What are the advantages to going LVN vs RN from the start, how easy/hard is it for a 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. 

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. Click TES to use the Transfer Information site 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 pre-requisites.

Do you have financial aid? How do I find out about financial aid? 

Contact the LBCC Financial Aid Office or refer to their site at http://fina.lbcc.edu. Also, a student is encouraged to look for scholarships through the LBCC Foundation Office or refer to their site at http://scholarships.lbcc.edu.

When you repeat a course that you got a “C” grade, Financial Aid will not pay for the second time.

What are the pre-requisite courses? Can I take them at other schools? Will I have a better chance of getting in if I take the prerequisites here? 

Not necessarily. Please see the VN information Sheet. A student must take VN240 (Mental Health) and VN 220 (Transition to Vocational Nursing) here at LBCC. CNA may be taken elsewhere. A student must get a State of California CNA certificate or VN215 course. A student may take Pharmacology elsewhere but be sure it meets the requirement for application. 

What are the pre-requisites/requirements before applying to the VN program?

CNA/ nursing fundamentals class, Reading Proficiency, Math Proficiency, High School graduation or General Educational Development (GED), Human Biology 1, Nursing Applications of Pharmacology, Transition to Vocational Nursing, and a GPA of 2.0.

** Starting Fall 2014 – Must have met Writing proficiency and have a current Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) certificate.**

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 pre-requisites. Then they will be current (within the required 5 years) and students generally do much better in the classes and your science GPA will be higher.

Do I have to get an Associate Degree in order to take the state exam for VN? 

No, you do not. 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? 

Between 92% – 100%. 

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 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 usually is about 30 students twice a year.  

How often do you graduate a class?

Twice a year in December and June.

What hospitals do you go to?

Clinicals may be at acute care, sub-acute care, long-term care, rehabilitation facilities 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. 

What does it cost?

COST ESTIMATE (Prerequisites Included) 

TOTAL about $5000.00

Books, course guides, & supplies = $ 1,500.00
College Services Card  = $80.00
Uniforms and accessories  = $500.00
Clinical Requirements  = $200.00
Graduation expenses = $115.00
Enrollments = $1430.00
Licensure expenses = $500.00
Health Fee = $75.00
Tuition = $46.00 per unit
Parking (Optional-3 semesters)  = $100