***This part-time Vocational Nursing (Extended) Certificate of Achievement program will be discontinued when the current class finishes in summer 2008. There will not be a new class starting fall 2008 as had been planned.
This change has no effect on the full time, 3 semester Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement
program, which will begin a new class in fall 2007 (applications are due Feb. 7, 2007).***
The Vocational Nursing-Extended Certificate of Achievement is designed for individuals who already have the skills and knowledge of a nursing assistant or who are Certified Nursing Assistants, and are interested in advancing in their career to become Licensed Vocational Nurses. This part-time option can be completed in four semesters, plus 2 summers. Classes are held all day, Thursdays and Fridays.
The program prepares students to apply to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians to take the NCLEX PN examination in order to receive the Vocational Nursing license from the California Department of Consumer Affairs. The program is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. The program provides a minimum of 1,530 hours of instruction and clinical experience. Clinical sites are arranged at local health care facilities for a wide range of experiences. No wages or stipends are paid to students during their training period.
The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is an important member of the health team who, under the supervision of a doctor or a registered nurse, provides personal nursing care such as: administering oral and injectable medications; performing cleansing, palliative, and remedial treatments; using specialized equipment and instruments in giving treatments; and recording facts relative to the care of patients.
Prospects for employment are very favorable as LVN's are needed in hospitals, doctors' offices, private homes, health agencies, medical clinics, skilled nursing, and corrections facilities. LVN's are also employed by public health departments, visiting nursing associations, Armed Forces Peace Corps, and other agencies.
Students completing the LVN program and who are interested in becoming Registered Nurses, may wish to pursue the LVN-AND Career Ladder option. See a Health Sciences counselor for more information to explore your options and plan your program.
Licensure Note:
The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) may deny licensure for crimes substantially related to the practice of nursing. This includes convictions involving sex crimes, drug crimes (including DUI), and crimes of violence. It is the responsibility of the applicant to present sufficient evidence of rehabilitation to the BVPT prior to licensure.
Students interested in the order for taking classes in this program, can view the required course sequence. Click here for more information about the program, or contact the Health Sciences Department.