About the Vocational Nursing Program

Program Description

The Vocational Nursing curriculum prepares students to apply for licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the state of California.  Emphasis is on nursing care of clients with physical and mental disorders, health promotion activities of the nurse, human development and the application of basic nursing skills in the care of individuals throughout the lifespan. Once licensed the LVN may seek employment in hospitals, clinics, private physicians’ offices, and skilled nursing facilities.

Program Length

The Vocational Nursing Program is a 12 month program that begins each Fall semester. This 37 unit certificate program includes required courses in the Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions.

Program Completion

Upon successful completion of the Licensed Vocational Nursing Program, the student receives a Certificate of Achievement and may apply to take the National Council Licensing Examination-Vocational Nurse (NCLEX-VN) Completion of the program does not guarantee licensure.

A grade of C or better in all Vocational Nursing coursework is required to meet the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners regulations.

LVN to RN Pathway

Our LVN program offers a pathway to the PCC Registered Nursing program. If you are an LVN and have met all RN admission requirements, you may apply for placement in the LVN to RN Career Ladder program. If selected, you will complete a 6 week LVN to RN bridge course, then Career Ladder students join the third semester of the RN program. If you are interested, we advise speaking with a college counselor early in order to best determine sequencing of prerequisite courses.

A Grade Point Average of 2.50 or higher is required in the Career Ladder prerequisite courses:

  • English 001A
  • Microbiology 002
  • Anatomy 025
  • Physiology 001
  • Intermediate Algebra 131 (Statistics 50 starting Fall 2018)
  • A printout of the current TEAS transcript with an adjusted individual total score of 62 or higher 

Accreditation

The Vocational Nursing program at Pasadena City College is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians.