Vocational Nursing Program

Vocational Nursing 

1,530 clock hours / 54 Weeks (SOC: 29-2061 | CIP: 51.3901)

The Vocational Nursing program prepares students for entry-level practice as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). The curriculum combines nursing theory, hands-on skills training, and supervised clinical experience in approved healthcare facilities to support the development and application of clinical knowledge.

Instruction includes synchronous and on-site laboratory training, and clinical practice focused on providing safe, competent, and compassionate patient care. The program provides comprehensive training in the fundamental principles and best practices of vocational nursing.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination.

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to:

1. Provide safe, competent, and ethical nursing care within the scope of practice of a Licensed Vocational Nurse

2. Apply nursing knowledge and clinical judgment in the care of patients across the lifespan

3. Administer medications and treatments safely under appropriate supervision

4. Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team

5. Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills in clinical decision-making

6. Practice infection control and safety procedures in accordance with healthcare regulations and standards

7. Document patient care accurately and professionally

8. Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards

9. Meet eligibility requirements to apply for licensure through the BVNPT and attempt the NCLEX-PN examination

VN 100: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

(Lecture: 29 Hours | Lab: 0 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course introduces students to the structure and function of the human body. Students will learn basic anatomy and physiology concepts that support the development of clinical skills and nursing competencies. The course also helps prepare students for the NCLEX-PN by building a foundation in biological sciences used in nursing practice.

VN 101: FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING PRACTICE

(Lecture: 66 Hours | Lab: 95 Hours | Clinical: 144 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course introduces the fundamentals of nursing practice and the care of patients with basic health needs. Students will learn essential nursing concepts, including nursing history, healthcare systems, ethics, and legal responsibilities. The course also covers basic nursing skills, cultural considerations in patient care, and skills related to activity, movement, and vital signs.

Additional topics include safety, documentation, asepsis, nutrition, fluids and electrolytes, communication, end-of-life care, and basic nursing theory. Students will develop hands-on skills through laboratory practice and supervised clinical experience in acute and long-term care settings.

VN 102: PHARMACOLOGY

(Lecture: 54 Hours | Lab: 0 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course introduces medications, including their sources, uses, classifications, and effects on body systems. Students will learn dosage calculations and the safe administration of medications through various routes, as well as the role of the Vocational Nurse in medication administration. The course includes hands-on laboratory training in medication delivery methods and supervised clinical experience in acute and long-term care settings.

VN 200: MEDICAL-SURGICAL I

(Lecture: 112 Hours | Lab: 30 Hours | Clinical: 208 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course builds on nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to care for medical-surgical patients. Students will learn etiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, patient teaching, nursing care, and prognosis for conditions affecting the integumentary, cardiovascular, hematologic, immune, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, and respiratory systems. The course also covers care of pre- and post-operative patients and includes instruction on communicable diseases. Students will develop hands-on skills through laboratory training and supervised clinical experience in acute and long-term care settings.

VN 204: LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT

(Lecture: 27 Hours | Lab: 0 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides an overview of major concepts and theories related to human development across the lifespan, from the prenatal period through the end of life. Students will study the basic aspects of growth and development, with a focus on physical, mental, and emotional changes, to support the care of patients at all stages of life.

Instruction includes classroom learning, as well as skills practice in the lab and clinical experiences in acute and long-term care settings.

VN 300: MEDICAL-SURGICAL II

(Lecture: 124 Hours | Lab: 0 Hours | Clinical: 352 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course continues to build on nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to care for medical-surgical patients. Students will learn etiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, patient teaching, nursing care, and prognosis for conditions affecting the genitourinary, gastrointestinal, neurological, sensory, and endocrine systems. The course also covers care of patients with chronic illnesses and those requiring rehabilitation. Students will develop hands-on skills through laboratory training and supervised clinical experience in acute and long-term care settings.

VN 301: MATERNAL HEALTH

(Lecture: 36 Hours | Lab: 14 Hours | Clinical: 24 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides instruction in maternity and women's health. Students will learn female anatomy, physiology, and developmental changes, along with the stages of pregnancy, complications of pregnancy, and

delivery. The course also covers newborn care, including normal and abnormal conditions, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases. Students will build nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to care for patients of childbearing age and women's health. Hands-on learning is included through laboratory training and supervised clinical experience in clinic or hospital settings.

VN 400: PEDIATRICS

(Lecture: 30 Hours | Lab: 15 Hours | Clinical: 24 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides instruction in pediatric nursing care and developmental changes from infancy through adolescence. Students will learn newborn care, including normal and abnormal conditions, as well as nursing care for hospitalized infants, children, and adolescents with acute, chronic, and terminal illnesses. The course builds nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to care for pediatric patients. Hands-on learning is included through laboratory training and supervised clinical experience in clinic or hospital settings.

VN 401: GERONTOLOGY

(Lecture: 30 Hours | Lab: 0 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides instruction in geriatric nursing care for older adults in a variety of healthcare settings. Students will learn the physiological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of aging, as well as common health conditions and chronic disease management. The course also covers medication safety, functional assessment, and strategies to promote independence, dignity, and quality of life. Students will develop nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to provide safe and compassionate care to older adults.

VN 402: PSYCHOLOGY

(Lecture: 32 Hours | Lab: 0 Hours | Clinical: 24 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides an overview of major concepts and theories related to psychology and mental health nursing. Students will learn about legal and ethical issues, mental health concepts, communication, interpersonal skills, major mental disorders, psychosocial issues, and care of the physically ill patient. The course builds nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to care for patients with mental health challenges. Hands-on learning is included through laboratory training and supervised clinical experience in acute and long-term care settings.

VN 403: LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION (w/NCLEX Review)

(Lecture: 36 Hours | Lab: 0 Hours | Clinical: 24 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): None

This course provides instruction in leadership and communication techniques, legal and ethical issues in the workplace, and professional responsibilities in nursing practice. Students will also learn about licensure preparation, career opportunities, professional nursing organizations, team leadership, and supervision. The course includes NCLEX review content to support preparation for licensure. Hands-on learning is included through laboratory training and supervised clinical experience in acute and long-term care settings.