Registered nurses and license vocational nurses may perform many of the same duties, but they are critical differences in the overall scope of practice. Registered nurses complete a more extensive educational preparation that licensed vocational nurses. They begin their careers with a nursing diploma, associate of science degree in nursing or a bachelor of science degree in nursing. LVNs, on the other hand, complete a non-degree certificate to enter the profession. Enrolling in an LVN to RN program will provide an immediate career advantage upon licensure as a registered nurse. Some of the benefits of moving from a position of a licensed vocational nurse to a registered nurse include higher salary, greater responsibilities, ability to specialize in an area of practice, opportunities to work in a hospital or other settings that are closed to LVNs, and continued career advancement.
Bakersfield College
The Associate Degree Program offered at Bakersfield College provides a foundation for students to become competent registered nurses. Licensed vocational nurses may complete the requirements for the RN degree through the LVN to ADN program. The program respects the individuality of students and recognizes the difference education, experiential, spiritual, and economic backgrounds for each student. Therefore, a positive, innovative learning environment is fostered to develop critical thinking and problem solving for graduates to deliver care to culturally diverse populations. LVN applicants must take MATH B75 or a higher placement level. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and collaborate with members of the health care. They will demonstrate a commitment to life long learning.
Program Outline
Units: 18 (major courses only)
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Expository Composition, General Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Communication in English Language and Critical Thinking, Intermediate Algebra, Ethics of Living and Dying, Lifelong Understanding and Self Development, Strategies for Success in a Nursing Program
Core Courses – Nursing – Transition to Nursing, Nursing Care of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Client, Nursing Care of the Medical Surgical Patient 3, Nursing Care of the Medical Surgical Patient 4, Nursing Learning Lab 3, Nursing Learning Lab 4
Admission criteria:
- Must apply for admission to Bakersfield College
- Must submit an application form to the Nursing Program during the application period – applications must be filled out completely
- Must submit proof of at least one year of work experience as an LVN – a letter from employer stating job title (LVN) and dates of employment
- Must have earned a grade of C or higher on all prerequisites
- Must submit proof of IV certification
- Must supply copy of current California Vocational Nurse License
- Must submit unofficial or official Bakersfield College transcript showing all prerequisite courses
- Must official or unofficial copies of transcripts showing LVN courses
- Submit a valid CPR card (American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider Course)
- Must submit verification of citizenship or legal residence status in the US
- Submit Live Scan fingerprints
Program Cost:
The total program cost of $3,919.05 includes tuition, books, student health fee, materials fee, drug screening, immunization tracker, mask fit testing, BLS certification, physical and immunizations, background screening, scrubs uniform, lab supplies, license application, passport photo, nursing pin, graduation cap and gown, and National Student Nursing Association membership.
- Website: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/
- Address: 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305
- Phone: (661) 395-4011
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.12%
San Joaquin Valley College
San Joaquin Valley College offers an LVN to RN bridge program that gives licensed vocational nurses the opportunity to obtain an associate of science degree in nursing from an advanced standing. There are three available options. The first option is for applicants who have completed all the general education courses by the time of the application submission. These students will begin the program at the RN 28 Health Promotion course. The second option are for applicants who have completed all prerequisite courses with the except Humanities. These students will become with the RN 28 Basic Concepts bridge course and Term 3 and 4 nursing courses. The LVN to RN Non-Degree (30 Unit Option) are for students who have taken microbiology and physiology from another college and are requesting transfer credit for these courses. The general education courses total 34 credit units. Students must meet all course requirements, including a grade of C or better in each course. Students will take nursing courses in sequence after completing the GE courses. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Units: 72
Duration: 2 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, General Chemistry with Lab, Composition and Reading, Intermediate Algebra or Higher, General Psychology, Introduction to Public Speaking, Introduction to Sociology
Core Courses – Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing – Theory, Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing – Clinical, Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing – Theory, Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing – Clinical, Maternal Newborn Nursing – Theory, Maternal Newborn Nursing – Clinical, Gerontology/Community Health Nursing – Theory, Gerontology/Community Health Nursing – Clinical, Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing – Theory, Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing Clinical, Leadership, Work Study
Admission criteria:
- Provide proof of graduation from high school diploma or achievement of GED
- Must have and maintain a current, active California LVN license. The license must remain current throughout the program
- Must have a GPA of 2.5 on all prerequisite coursework as verified on official transcripts
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
- Complete the general education courses with a grade C or higher
- Submit official transcripts for all college courses completed
- Must have current BLS certification from the American Heart Association – certification must be maintained at students’ expense, throughout the program
- Submit a completed application for admission to LVN to RN program with supporting forms
- Provide two letters of recommendation
- Submit a completed health examination form with clearance permitting unrestricted functional activities essential to nursing
- Submit verification of citizenship or legal residence status in the US
- Submit Live Scan fingerprints
Program Cost:
The cost of the program is $34,751 for students entering the program at the third semester. Tuition includes lab supplies, library access, membership, parking, health assessment, titers and immunizations, drug testing, background check, liability insurance, school pin, and graduation ceremony. Tuition does not include textbooks, uniforms, shoes, watch with second display, BLS certification, transport, and housing.
- Website: https://www.sjvc.edu/
- Address: 4580 Ontario Mills Parkway, Ontario CA 91764
- Phone: (909) 948-7582
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.37%