Program: Vocational Nursing

The Vocational Nursing Program prepares students for entry-level vocational nursing licensure and competent practice. After completion, students will be able to synthesize theories and principles necessary for licensure as a vocational nurse and develop critical thinking skills in preparation for their first job in vocational nursing.

VOCATIONAL NURSING - Program Brochure

Accreditation Statement

The Vocational Nursing Program at LBCC is accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT), 2535 Capitol Oaks Dr., Ste. 205, Sacramento, CA, 95833, 916-263-7800.

Our Accreditation status with the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians can be confirmed by viewing our certificate of accreditation and June 5, 2017 BVNPT letter of accreditation. The college’s accreditation status is confirmed through May 2021.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Start your career as a professional and/or specialist in the area below!

• Home Health Aids
• Nursing Assistants
• Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurse
   

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. No food, drinks, or children are allowed in the room. 

Please note: Meetings are subject to change and cancellations.

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)
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
Satisfying this proficiency may be achieved by any one of the following: A qualifying score on the Math proficiency test that places the student in Math 110. Completion of Math 815 or higher with a grade of C or better at LBCC. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Equivalent courses taken at other colleges must be reviewed by Admissions & Records LBCC for approval.
READING
Satisfying this proficiency may be achieved by any one of the following: A qualifying score on the Reading proficiency test. If taken outside of LBCC, it must be taken within a two year period. Completion of Reading Development (READ 82) or Reading Improvement (READ 83) with a grade of C or better at LBCC. A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Equivalent courses taken at other colleges must be reviewed by LBCC for approval.
WRITING
Satisfying this proficiency may be achieved by any one of the following: Qualify for English 1 or completion of English 105 with a grade of C or better.

REQUIREMENTS
Life Sciences
One of the following options must be completed with a grade of C or better before admittance to the program: Human Biology 1 (BIO 60) A combination of Human Anatomy (ANAT 1) and Human Physiology (PHYS 1) 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 with your application.
CNA Certificate
Applicants must have a valid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate from the State of California.
Pharmacology
One of the following options must be completed with a grade of C or better before admittance to the program: Pharmacology (ADN 225) Pharmacology (VN 225)
Additional Requirements
Applicants must complete the following courses with a grade of C or better before admittance to the program. Mental Health (VN 240) – This can be completed before submitting the application or the student must be enrolled in the course during the first semester of the program.

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.

Note: Remember to Attach a stamped, self-addressed envelope, size 9 1/2” x 4” (available at LBCC Bookstore) to your application.

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.

Degree Options

Nursing: Vocational/Practical (AS + Cert) Curriculum Guide

Explore the degrees and certificates offered by Vocational Nursing Program.

Associate in Science (AS), Nursing – Vocational/Practical 

Plan Code: 2630 – Completion of the Vocational Nursing Program qualifies the student to take the national licensing examination for Vocational nurses (NCLEX-PN). A Licensed Vocational Nurse (Practical Nurse in all other states) is prepared for employment in ambulatory care settings (Physician’s office, clinics); long-term care (skilled nursing facilities, convalescent, and residential care); rehabilitation facilities, acute care hospitals, psychiatric facilities, hospice, and in the home. A Licensed Vocational Nurse is qualified to apply to the Long Beach City College Associate Degree Nursing Program for the Career Ladder LVN-RN Program. The associate degree also provides students with a broad-based education that prepares them for global citizenry. 

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Synthesize theories and principles necessary for licensure as a vocational nurse. 
• Develop entry-level LVN job readiness skills and employment status 1-year post-graduation.

Certificate of Achievement, Nursing – Vocational/Practical 

Plan Code: 3630 – Completion of the Vocational Nursing Program qualifies the student to take the national licensing examination for Vocational nurses (NCLEX-PN). A Licensed Vocational Nurse (Practical Nurse in all other states) is prepared for employment in ambulatory care settings (Physician’s office, clinics); long-term care (skilled nursing facilities, convalescent, and residential care); rehabilitation facilities, acute care hospitals, psychiatric facilities, hospice, and in the home. A Licensed Vocational Nurse is qualified to apply to the Long Beach City College Associate Degree Nursing Program for the Career Ladder LVN-RN Program. 

Certificate of Accomplishment, Nursing Assistant  

Plan Code: 4630 – This certificate prepares students in basic-entry level fundamental nursing skill sets. Completion of course VN215 prepares students to test for the state competency examination for a Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.). 

Certificate of Accomplishment, Home Health Aide

Plan Code: 4631 - Completion guarantees a state certificate as a Home Health Aide. Students must obtain their Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) before attending the VN215 course.

Course Offerings

View courses offered in different semesters to assist in developing academic plans.

Course Name	Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer
VN 215 Fundamentals of Nursing
VN 216 Home Health Aide
VN 220 Transition to Vocational Nursing
VN 222 Intravenous Therapy & Blood Withdrawal
VN 225 Pharmacology
VN 230 Common Health Deviations 1
VN 230L Common Health Deviations 1 Lab
VN 235 Common Health Deviations 2
VN 235L Common Health Deviations 2 Lab
VN 240 Mental Health Nursing
VN 245 Maternal-Infant Nursing
VN 245L Maternal-Infant Nursing Lab
VN 250 Nursing Care of Children
VN 250P Nursing Care of Children Practicum
VN 255 Common Health Deviations 3
VN 255L Common Health Deviations 3 Lab
VN 260 Roles and Responsibilities
VN 265 Common Health Deviation-4
VN 265L Common Health Deviation-4 Lab