The licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse program is designed especially for vocational nurses to master the entry-level knowledge and skills to function in the role of the registered nurse. LVNs obtain advanced placement in the degree program in recognition of their education and skill level as current vocational nurses. To award credit, LPN to RN programs require vocational nursing candidates to hold a current, unrestricted LVN license in California.
After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, the vocational nursing student can become a licensed RN and begin practicing in diverse medical environments not readily available for vocational nurses. The RN credential will improve the student’s job prospects, salary potential, and opportunities for continuing to the bachelor of science in nursing and graduate studies.
Xavier College School of Nursing
Licensed vocational nurses who want to transition to Registered Nursing may apply as advanced placement students in the Associate Degree in Nursing Program at Xavier College. LVN students will enter the program in the third semester and complete the requirements for licensure as a registered nurse in just one year. After meeting the eligibility criteria, they will be eligible to attend an LVN to RN Transition Course to be considered for the RN PL program. The “Transition” course prepares LVNs to enter the prelicensure RN program and focuses on expanding nursing knowledge and skills which will enable the LVN to assume the role of the registered nurse. LVNs also have the option to enroll in the 30-unit option. With the transfer of coursework, completion of the transition course, and the two semesters of coursework, LVNs will earn a total of 62 semester units to obtain the registered nursing degree. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 62 – including transfer credits
Duration: 2 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Core courses – LVN to RN Transition, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Obstetrics Nursing, Pediatrics Nursing, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Medical Surgical Nursing III, Nursing Leadership
Admission criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Submit official transcripts of required general education and science – must indicate a grade C or better
- Must submit official VN transcript and original VN diploma
- Submit evidence of LVN licensure
- Provide documentation of at least 6 months of recent LVN experience
- Provide three letters of reference – 2 nursing professionals and 1 personal
- Must complete an LVN Transition to RN course with a passing grade
- Submit an application for admission and pay the application fee of $100
- Must take a proctored entrance test – HESI A2 for Science, Reading, English, and Mathematics with a score of 75% or above
- Submit evidence of current CPR certification
- Must have a negative TB test (skin or chest x-ray)
- Must have updated immunizations – Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, and influenza
- Submit a report of the physical exam – completed within 90 days of the program start date
- Attend an interview with the Director or a designated staff member
Program Cost:
The total program cost of $33,600 includes tuition, lab supplies, books, uniforms and background screens, liability insurance, and online final exam and review. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://xavier-college.com/
Address: 1340 North El Dorado St, Stockton, CA 95202
Phone: 209-941-0968
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 71.43%
San Joaquin Delta College
Licensed vocational nurses may apply for advanced placement in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at San Joaquin Delta College to prepare for licensure as a registered nurse. The school will award credit for prior learning and experience, providing LVNs with the opportunity to enter at the second or third semester of the program based on the outcome of an evaluation of transcripts. LVN students will build on their existing knowledge and skills to prepare for the role of the registered nurse, especially in the areas of the application of the nursing process to improve patient outcomes, management and promotion of health, meeting the physical, emotional, mental and social needs of patients, providing a safe environment for clients, and the use of evidence-based care in practice. Program graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX to practice as registered nurses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 73.5 units including transfer credits
Duration: 2 to 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Core courses – Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing, Maternal, Newborn and Reproductive Health Nursing, Infancy Through Young Adult Nursing, Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Transition to Nursing Practice, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Medical Microbiology or General Microbiology
Admission criteria:
- Must be admitted as a degree-seeking student at Delta College
- Must apply for admission to the nursing program before the published deadline
- Submit an official transcript from the LVN program and a copy of LVN diploma
- Provide a copy of a current LVN license with the license number
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C on prerequisite coursework – Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology
- Take the TEAS with a minimum adjusted individual score of 62%
- Submit a report of a physical exam completed within the past year including evidence of titers for MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Flu vaccine, and 2-step TB
- Complete a background investigation including criminal history record search, SSN trace, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, Nationwide Sex Offender Register, and urine drug screening
- Provide proof of social security number
- Current CPR certification – CPR for Health Care Providers or CPR for Professional Rescuers
Program Cost:
The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for resident students. Students from other states or foreign countries will pay $278 per unit for tuition, plus $46 per unit enrollment fee. The cost for books, supplies, fees, CPR certification, liability insurance, background check, physical, immunization, and evaluation tests are additional.
Website: https://www.deltacollege.edu/
Address: 5151 Pacific Ave Stockton, CA 95207
Phone: 209-954-5151
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.20%
Modesto Junior College
Modesto Junior College provides an articulation pathway for licensed vocational nurses to continue their education to the associate degree in nursing. The robust program covers classroom instruction and concurrent clinical experiences at local health care facilities. LVNs must submit transcript for evaluation to determine the transfer credit awarded. Healthcare experience may also be a requirement for advanced placement. LVNs will need to complete a transition course as part of the requirements for the associate degree in nursing. Admission is offered only on a space available basis. Graduates are prepared to take the NCELX-RN leading to licensure as a registered nurse. Classes are conducted in the day but they may be morning and evening schedules for the clinical rotations. Students will participate in a five-week preceptorship and attend clinical sessions full-time during the final semester.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 65.5-67.5 units including transfer credits
Duration: 2 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Principles of Microbiology, English 101, Introduction to Psychology, Sociology, Communication Studies, Activities, Humanities, Guidance
Recommended courses – Nutrition or equivalent, Medical Terminology, Introduction to Nursing Majors, Guidance for Nursing Majors
Core courses – Nursing Process: Pharmacology, Nursing Process: Fundamentals, Nursing Process: Geriatrics, Nursing Process: Maternal Child, Nursing Process: Mental Health, Nursing Process: Medical Surgical, Nursing Process: Advanced Medical Surgical
Admission criteria:
- Provide proof of completing a LVN program
- Submit proof of active LVN license – probation and/or restricted license are not accepted
- Must successfully complete Nurse 259: Transition in the RN Role at KJC or HS 043: Nursing Synthesis at San Joaquin Delta College prior to the ADN program
- Must meet with a nursing advisor or counselor before the ADN program application period
- Must complete an individual assessment of evaluating and granting equivalency credit for prior education and experience
- Must apply online to MJC
- Apply online to the MJC ADN program – applications are accepted annually. The application period includes the second Thursday through the fourth Thursday each February for the following fall and spring semesters
- Take and pass the TEAS with a minimum composite score of 62% within the first two attempts – Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English
- Must submit a medical history and physical exam completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner within 6 months of the program start date
- Provide documentation of required immunizations – MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Flu vaccine, and 2-step TB
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
- Must have current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers card
Program Cost:
The program cost for the final semesters is $2,817. It includes tuition, fees, textbooks, materials, nursing kit, uniforms, NCLEX review, BLS textbook, supplies, health clearance, graduation expenses, and licensure expenses.
Website: https://www.mjc.edu/
Address: 435 College Avenue, Modesto CA 95350
Phone: 209-575-6550
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83.72%
Solano Community College
The registered nursing program at Solano Community College is open to licensed vocational nurses who may enroll with advanced placement credits. The curriculum incorporates the art and science of nursing combined with a knowledge of the biological, behavioral, and physical sciences to prepare students for practice in the complex healthcare environment. LVN candidates will be placed based on an evaluation of their transcripts and experience. With advanced placement, they may complete the program in two to three semesters. Upon completion of the requirements, students will receive an Associate in Science Degree and be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN. New students are admitted once per year. The application period is September 1 to September 30.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 81 units including credits
Duration: 2 to 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Principles of Microbiology, College Composition, Lifespan Human Development, Nutrition, Pharmacology for Nursing, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Public Speaking or another selection from Critical Thinking
Core courses – Foundations of Nursing II, Nursing Simulation Lab I, Medical Surgical Nursing I and Geriatrics, Maternal Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Skills Lab II, Issues and Leadership in Health Care Today, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Simulation and Skills Lab III, Medical Surgical Nursing III, Pediatric Nursing, Nursing Simulation and Skills Lab IV
Admission criteria:
- Must have graduated from an accredited high school or completed the GED
- Must have a composite score of 73% or greater – calculated using the college GPA. Core Biology GPA, English GPA, and Core Biology repetitions
- Complete the pre-major and general education courses with a grade C or better
- Take and pass the TEAS with a minimum composite score of 62% within the first two attempts
- Meet with an SCC counselor before August of the application year
- Submit a completed application online
- Must provide a Health History and Report of Medical Examination with required titers/inoculations – MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Flu vaccine, and 2-step TB
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
- Must have current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification
- Must comply with specific healthcare partner requirements
- Must attend a mandatory information meeting after acceptance
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $1,170 for a nine-month school year. Apart from tuition, students will need to cover the cost of NCLEX review, criminal background check, drug screen, books, materials, health examinations, immunizations, nursing pin, and fingerprinting.
Website: https://welcome.solano.edu
Address: 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, CA 94534
Phone: (707) 864-7000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.85%