VN Application Info
Read Steps, Requirements & FAQs
Vocational Nursing Application Process & Requirements
Step 1: Apply to Long Beach City College
Before you can apply to any of the Nursing programs, you must first apply for admission to Long Beach City College. Please take a look at our enrollment guides on the Get Started section for more information.
Step 2: Attend the Information Meeting
Students interested in enrolling in the Vocational Nursing program should attend one of the information meetings. Information meetings are mandatory and regularly held during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Information Meetings will be held on the following dates/times:
| DATE | TIME |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, February 22 | 5:00PM |
| Wednesday, March 29 | 5:00PM |
| Wednesday, April 26 | 5:00PM |
| Wednesday, May 31 | 5:00PM |
| Wednesday, June 28 | 5:00PM |
Please note: Meetings are subject to change and cancellations. |
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Please email Marc Smith at m4smith@lbcc.edu for meeting link.
Step 3: Meet Application Requirements
Before applying to the Licensed Vocational Nursing Program, please make sure you meet the following prerequisites and admission requirements.
| PREREQUISITES |
|---|
| HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA or GED (Mandatory) |
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All applicants must provide a copy of a high school transcript, diploma or GED certificate. International transcripts must be evaluated by the Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute. We do not accept assessment test results from other schools. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree or higher should see a Counselor regarding General Education requirements. For more information, please refer to the graduation proficiency requirements listed in Plan A under the General Education Patterns or speak with a Counselor. |
| MATH |
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Satisfying this proficiency may be achieved by any one of the following:
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| READING |
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Satisfying this proficiency may be achieved by any one of the following:
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| WRITING |
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Satisfying this proficiency may be achieved by any one of the following:
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| REQUIREMENTS |
|---|
| LIFE SCIENCES |
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One of the following options must be completed with a grade of C or better before admittance to the program:
Life Science courses must have a combined GPA of 2.0 or higher and be completed within five (5) years prior to the application deadline. Equivalent courses taken at other colleges must be reviewed by LBCC). If you would like to have your courses evaluated, please submit the Life Science Equivalency form to Marc Smith, Nursing & Allied Health Coordinator, via email at m4smith@lbcc.edu. You must include a copy of unofficial transcripts with your request. |
| CNA CERTIFICATE |
| Applicants must have a current valid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate from the State of California. |
| PHARMACOLOGY |
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One of the following options must be completed with a grade of C or better before admittance to the program:
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| ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
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Applicants must complete the following courses with a grade of C or better before admittance to the program.
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Step 4: Complete the Nursing Application
After satisfying all the application requirements in Step 3 for the VN program and all prerequisite coursework is complete, the student must submit the VN Application.
Applications will be accepted for entry to the LVN program for Fall 2023 from April 10 – April 13 in Building C, Room C-100. (View map)
Applicants must submit their application in person and show ID. No application will be accepted if submitted by anyone other than the applicant. Please note that LBCC has a Covid-19 vaccine mandate to be on campus. Applicants must provide proof of vaccination.
Step 5: Obtain Clinical Requirements
If accepted into the VN program, the student will be notified via email and should begin the process of obtaining the clinical requirements needed for entry.
- Purchase the Medical Document Manager package from Castlebranch, Inc. by placing an order and entering the code LB67im in the form field.
- Follow the instructions and fill out the necessary information to complete your order.
Step 6: Complete a Background Check
All incoming students must have cleared a background check within the last 18 months from the program start date through Castlebranch, Inc. You can purchase a background check by placing an order and entering the code LB67 in the form field.
FAQs – About the Program
What are the advantages of taking the LVN path vs the RN path from the start? How difficult is it for an LVN grad to get into the RN program?
The LVN program offers an easy route to the RN program, although you must still meet all RN pre-requisites. The LVN program is a gradual introduction into the healthcare field so that students can become more comfortable with nursing skills.
What are the prerequisite requirements before applying to the VN program?
Students must meet the following requirements before entering the program:
- Have a current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate.
- Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Meet the proficiency standards for Reading, Writing, and Mathematics or have a high school diploma or GED.
- Completed the following courses: Human Biology 1, Nursing Applications of Pharmacology, CNA/Nursing Fundamentals, Transition to Vocational Nursing.
Can I take the prerequisite courses at other schools? Will I have a better chance of getting in if I take them at LBCC?
Not necessarily. A student must take VN240 (Mental Health) and VN 220 (Transition to Vocational Nursing) here at LBCC, while the CNA may be taken elsewhere. A student must get a CNA certificate from the State of California. A student may take Pharmacology elsewhere but be sure it meets the requirements for application.
For more information, please refer to the VN Information Sheet.
Should I take the RN level science courses now because I want to take the ladder route to RN?
It is up to you. However, grades from the RN science courses (Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology) weigh heavy upon admission. It is best to take Biology 60 or an equivalent course, finish the VN program, and then take RN science prerequisites. Doing so will ensure that they are current within the required 5 years time period and students generally do much better in the classes.
Do I have to get an Associate Degree in order to take the state exam for VN?
No. An Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing or a Career Certificate in Vocational Nursing is sufficient. You may apply for either depending on the number of units completed.
What is the pass rate on the state exam?
At least 92% of applicants pass the state exam.
What is the selection process for who gets into the class?
Please review the VN information sheet. The selection process is based mostly on the science GPA (Pharmacology and BIO 60 or an equivalent).
Is there a waiting list?
No, we do not keep a wait list. Students must re-apply for the Spring and Fall entry.
How long is the program?
A total of 40 weeks within the Spring and Fall semesters.
How many graduates do you usually have?
The graduating class is usually around 60 students per academic year.
How often do you students graduate from the program?
We hold graduations twice a year in June and December.
What hospitals or medical facilities do you go to for clinicals?
Clinicals may be at acute care, sub-acute care, long-term care, rehabilitation facilities, outpatient clinics etc. Students rotate through various sites to meet the requirements of the program. The VN program uses facilities within and close to the Long Beach area.
Facilities are subject to change.
FAQs – Transfer
How can I get my transcripts evaluated?
A student must have completed 12 units at LBCC to have transcripts evaluated; however, this may not impact your ability to apply to the VN program. A student must show official transcripts with the program application. You can use the Transfer Evaluation System (TES) to get the most accurate information about course equivalencies.
If I have foreign transcripts, how do I get them evaluated?
LBCC does not accept foreign transcripts for nursing equivalency or prerequisites.
FAQs – Financial Aid
Do you have financial aid? If so, how do I find more information?
Contact the Financial Aid office for more information. Also, a student is encouraged to look for scholarships through the LBCC Foundation.
How much does the program cost?
The estimated cost of the program is around $5000.00 and is comprised of enrollment fees, books & supplies, uniforms, and various program-related expenses.