At first glance, the duties of a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, and those of a licensed vocational nurse, or LVN, may seem very similar. After all, people in both of these jobs are responsible for basic day-to-day patient care and some medical procedures. LVNs have more training, however, have a higher pay rate on average, and can perform a wider range of duties.

Differences Between CNAs And Vocational Nurses

Educational Requirements

The educational requirements for both CNAs and LVNs vary somewhat between states, but are generally lower for nurse assistants. The federal minimum training for a CNA is at least 75 hours of classwork, to include at least 16 hours of hands-on clinical training. Many states require more; in the state of Maine, prospective CNAs must take 180 hours of coursework. Some state programs require that CNAs have a GED or high school diploma when they enter training, but many do not.

By comparison, a vocational nurse needs at least a GED or diploma to take the LVN exam. Before taking the examination, he or she must pass a training program, which usually takes about a year of full-time coursework to complete. This program has both classroom and clinical components, just like CNA training, but the clinical part is usually done as a formal internship. LVNs must also receive laboratory training and take courses in a wide range of subjects than CNAs. Like certified nursing assistants, LVNs must pass a state examination before they can receive formal certification.

Job Responsibilities

Both certified nursing assistants and licensed vocational nurses end up being responsible for large portions of patient bedside care in hospitals and other institutional settings. While CNAs are usually called upon only to provide basic living assistance, check vital signs, and provide patient information to superiors, LVNs perform more involved medical procedures. These include collecting laboratory samples and performing tests on those samples.

While a licensed vocational nurse isn’t usually authorized to run intravenous fluid lines or provide injections, they do engage in other medical care. This includes inserting and monitoring catheters, providing patient education, inserting tracheotomy tubes, setting up intubated feeding, and administering oxygen to patients. These duties vary somewhat by state, so it’s important for prospective LVNs to find out which regulations apply to them before they enter training.

Pay and Job Outlook

Because a licensed vocational nurse needs more training and is responsible for a greater range of duties than a CNA, these professionals receive an accordingly-higher salary. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that people in CNA jobs and related positions make an average of $11.54 per hour or $24,000 per year, with an expected job growth of about 20 percent.

LVNs receive almost double the compensation given to CNAs. According to the BLS, people in vocational nursing jobs average an hourly rate of $19.42 per hour or $40,380 per year, with an expected job growth rate of 22 percent. For people with the time and other resources to receive LVN training, this increase in compensation can make the extra schooling worthwhile.

Transitioning to Vocational Nurse Positions

In addition to the usual training path for becoming an LVN, some states also offer an experiential path. This option allows people who have a pre-existing CNA license and the appropriate amount of work experience to take the state LVN exam. Sometimes called the “equivalency method,” this option may require extra coursework on the part of the CNA, but allows him or her to avoid going through the full training process.

If you’re a licensed vocational nurse who wants to work in the state of California, you’ll have to go through LVN license verification before you can get a job. This process can be somewhat confusing and time consuming, but it’s required before your out of state LVN license can be recognized in this state. Whether you are a recent graduate from an LVN school in California, or have recently relocated to the state, here’s a little of what you should know about the process.

LVN License Verification Requirements

In order to start the license verification process, you’ll first need to take the NCLEX-PN, or National Council Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse. This is required in all states for board verification. If you have previously taken this test in another state, you will be required to submit your scores to the California Board of Vocational Nursing. You may also choose to take the SBTPE, or State Board Test Pool Examination and submit those scores.

You will also need to complete the board’s Application for Vocational Nurse Licensure and supply a 2 by 2 inch photograph of yourself. This photo should be taken from the front and should show your head and shoulders. To further verify your identification, you will need to complete two fingerprint cards and the processing fees associated with them. The state of California also requires an application fee of $201.00 as of May 2012. Licensees must be able to prove that they have a high school diploma or GED, that they were originally licensed in another state, and that they have not previously been convicted of a major crime. If you currently hold a valid license in a state different from the one that issued your original license, you will have to submit a copy of that license with expiration date. If you don’t have a current license in another state, you cannot get a license in California.

Time Frame

The state of California requires you to apply for license verification early. The California Board of Vocational Nursing recommends allowing a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks for processing. Some Licensed Vocational Nurses have received their verification in as little as 5 weeks, but the process usually takes longer. This time period is larger than the usual one in many states, and can be surprising to out of state LVNs.

Potential Delays

If the state board sees an anomaly in your past licensure history, or if you have a prior criminal conviction, this can cause a delay in processing your LVN license verification. This does not mean you won’t receive your California license, however. If you still hold a valid LVN license and your previous conviction was not a felony, there is a good chance that you will still receive California licensure. Delays also happen when the information you provided does not match the results of your background check. This is why it’s so important to provide accurate data on your application.

Further Advice on Verifying Your LVN License

The process of verifying your LVN license in California can be a little time-consuming and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply make sure that all your paperwork is in order and that you submit it on time. Put in your application early to ensure that you will get your new license as quickly as possible. This helps prevent the risk of being forced to wait for work until after your license has been verified. As always, don’t be afraid to contact the state board if you have any additional questions about LVN license verification.

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Ontario, Anaheim, Long Beach

West Coast University

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Locations: North Hollywood

Summit College

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Certified Nursing Assistant

Locations: Anaheim, Colton

Keiser University

For over 35 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for in-demand professions.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS (Online)

Concorde

 

Explore a new career with Concorde Career College. We offer short-term programs in the fields of allied health, massage therapy, and nursing, including medical assisting, medical office administration, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, pharmacy technician, physical therapy assisting, occupational therapy assisting, practical nursing, vocational nursing, nursing bridge, dental assisting, and dental hygiene. Our focus is on hands-on skill-building, so you get real-life training and experience. We have 15 campuses located in and around major metro areas throughout California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Garden Grove

Intercoast Colleges

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Fairfield, Carson, Orange, More...

Carrington College California

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Medical Assisting
• And more...

Locations: Sacramento, Antioch, Pleasant Hill, More...

Institute of Technology

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.iot.edu/disclosure.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Professional Medical Assistant

Locations: Redding, Citrus Heights, Modesto

Charter College

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Certificate - Medical Assistant

Locations: Canyon Country, Oxnard, Lancaster, More...

The University of Texas at Arlington

Pursue your education with The University of Texas Arlington. We offer a number of certificate, bachelors, and master's degree programs in the fields of education and nursing, plus general education courses for bachelor's degree completion.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

We value your suggestions and feedback and will respond promptly to your inquiry.

Thanks for visiting LVN Programs in California.

If you are a vocational nurse, or thinking of becoming one, you will be happy to know that there is a great demand for nurses and there are many ways to increase your LVN salary – even into six figures. In 2011, it was estimated that the average LVN salary in California was close to $50,000 per year (per www.BLS.gov). Not a bad wage for this economy and the best part is that new positions for LVNs are projected to grow well ahead of the national average in the coming years.

Ways to Increase Your LVN Salary

Additional Education

Like any profession, additional education usually equals more income. After being certified as an LVN you may want to get your associates degree and become a Registered Nurse through an LVN to RN bridge program. You can also choose to get your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This could also allow you to get a better job and salary.

Getting your BSN usually takes about four years. If you already have your associate’s degree in nursing and your RN license, it will only take one to two more years of education. This additional education can easily be completed online around an established work schedule.

By getting your masters, you will have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of nursing that interests you. You may want to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife.

In May 2011, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 90% of Registered Nurses who specialized in various medical fields earned $96,630 a year. This number alone proves additional education can definitely be worth the extra effort.

Geographic Location

If an LVN wants to increase their salary and prefers to not continue their education, they can simply move to another state or area within their state. By relocating to areas closer to large metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, California, Rochester, Minnesota and Johnstown, Pennsylvania an LVN has the opportunity to increase their salary. LVNs in these areas may earn anywhere from 5%-20% more than LVNs in other areas. Before relocating make sure you take into account the other variables involved in the prospective job opportunity. For example, in many metropolitan areas living expenses are higher, so an increase in salary would go toward living expenses. In addition, many job opportunities in metropolitan areas are very competitive due to the high salary ranges.

Specialize

If you are open to additional education, a sure way to increase your LVN salary is to do both, specialize and be open to working in new location. For example, in San Jose, California, an RN who has a master’s or bachelor’s degree can earn up to $104,400 a year (www.BLS.gov). Some other areas which pay registered nurses well are Massachusetts, Hawaii, Maryland and New York.

Growing Your LVN Salary Over Time

So, it is clear to see the nursing profession has room to grow. Graduation does not necessarily mean a guaranteed job or salary increase, but it certainly does stack the odds in your favor. If you are looking for a profession which grows with you, you can be sure there are many ways to increase an LVN salary throughout their professional life.

Recommended LVN Programs in California!

Summit College

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Certified Nursing Assistant

Locations: Anaheim, Colton

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Ontario, Anaheim, Long Beach

West Coast University

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Locations: North Hollywood

Concorde

 

Explore a new career with Concorde Career College. We offer short-term programs in the fields of allied health, massage therapy, and nursing, including medical assisting, medical office administration, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, pharmacy technician, physical therapy assisting, occupational therapy assisting, practical nursing, vocational nursing, nursing bridge, dental assisting, and dental hygiene. Our focus is on hands-on skill-building, so you get real-life training and experience. We have 15 campuses located in and around major metro areas throughout California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Garden Grove

Keiser University

For over 35 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for in-demand professions.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS (Online)

Carrington College California

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Medical Assisting
• And more...

Locations: Antioch, Sacramento, San Leandro, More...

Intercoast Colleges

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Fairfield, Elk Grove, Orange, More...

The University of Texas at Arlington

Pursue your education with The University of Texas Arlington. We offer a number of certificate, bachelors, and master's degree programs in the fields of education and nursing, plus general education courses for bachelor's degree completion.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Charter College

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Certificate - Medical Assistant

Locations: Canyon Country, Lancaster, Long Beach, More...

Institute of Technology

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.iot.edu/disclosure.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Professional Medical Assistant

Locations: Redding, Modesto, Citrus Heights

The importance of licensed vocational nursing is apparent when one considers that a nurse is the first person you see when you are born, and the last person you will see when you die. A Licensed Vocational Nurse certainly meets this description, but is also the important link between the doctor or RN and the patient.

An LVN may perform various medical procedures. Some of these procedures may range from easy to extremely complex. These procedures may include: Taking vitals (blood pressure, pulse, etc.), gathering patients health information, preparing and administering injections, assisting patients with personal hygiene, collecting lab samples, performing lab tests, taking care of babies, educating families about good health habits, and supervising nursing assistants and aids. The essential roles in licensed vocational nursing can be broken down into 4 main categories: Monitoring, Lab Work, Patient Education and Specialty Roles.

Responsibilities In Licensed Vocational Nursing

Monitoring

Because an LVN is a special link between the doctor and the patient, it is extremely important that the nurse has great communication skills. The nurse needs to be able to monitor the patient’s vitals and watch for adverse reactions to medications. They must be able to communicate with the patient what is happening to them, how drugs will affect them and all the doctors’ findings. If there are any changes with the patient the nurse needs to be able to report back to the doctor all the changes and finding that occurred with their patient.

A vocational nurse gathers information from patients such has food eaten, fluids patient takes in and expels, and family history. Much of this information is documented for records such as insurance forms and referrals.

Laboratory and Administrative Duties

There are many job opportunities for LVN’s in hospital labs. Many nurses will collect samples and conduct the test. The nurses also assist doctors during their tests and report any results to labs. A vocational nurse may also work within the doctor’s office scheduling appointments and performing other administrative duties.

Educating Patients

Many LVN’s working in nursing homes or home health care do a variety of duties involving education of the patient. These include preparing meals, teaching patients about healthy habits, medications, dressing wounds, and physical therapy. Many nurses also provide emotional support for the patient as well as for their family members.

Specialty Roles

In some cases LVN’s are responsible for more specialized job roles. These may include assisting in delivering and caring for newborns, home nursing care, and even the care and monitoring of medical equipment.

Licensed Vocational Nursing In The Big Picture

The Licensed Vocational Nurse may work in hospitals, physician’s offices and nursing homes. A LVN is not an easy job. A nurse will spend many hours on her feet as well as lifting people and dealing with difficult people. Licensed vocational nursing requires a person to wear many hats, and this is why they are such a critical member of the health care industry.

Recommended Vocational Nursing Programs in California!

West Coast University

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Locations: North Hollywood

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Anaheim, Ontario, Long Beach

Summit College

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Certified Nursing Assistant

Locations: Anaheim, Colton

Concorde

 

Explore a new career with Concorde Career College. We offer short-term programs in the fields of allied health, massage therapy, and nursing, including medical assisting, medical office administration, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, pharmacy technician, physical therapy assisting, occupational therapy assisting, practical nursing, vocational nursing, nursing bridge, dental assisting, and dental hygiene. Our focus is on hands-on skill-building, so you get real-life training and experience. We have 15 campuses located in and around major metro areas throughout California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Garden Grove

Keiser University

For over 35 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for in-demand professions.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS (Online)

Carrington College California

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Medical Assisting
• And more...

Locations: Antioch, Sacramento, San Leandro, More...

Intercoast Colleges

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Fairfield, Elk Grove, Orange, More...

Charter College

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Certificate - Medical Assistant

Locations: Canyon Country, Long Beach, Oxnard, More...

Institute of Technology

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.iot.edu/disclosure.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Professional Medical Assistant

Locations: Redding, Citrus Heights, Modesto

The University of Texas at Arlington

Pursue your education with The University of Texas Arlington. We offer a number of certificate, bachelors, and master's degree programs in the fields of education and nursing, plus general education courses for bachelor's degree completion.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

When trying to decide on which nursing degree to pursue, many students ask the question “What is vocational nursing and how is it different from registered nursing?” On the surface, there don’t appear to be a great many differences between the two types of nurses. Upon closer examination, however, graduates from vocational nursing programs do occupy a unique space in the health care community that makes them distinct from RNs in several important ways.

Exactly What is Vocational Nursing?

Vocational nursing is simply a niche within the nursing profession staffed by professionals (i.e. vocational nurses) who are licensed only to perform specific tasks. This is not to say, however, that LVNs do not carry a wide range of responsibilities at the medical facilities that employ them.

The typical graduate from an LVN program performs such duties as monitoring and reporting patient vital signs and other data, administering tests, collecting tissue and fluid samples, cleaning and dressing wounds, and generally attending to patient’s needs. Exactly which of these tasks a vocational nurse is licensed to perform varies by state, and sometimes requires the person to hold an additional specialized certificate of training.

How are Vocational Nurses Different from RNs?

Unlike the vocational nurse, the Registered Nurse is licensed to perform any task required to assist a doctor’s treatment of his or her patients. This is an important distinction from the vocational nurse who is only permitted to perform certain tasks and usually must work under the direct supervision of an RN or physician.

It is for this reason that most nursing students who wonder “what is vocational nursing” opt to pursue a traditional nursing degree instead of an LVN diploma or certificate once they understand the differences between the two. For others, however, the fact that vocational nurses can begin working in their careers in as little as one year, instead of the two-or-more years required to become a Registered Nurse, make vocational nursing an appealing introductory position to the health care profession.

What is Vocational Nursing Training Like?

In order to complete the LVN training required to secure that first job as a vocational nurse, an individual must earn either a degree or certificate from an accredited institution. For those who carry family or work commitments that make it difficult to find time for school, online LVN programs offer an excellent alternative to traditional schools for completing the classroom segment of the required coursework. In either case, your training will involve both time spent studying theory and a number of hours spent at a hospital or other facility actually gaining hands-on experience. It is this type of real-world training that provides students with the best answer to the question “what is vocational nursing?”

Recommended Vocational Nursing Programs in California!

Summit College

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Certified Nursing Assistant

Locations: Anaheim, Colton

West Coast University

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Locations: North Hollywood

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Ontario, Anaheim, Long Beach

Concorde

 

Explore a new career with Concorde Career College. We offer short-term programs in the fields of allied health, massage therapy, and nursing, including medical assisting, medical office administration, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, pharmacy technician, physical therapy assisting, occupational therapy assisting, practical nursing, vocational nursing, nursing bridge, dental assisting, and dental hygiene. Our focus is on hands-on skill-building, so you get real-life training and experience. We have 15 campuses located in and around major metro areas throughout California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Garden Grove

Keiser University

For over 35 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for in-demand professions.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS (Online)

Intercoast Colleges

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Fairfield, Elk Grove, Orange, More...

Carrington College California

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Medical Assisting
• And more...

Locations: Antioch, Sacramento, San Leandro, More...

Charter College

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Certificate - Medical Assistant

Locations: Canyon Country, Lancaster, Long Beach, More...

The University of Texas at Arlington

Pursue your education with The University of Texas Arlington. We offer a number of certificate, bachelors, and master's degree programs in the fields of education and nursing, plus general education courses for bachelor's degree completion.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Take a new step in your education with Chamberlain College of Nursing. We offer associate, bachelor, and master's degree programs in nursing, plus a doctorate in nursing practice.

Programs:

• Doctorate of Nursing Practice
• Master of Science in Nursing

Prior to submitting your application, there are several important things you should look for in vocational nursing schools in California you are considering. In addition to the obvious factor of program accreditation, you should also consider such issues as how the school is perceived in the local health care community, the type of financial aid it offers, and whether or not its course offerings meet your personal criteria. This article provides an easy-to-follow guide to selecting the right LVN program for you.

Accredited Vocational Nursing Schools in California

As alluded to in the opening paragraph, when attempting to choose from the many LVN schools in California, prospective students should first verify that the program offered is fully accredited by the right governing bodies. The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) is the primary organization for accrediting vocational nursing schools in California.

If you are interested in enrolling in LVN to BSN or LVN to RN programs, you may also want to verify that the program has been approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. As is the case with BVNPT accreditation, this recognition means that the institution meets state standards for quality of education and facilities provided.

Things to Look For in Vocational Nursing Schools

Once you have determined that a school meets the state’s accreditation standards, you will want to further pare down your list by answering the following three questions:

• Does the school have a good reputation in the local health care community?
• Does the institution provide financial assistance?
• Does the school offer the types of nursing classes I need?

It is worth finding out what type of name the school in question has with local health care providers. Because these will, in all likelihood, be the same people who you will be interviewing with after graduation, you will want to be sure that they will view your certification or diploma in a positive light.

If you are concerned about your ability to pay for tuition, you should also look into the financial aid packages offered by various vocational nursing schools in California. Many programs provide scholarships and grants to qualified applicants in order to reduce the cost of attending school.

Finally, it is important to verify that the school you are considering offers courses related to the specialized field of nursing that interests you (if any). For instance, if you want to work in home nursing care, make sure that the school provides classes in home care assistance.

A Final Word on Vocational Nursing Schools in California

With the number of LVN jobs in California soaring in recent years and expected to only go higher during the next decade, competition for students has become quite high among vocational nursing schools. This is a good thing for students, because it means that you are likely to find more high quality educational options than at any time in the past. With that said, however, it is important to make sure that any vocational nursing schools in California that receive your application are worthy of your time, commitment, and tuition.

Recommended Vocational Nursing Schools in California!

West Coast University

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Locations: North Hollywood

Summit College

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse
• Certified Nursing Assistant

Locations: Anaheim, Colton

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Ontario, Anaheim, Long Beach

Keiser University

For over 35 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for in-demand professions.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS (Online)

Concorde

 

Explore a new career with Concorde Career College. We offer short-term programs in the fields of allied health, massage therapy, and nursing, including medical assisting, medical office administration, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, pharmacy technician, physical therapy assisting, occupational therapy assisting, practical nursing, vocational nursing, nursing bridge, dental assisting, and dental hygiene. Our focus is on hands-on skill-building, so you get real-life training and experience. We have 15 campuses located in and around major metro areas throughout California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Garden Grove

Carrington College California

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Medical Assisting
• And more...

Locations: Antioch, Sacramento, San Leandro, More...

Intercoast Colleges

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Fairfield, Elk Grove, Orange, More...

Charter College

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Certificate - Medical Assistant

Locations: Canyon Country, Lancaster, Long Beach, More...

Institute of Technology

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.iot.edu/disclosure.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Professional Medical Assistant

Locations: Redding, Modesto, Citrus Heights

The University of Texas at Arlington

Pursue your education with The University of Texas Arlington. We offer a number of certificate, bachelors, and master's degree programs in the fields of education and nursing, plus general education courses for bachelor's degree completion.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing