LVN Programs Fresno, CA

There’s a diversity of critical care roles within the field of nursing. One pivotal role is the licensed vocational nurse who provides patient care under the direction of a physician or registered nursing professional. An LVN administers prescribed medications, provides basic nursing care, monitors patients’ health, performs medical treatments, and collects patient data. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for vocational nurses are expected to increase by 25% through 2022, which translates to an estimated 3,040 new jobs in California. The increase in employment is due to the number of disabled and aged persons who are in need of long-term care. LVNs are also capable administrators of care in nursing facilities where they supervise the rehabilitation of patients who are not well enough to go home after being discharged from the hospital.

Institute of Technology

Fifty-one weeks is all it takes to start a career in patient care. The Institute of Technology’s vocational nursing program is designed for persons who have a desire to nurture and safeguard the health of others. Graduates earn a diploma that grants them eligibility to take the NCLEX exam for practical nurses. Apart from training in the classroom, students gain practical experiences in a laboratory setting and during the clinical experience. Both the classroom lectures and practical sessions amount to 1,575 contact hours or 59-quarter credit hours. Students can choose from daytime and evening options in part-time or full-time formats. Full-time classes meet Monday through Friday for 51 weeks. Clinical schedules may vary and include weekend hours. Part-time students meet three evenings per week plus all day on Saturday (for clinicals) for 81 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 17 years of age
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Take and pass the Wonderlic SLE with a score of 20
  • Submit a completed application and registration fee of $75
  • Complete prerequisite courses with a passing grade

Tuition for the program is $31,935. Other costs include registration, STRF fee, background fee, books, and supplies. Placement support and assistance are available to all graduates.

  • Website: https://www.iot.edu/
  • Address: 564 West Herndon Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612
  • Phone: (559) 297-4500
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 68%

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

The Vocational Nurse program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts includes didactic and laboratory training on campus as well as clinical experiences in a medical facility to correlate instruction. Intense courses that proceed from the simple to complex prepare students for work as a vocational nurse in hospitals or medical clinics. The program is accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The curriculum covers 1,570 classroom and clinical hours, which equates to 92.5 quarter credit hours. Course topics include fundamentals of nursing, anatomy and physiology, clinical nutrition, medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, obstetric nursing, pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, and preparation for the NLCEX. There are 954 hours of clinical education included in the total program hours that will give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge. Classes meet Monday through Friday. Normal completion time is 52 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the Essential Medical Bioscience prerequisite courses with a grade C or above
  • Attend an interview with the VN Coordinator or designee
  • Complete the Distance Education Questionnaire
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Complete the entrance exam with the minimum score required – 16 for VN students
  • Comply with the school’s requirements for immunizations, Health Screening, Background Check and CPR/First Aid
  • Must be able to read and write English at the level of a graduate of an American high school

The total program cost of $35,493.50 includes STRF, registration, books, and personal tablet.

  • Website: https://www.gurnick.edu/
  • Address: 7335 North Palm Bluffs Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711
  • Phone: (559) 222-1903
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 72%

Madera Community College

Madera Community College’s vocational nursing program features intense classroom and clinical training covered in three semesters (1.5 years). Course modules include foundations of nursing, principles, and practice of nursing, nursing guidance, and pharmacology. Graduates are prepared ta take the NCLEX exam for practical nurses.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application packet for consideration
  • Provide one set of unofficial transcripts from the last attended high school or a copy of GED proficiency test score report – must indicate the date of graduation or date and scores of GED or transcript
  • Provide two sets of official transcripts from all colleges attended include Madera Center
  • Must have completed prerequisite courses within 5 years with a minimum grade C – Medical Terminology, Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology
  • Must have current CPR card – American Heart Association, Health Care Provider
  • Must be physical and mentally able to perform the duties a vocational nursing
  • Must be at least 17 years of age
  • Submit proof of immunization – Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap
  • Submit PPD test or x-ray results to the Nursing Department for TB clearance
  • Attend a mandatory pre-registration orientation
  • Complete a satisfactory background check and drug screen

The total program cost of $4,756 includes tuition, registration, books, background check, drug screen, books, and supplies.

Clovis Adult Education

The Vocational Nurse program at Clovis Adult Education is accredited by the BVNPTE. Students acquire the knowledge and skills need to work in the fast-paced healthcare environment and become eligible to take the NCLEX at the conclusion of the program. Graduates also have the option to articulate to the RN program at Fresno City College. Classes meet three days a week for 18 months. Classroom sessions meet from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm and clinical hours are from 6:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Pass a Level A TABE
  • Submit a vocational nurse application by the stated deadline
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must have current CNA certification and proof of employment as a CNA for at least 2 months
  • Submit two letters of recommendation
  • Complete the VN prerequisite courses – NAC, Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, Medical Math Computer Technology
  • Submit copy of government issued photo ID and social security card
  • Provide proof of required immunizations – Hepatitis B, Varicella, Tdap, MMR, Flu
  • Proof current Basic Life Support American Heart CPR

Tuition for the program is $12,000. Books, supplies and additional expenses cost approximately $3,000. PELL grants are available for qualifying students.

SJVC

Students enrolled in the vocational nursing program at SJVC acquire the skills to care for the patients under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Students learn the fundamentals of nursing, patient care, administrative practices, laboratory skills, critical care concepts, and healthcare ethics. The clinical externship will take place in medical facilities in California where students will interact with patients and health care staff in a real-world setting. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX exam for vocational nurses. They can also enroll in a registered nursing program and earn an associates of science degree in just 16 months.

Admission criteria:

  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Participate in an interview with an admissions advisor
  • Take and pass the TEAS entrance exam
  • Meet with the Enrollment Services Director for an interview
  • Sign the Enrollment Agreement
  • Attend a New Student Orientation
  • Complete a background check

Tuition for the program is $37,700. Books and supplies cost an additional $475.

  • Website: https://www.sjvc.edu/
  • Address: 8344 West Mineral King Ave., Visalia, CA 93291
  • Phone: (559) 651-2500
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 96%

Fresno Adult School

Fresno Adult School provides students with theory and clinical experience needed to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Course topics medical surgical nursing, fundamentals of nursing, maternal child nursing, mental health, nutrition, pharmacology, and NCLEX review. Students will participate in supervised patient care experiences during the clinical rotations. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for practical nurses. The duration of the program is 53 weeks. Classes meet twice a week from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm or from 6:30 am to 2:45 for clinicals.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete Computer in the Workplace at FAS
  • Obtain a minimum TABE Level A Test Score of 11.0 (all subjects)
  • Provide a valid government-issued photo ID and social security card
  • Must have valid CNA certification
  • Complete prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C – Medical Terminology, Medical Math, Medical Study Skills, Anatomy and Physiology
  • Attend a mandatory LVN workshop
  • Submit satisfactory P-NAT scores
  • Respond to the formal invitation to apply and attend an interview
  • Meet the program’s health requirements including immunizations
  • Provide official high school transcripts
  • Complete a background check

Program fees total $1,775 and materials cost an additional $1,896.

  • Website: http://www.fas.edu/
  • Address: 2500 Stanislaus St., Fresno, CA 93721
  • Phone: (559) 457-6000
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 85%

 

 

 

 

 

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.