education’s searchable database.

LVN programs also seek approval from their state board. Approval from the state board means the program meets the educational requirements to pass the state license exam.ADVERTISEMENT

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FAQ

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Is an LVN a nurse?

What is the difference between an LPN and LVN?

What’s an LVN salary?

Do RNs or LVNs get paid more?

What Are the Requirements for an LVN Degree?

All LVN programs require a high school or GED diploma. LVN programs in Texas additionally require that all applicants take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment.

Two nursing school entrance exams exist: the Test of Essential Academic Skills and the Health Education Systems, Inc. While some programs accept either test, many require a specific one and offer the test onsite.

LVN programs also require a full health screening at the time of acceptance, proof of immunizations and health insurance, and CPR certification. Programs sometimes offer CPR courses as part of the curriculum. Every program focuses on clinical rotations that serve as the student’s capstone.

Courses in a LVN Program

An LVN program typically consists of a combination of theory classes, lab simulations, and hands-on clinical experience. In these courses, students gain ethically informed problem-solving skills and explore the foundations of specialized medical care. Through clinical rounds, students apply classroom knowledge often under the supervision of RNs and physicians.

The final round of clinicals often serve as a capstone for the program. Supervisors assess enrollees’ mastery of nursing philosophy in practice. Some programs may focus on medical practice, while others specialize in an age group or type of assistive care. The list below includes common courses found in an LVN program.

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Basic Nursing Skills

Essentials of Medical Administration

Gerontology

Pharmacology

NCLEX Prep

graduation cap

Certified Hemodialysis Nurse

CHN certified practical nurses can work in specialized nephrology care. Certification requires an exam offered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners and Nursing Technology. To take the exam, LVNs need a valid license and boast experience working in end-stage renal disease facilities. graduation cap

Pediatric Advanced Life Support

While many LVN programs offer instruction in pediatric care, working in pediatrics requires a certification in PALS. Organizations affiliated with the American Heart Association offer PALS certification programs. These programs often require completion of a course curriculum and a final exam. graduation cap

Developmental Disabilities

LVNs interested in psychiatric care can earn a certification for specialized treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Universities and medical facilities offer online webinar-based programs that only require an enrollment fee. These certification programs prepare LVNs to work in home care and long-term care facilities.

Professional Organizations for LVN Majors

Professional organizations provide LVNs with exclusive industry resources to advance their careers. Almost all of these organizations include membership options for students that can be upgraded once acquiring a license. After becoming a member, LVNs gain access to continued education programs, organization-specific scholarships and grants, and the latest information regarding nursing standards and practice.

The following organizations provide the best opportunity for growth and development for LVNs.

National Association of Licensed Practical NursesThe NALPN is one of the largest professional organizations available to LVNs. The association promotes continued education within the field and provides networking opportunities through yearly conferences. Members also gain access to certification programs.
Licensed Vocational Nurses Association of TexasLVNAT provides benefits for LVNs and LVN students in Texas, including scholarships and reduced fees for professional training. After submitting an application, qualified applicants pay a yearly dues based on the level of membership.
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc.NAPNES is the nation’s oldest organization dedicated to the promotion and education of practical nurses. Members enjoy access to online classes and certification programs and an included subscription to the Journal of Practical Nursing. The organization offers a diverse list of membership types.
National Association of School NursesThe NASN is restricted to LVNs who work as school nurses. It also offers more specialized resources for LVNs who wish to advance their careers. LVNs begin with an associate membership option and can progress to an active membership once acquiring an RN license. All membership tiers include access to online toolkits, journal resources, and networking opportunities.

Scholarships for LVN Students

Some schools may offer scholarships or institutional grants for students with financial need. Students should check the financial aid options of their prospective schools. Nursing students can also explore multiple external scholarships to help offset the costs of their LVN degree. The list below includes a few scholarships available to anyone entering an LVN program.

Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The Daughters of the American Revolution offers this scholarship for students enrolled in an accredited nursing program who demonstrate financial need. Along with transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement, applicants must provide a letter of acceptance to their nursing program.
Amount: $2,500

Coursey Enterprises Student Scholarship

Who Can Apply: First-year nursing students can apply for a semester scholarship from Coursey Enterprises. Students must be U.S. citizens and submit proof of their acceptance to an accredited program. They must also submit a 200-word essay explaining their interest in the nursing field. Scholarship recipients are featured on the Coursey Enterprises website.
Amount: $250, awarded per fall and spring semester

A Nurse I Am Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Cherokee Uniforms began this scholarship in 2007 for students seeking a nursing degree. Applicants must attend their program by the end of January of the award year. Students can enroll part time or full time and must answer an essay prompt with their application.
Amount: $2,000

HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

Who Can Apply: The HRSA Nurse Corps offers a scholarship program for individuals pursuing any professional nursing degree in an accredited nursing program. Applicants must be currently enrolled in their program with classes starting no later than September 30. The application process involves an essay, recommendation letters, and service to the Nurse Corps upon graduation.
Amount: Varies. Includes tuition and fees, books and materials, and a monthly stipend

Best LVN Programs in Texas 2021

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Lee College

LocationBaytown, TX2

College of the Mainland

LocationTexas City, TX3

Schreiner University

LocationKerrville, TX4

San Jacinto Community College

LocationPasadena, TX5

Amarillo College

LocationAmarillo, TX

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