California LVN Requirements and Training Programs

California

Updated: November 28, 2024

Always in high demand, licensed vocational nurses use their direct nursing skills to care for patients under the guidance of a registered nurse or physician. They may perform specific tasks independently or assist registered nurses and physicians with complex tasks. The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) requires prospective LVNs to complete the minimum training requirements and pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain a license to practice in California. LVNs care for patients with acute and chronic illnesses in doctors’ offices, clinics, correctional facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care settings. Their scope of practice includes performing prescribed medical treatments, basic patient assessment, measuring vital signs, and providing basic hygiene and nursing care. Employment of licensed vocational (practical) nurses is expected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

LVN Programs in California:

LVN Training California: Prerequisites and Program Content

California’s Nursing Education Programs provide a minimum 1,530 hours (Theory -576 hours and Clinical – 954 Hours) to equip students with the skills that allow them to qualify for employment in clinics, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and long-term care facilities. Training includes a mandatory 54 hours of pharmacology and emphasizes nursing theory, development, and the application of learned skills to care for patients throughout the lifespan.

The course content will include the following topics: communicable disease, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, endocrine and gastrointestinal diseases and disorders, nutrition, gerontology, obstetrics and pediatric nursing, perioperative nursing, orthopedic nursing and rehabilitation, leadership supervision and entry into practice. The clinical experience at a local healthcare facility will reinforce the fundamentals of nursing and patient care, and working with pediatrics, mental health, home health, and hospice patients.

To be eligible for most programs, you must be 17 years or older and have an official transcript of high school graduation or degree from an accredited college, and official transcripts of the prerequisite courses (anatomy, biology, chemistry, medical terminology). Applicants must pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) – a diagnostic test that covers basic Math, Reading, and Science. Other requirements for entry include CPR, immunization, and letters of recommendation. Criminal convictions in the past five years can affect your ability to enroll in most programs and qualify for state licensure.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive a diploma confirming their eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN. Students who succeed on the exam will obtain a license from the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) to practice in California.

Graduates will have all the skills needed to function as part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team in selected healthcare settings.

Duration and Cost of Training: Students should plan on spending approximately $14,500 for a 12-month LVN Program. The cost includes tuition, uniforms, textbooks, and the required physical examination and immunizations. Other costs include CPR training, graduation fees, admission fees, student/lab fees, and reliable transport to and from the clinical sites. Part-time programs cost more, and prerequisite course requirements could increase the total cost of training. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for those who qualify.

NCLEX California

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) is the final step to becoming a licensed practical nurse in the United States. Developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the test is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and territories, such as the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Norther Mariana Islands, and Guam. A prospective nurse in California must pass the NCLEX within the state for California licensure.

The BVNPT determines your eligibility to take the exam; it is not the NCSBN or Pearson Vue’s task to approve or disprove. The BVNPT can only decide after you apply for licensure and register with Pearson Vue. There are three ways to register:

By Telephone:

Call the Data Center’s toll-free number to register over the phone and pay the registration fee with your Visa, MasterCard or American Express card.

Online:

To register over the internet, go to Pearson Vue online and follow the instructions. Pay the registration fee using a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express card.

Online with Third-party Payment:

Register via the Pearson VUE website using a third-party payment from nursing schools, agencies or employers.

You must submit a completed NCLEX registration, fee, and application for licensure each time you apply for the exam. The retake application for licensure by exam fee is $300 plus $200 to register with Pearson.

Pearson Vue will keep the registration open for 365 days while the candidate awaits approval from the BVNPT. If the candidate does not receive eligibility or is denied eligibility to test, another application must submitted once the registration expires.

Pearson Vue will email the Authorization to Test (ATT) letter providing a list of Testing Centers after the candidate receives approval from the BVNPT. The ATT remains valid for 90 days and the candidate must schedule an appointment to take the test at a preferred center. First-time applicants are scheduled to take the test within 30 days of their requested test date.

Notify the Board before scheduling a test date if you need special accommodations (due to disabilities) to take the test.

California LVN Licensure Requirements

The Vocational Nursing Practice Act specifies the requirements for vocational nurse licensure in California. Currently, there are five routes for prospective nurses to qualify for licensure by examination:

  • Graduation from a vocational nursing program approved by California State. The application will be submitted by the Director of the Nursing Program.
  • Graduation from an out-of-state vocational nursing program approved by the licensing agency. Applicants taking this route must submit evidence of prior licensure with the Board.
  • Completion of equivalent education and/or experience which includes 54 hours of pharmacology and 51 months of paid bedside experience as a nurse. The applicant will need to verify skill proficiency. Employers must complete appropriate forms for the applicant to receive credit for paid work experience.
  • Completion of education and experience through the US military. The combination of education and experience should include a minimum of 12 months of active duty providing direct care to patients, completion of basic nursing training in a branch of the armed forces, and general honorable discharge from the military.
  • Experience with pharmacology. The employer must submit the appropriate forms directly to the Board for the candidate to receive credit for paid work experience.

Applicants must be 17 years at minimum and complete the 12th grade of schooling or its equivalent. The Board’s mission is to protect consumers’ health through the promotion of quality vocational nursing. As such, the Board fingerprints all licensees and prospective licensees to ensure they are safe and competent practitioners. The Board uses the fingerprints, provided using Livescan or Hardcard, for a records search through the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Vocational Nurse Licensure By Examination California

Use one of the following methods to submit an application and documents for the licensure examination in California. Remember to submit an application to Pearson Vue for the NCLEX-PN. ALL applicants must submit the following:

  • An application for Vocational Nurse Licensure submitted online. If you graduated from a program approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing, the Director of the program must submit your application.
  • A valid Social Security Number.
  • A 2”x2” photograph with your signature on the back and submitted in a sealed envelope. The current picture should show your head and shoulders.
  • Your fingerprints for a DOJ and FBI criminal background check. The Board cannot issue a license without the results of the background check.
  • The non-refundable application fee of $300 made payable to the “BVNPT”. Include an additional $49 for fingerprint processing if you will be submitting hard card fingerprints.
  • Proof of 12th-grade education in the form of a high school diploma or GED certificate.
  • The completed and signed Record of Conviction (55A-6).

Graduates of an out-of-state nursing education program:

  • Include the Record of Nursing Program and Official Transcripts (Form 55A-2) with the application. The school should complete the form and return it to you with an official transcript in a sealed envelope bearing the institution’s name. Submit the documents with your application for licensure.

Nurses with Equivalent Education and/or Experience:

  • Submit a Record of Nursing Program and Official Transcript (Form 55A-2) with the application. The school should complete the form and return it to you with an official transcript in a sealed envelope bearing the institution’s name. Submit the documents with your application for licensure. Include a certified English-language translation if the transcript is from a school in a foreign language.
  • Submit the Record of Nursing Experience (Form 55-A-3).
  • The Employment Verification – Nursing Experience (Form 55A-12). Complete Part I and provide copies to all employers for the RN Director or Supervisor to complete. The forms must be submitted in a sealed unopened
  • Evidence of 54 theory hours of pharmacology.

Military Applicants:

  • Submit the completed Record of Military Service (Form 55A-4).
  • Include copies of military service evaluations showing dates of service, duties performed, and wards assigned. The service should total a minimum 12 months of active duty bedside patient care.
  • Transcripts or “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty” (DD214) showing that you completed a basic course in nursing required by your branch of the Armed Forces.
  • DD214 or other document showing that your service was provided under honorable conditions.

File your application for examination at least three months prior to your anticipated testing date to allow time for processing. The Board takes approximately four to six weeks for initial processing. Notify the Board immediately if your name or address changes while your application is under review.

Vocational Nurse Licensure By Endorsement California

If you are licensed as a nurse in another US state or territory, you will be eligible for licensure without examination if you provide  a current and valid license and evidence of passing the NCLEX-PN or the NLN.

Submit the following for licensure by endorsement:

  • An online application for Vocational Nurse Licensure.
  • A valid Social Security Number.
  • A 2”x2” photograph with your signature on the back and submitted in a sealed envelope. The current picture should show your head and shoulders.
  • Two fingerprint cards – one for the DOJ and the other for an FBI criminal background check. The Board cannot issue a license without the results of the background check.
  • The non-refundable application fee of $300 made payable to the “BVNPT”. Include an additional $49 for fingerprint processing.
  • Proof of 12th-grade education in the form of a high school diploma or GED certificate.
  • The completed and signed Record of Conviction (55A-6).
  • Verification of Licensure using the Verification of Licensure Form (55A-5) or the Nursys License Verification Request Form (if you are licensed in a state that is a member of the Nursys verification system).
  • Record of Military Education (55A4A) if you qualified for licensure based on your US Military education.
  • A copy of your current license showing the date if you are licensed in a state other than your original state of licensure.

The Board will issue a temporary license upon request only after the initial evaluation and approval for licensure have been granted – including criminal background clearance from the DOJ. The DOJ check takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks.

Renewing Your LVN License

LVN licenses expire every two years. The licensee must complete the continuing education requirements and certify whether he/she have been convicted of a crime since the last renewal. All convictions must be reported, including infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Convictions for traffic violations for fines less than $300 – not including infractions involving alcohol or controlled substances.

The license holder must complete 30 hours of CE within the two-year period for continued active licensure. For an inactive status, you do not need to complete the CE requirements, but you cannot practice with the inactive license. Do not send the CE certificates to the Board. However, you should retain them for a period of 4 years in the case of a Board audit.

There is a delinquency fee for renewals submitted later than 30 days after the license expires. A licensee can renew, with penalties, up to four years after the license expiration date.

Online renewal is available for active licenses 60 days before the expiration date and up to two years following the delinquent date. Credit card payment for online renewals is processed through the Official Payments Corporation (OPC), which incurs an additional $1 convenience fee.

The fee and penalty for late renewals, after the 30-day grace period and before the next renewal cycle can be determined using the Delinquicy Renewal Chart.

Salary and Job Outlook LVNs California

Although there’s a shortage of LVN recruits in California’s workforce, new nurses are finding it difficult to find a job that does not require prior experience. More than 51% of employers report high demands for qualified nurses despite the growing number of new nurse graduates. The figures suggest that employers are on the lookout for experienced nurses rather than new graduates.

A number of nurses delay retirement, which affects the number of new positions at the state’s hospitals. High employer expectations for new hires are on the rise, and according to a recent survey, less than one-third of new hires are recent graduates.

Despite employer preferences, close to 48% of new graduates find jobs within three months of obtaining a license to practice. Of those who fail to find employment, 92% credit their unemployment to a lack of experience.

One of the best ways to increase your chances of employment and gain valuable experience is to work in outlying areas and seek opportunities in non-traditional places. The Bay Area, where there are numerous nursing schools, is one of the most challenging areas to find employment.

The aging population will open approximately 16,900 new positions for LVNs by the year 2033.

LVNs in California earn a median annual wage of $59,730.

Contact the Board of Nursing
Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
Suite 205
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive
Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: (916) 263-7800
Email: bvnpt@dca.ca.gov

California Board of Nursing Approved Training Programs and NCLEX Pass Rates

Anaheim, CA LVN Training Programs:

Stanbridge University
2041 Business Center Drive, Suite 107, Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: 949-794-9090
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 86%

American Career College
1200 North Magnolia Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801
Phone: 714-952-9066
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 58%

Artesia, CA LVN Training Programs:
Angeles Institute
11688 South Street, Suite 205, Artesia, CA 90701
Phone: 562-531-4100
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 70%

Burbank, CA LVN Training Programs:
CES College
401 South Glenoaks Boulevard, Suite 211, Burbank, CA 91502
Phone: 818-563-9822
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 46%

Canoga Park, CA LVN Training Programs:
California Career College
7003 Owensmouth Avenue, Canoga Park, CA 91303
Phone: 818-710-1310
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 63%

Concord, CA LVN Training Programs:

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
1401 Willow Pass Road, Suite 450, Concord, CA 94520
Phone: 925-687-9555
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 64%

Costa Mesa, CA LVN Training Programs:
Pacific College
3160 Red Hill Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: 714-662-4402
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 70%

Fremont, CA LVN Training Programs:
Medical Career College
41300 Christy Street, Fremont, CA 94538
Phone: 510-445-0319
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 50%

Unitek College
4670 Auto Mall Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538
Phone: 888-775-1514
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 78%

Fresno, CA LVN Training Programs:
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
7335 North Palm Bluffs Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711
Phone: 559-222-1903
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 83%

Garden Grove, CA LVN Training Programs:
Concorde Career College
12951 Euclid Street, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Phone: 714-703-1900
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 82%

California Career Institute
12141 Brookhurst Street, Suite 101, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Phone: 714-539-7081
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 53%

Glendale, CA LVN Training Programs:
Glendale Career College
260 North Brand Boulevard, Lower Level, Glendale, CA 91203
Phone: 818-243-1131
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 70%

North-West College
221 North Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91203
Phone: 818-242-0205
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 89%

Lancaster, CA LVN Training Programs:
High Desert Medical College
44815 Fig Avenue, Suite 109, Lancaster, CA 93534
Phone: 661-940-8300
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 53%

Career Care Institute
43770 15th Street West, Suite 115, Lancaster, CA 93534
Phone: 661-942-6204
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 70%

University of Antelope Valley
44201 10th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534
Phone: 661-726-1911
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 76%

Los Angeles, CA LVN Training Programs:

American Career College
4021 Rosewood Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone: 323-668-7555
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 51%

Los Angeles Unified School District – Manual Arts – Crenshaw Community Adult School
5010 11th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043
Phone: 323-292-9184
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 0%

Angeles College
3440 Wilishire Blvd., Suite 310, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: 213-487-2211
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 58%

Modesto, CA LVN Training Programs:
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
4712 Stoddard Road, Suite 200, Modesto, CA 95356
Phone: 209-521-1821
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 83%

Moreno, CA LVN Training Programs:
Career Care Institute
22500 Town Circle, Suite 2205, Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Phone: 951-214-6446
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 63%

North Hollywood, CA LVN Training Programs:
Concorde Career College, West Los Angeles
12412 Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91606
Phone: 818-766-8151
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: NA

Concorde Career College
12412 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606
Phone: 818-766-8151
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:91%

Oakland, CA LVN Training Programs:

Oikos University
7850 Edgewater Drive, Oakland, CA 94621
Phone: 510-639-7557
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 67%

Ontario, CA LVN Training Programs:
American Career College
3130 East Sedona Court, Ontario, CA 91764
Phone: 909-218-3253
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 80%

Orange, CA LVN Training Programs:
Career Networks Institute
702 West Town and Country Road, Orange, CA 92868
Phone: 714-437-9697
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 69%

Pasadena, CA LVN Training Programs:

North-West College
530 East Union, Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: 626-796-5815
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 68%

Pomona, CA LVN Training Programs:
North-West College
134 West Holt Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768
Phone: 909-623-1552
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 65%

Reseda, CA LVN Training Programs:
Annenberg School of Nursing
7150 Tampa Avenue, Reseda, CA 91335
Phone: 818-774-3327
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%

College of Nursing and Technology
18700 Sherman Way, Suite 203, Reseda, CA 91335
Phone: 818-343-1022
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 80%

Riverside, CA LVN Training Programs:
North-West College
4550 LaSierra Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: 951-351-7750
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 84%

Sacramento, CA LVN Training Programs:

Unitek College
1111 Howe Avenue, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: 888-518-6601
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 91%

San Bernardino, CA LVN Training Programs:
Concorde Career College – Woodland Hills
201 East Airport Drive, Suite A, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Phone: 909-884-8891
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 88%

San Diego, CA LVN Training Programs:
Concorde Career College
4393 Imperial Avenue, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92113
Phone: 619-688-0800
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 96%

San Franscisco, CA LVN Training Programs:
City College of San Francisco
1351 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: 415-561-1912
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 65%

San Jose, CA LVN Training Programs:

Unitek College
6800 Santa Teresa Blvd Ste. 200, San Jose, CA 95119
Phone: 800-318-1550
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 77%

San Mateo, CA LVN Training Programs:
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
2121 South El Camino Real, Building C-200, San Mateo, CA 94403
Phone: 650-685-6616
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 66%

Santa Fe Springs, CA LVN Training Programs:
Medical Allied Career Center
12631 East Imperial Highway, Suite D-108, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Phone: 562-807-2420
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 61%

Stockton, CA LVN Training Programs:

Xavier College
1130 North El Dorado Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Phone: 209-941-0968
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 70%

Torrance, CA LVN Training Programs:
Homestead Schools, Inc.
23800 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 200, Torrance, CA 90505
Phone: 310-791-9975
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 66%

Vacaville, CA LVN Training Programs:
Blake Austin College
611-K Orange Drive, Vacaville, CA 95687
Phone: 707-455-0557
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 83%

Van Nuys, CA LVN Training Programs:
Casa Loma College
6725 Kester Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91405
Phone: 800-270-5052
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 52%

Ventura, CA LVN Training Programs:
Career Care Institute
2151 Alessandro Drive, Suite 150, Ventura, CA 93001
Phone: 805-477-0660
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 70%

Visalia, CA LVN Training Programs:

San Joaquin Valley College
8400 West Mineral King Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291
Phone: 559-651-2500
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 82%

West Covina, CA LVN Training Programs:
North-West College
2121 W. Garvey Avenue North, West Covina, CA 91790
Phone: 626-960-5046
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 66%

Westlake, CA LVN Training Programs:
Professional Medical Careers Institute
920 Hampshire Road, Suite S, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Phone: 866-500-6274
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 80%

Vocational Nursing Licensure in California FAQs

What is a licensed vocational nurse (LVN)? 

As an entry-level healthcare provider, a licensed vocational nurse provides basic nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse.  

What are the educational requirements to become an LVN in California? 

You must enroll in a practical nursing program consisting of a total of 1,530 including 576 hours theory and 954 hours for clinical rotations. The theoretical instruction must cover a minimum of 54 hours of pharmacology.  

How long does it take to become a vocational nurse in California?  

The average time to complete the curricular requirements is 12 months full-time and 18 months part-time.  

Where can I find Vocational Nursing Programs in California? 

According to the BVNPT, there are 48 community colleges, 16 adult education centers (including high schools), 80 private schools, and 4 regional occupation centers offering practical nursing programs across California.  

Where can I work as a vocational nurse in California? 

Over 50 percent of vocational nurses work in nursing homes. Other healthcare facilities that hire vocational nurses are home care agencies, physician offices, outpatient clinics, convalescent hospitals, correctional facilities, dialysis centers, and ambulatory services. Some vocational nurses may find employment at private schools where they prepare students for certification as nurse aides.  

How much does an LVN earn in California? 

At the lowest end, vocational nurses earn $26,880 while those on the top tier take home as much as $61,870 annually.  

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