LVN to RN Programs Los Angeles, CA

The opportunities for career mobility are phenomenal for nurses. As a licensed vocational nurse, you can improve your career outlook in the three semesters it takes to complete an LVN-to-RN Bridge program. Nursing is essentially a commitment to lifelong learning to provide the best care and to promote and restore health. Patients and families depend on nurses and healthcare professionals to counsel them on diseases and treatments. They expect the highest possible care and healthcare employers expect nurses to deliver. The step from a licensed vocational nurse to a registered nurse represents an increase in responsibilities and accountability, but it is one that is worthwhile if you plan to take a more active role in patient care. The rate at which new information in the treatment of disorders is becoming available justifies the need for continuous learning to climb to the highest echelon of the profession.

Los Angeles Trade Technical College

The Registered Nursing Career Ladder Program at Los Angeles Trade Technical College is designed for persons with a vocational nurse license to enter the second semester after completing the LVN to RN Bridge courses. The program is approved by the Board of Registered Nursing/ It combines nursing theory with lab experiences and general education courses that are sequenced from simple to complex. Students will practice the skills learned in the classroom through their collaboration with health care teams at healthcare institutions in the community. Licensed Vocational Nurses will complete the requirements for an RN degree in three semesters. Graduates will be eligible to apply for the State Board of Registered Nursing Licensing Exam. The program admits new students in the fall and spring semesters. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 32
Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, Introductory Microbiology, General Psychology I, Life Span Psychology: Infancy to Old Age, College Reading and Composition I, TEAS 6.0 Exam (passing grade 62%), Transition from LVN to RN

Core courses – Nursing Simulation Lab Basic, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Gerontology and Community Based Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Simulation Lab Intermediate, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Reproductive and Women’s Health, Nursing Simulation Lab Advanced, Medical-Surgical Nursing III, Nursing Care of Child and Family, Nursing Leadership and Management

Competencies – Use the nursing process to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate care for clients of all ages, collaborate with other health care personnel to provide coordinated care, function within the guidelines of the California Nurse Practice Act, demonstrate commitment to the profession of nursing

Admission criteria:

• Submit official high school or GED transcripts
• Submit an official transcript from an accredited LVN program
• Complete the program prerequisites Transition from LVN to RN
• Must have a current, unencumbered LVN license
• Attend a Nursing Information Session and Prerequisite Verification Workshop
• Submit the completed required forms to Health Science Pathway Counselors who will verify and submit to the Nursing Program Office
• Complete an Application for the Nursing Program
• Take the nursing entrance exam (ATI TEAS 6.0) and score 62% or higher
• Complete a satisfactory drug screen and background clearance

Program Cost
Tuition costs approximately $1,854 per year. Books and supplies cost an additional $1,620 yearly.

Website: http://www.lattc.edu/
Address: 400 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90015
Phone: (213) 763-7170
Email: washinca@lattc.edu
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.82%

Los Angeles Harbor College

The Registered Nursing Program at Los Angeles Harbor College has an option for Licensed Vocational Nurses to bridge to the RN degree. The program is designed to be completed in three semesters after transferring in coursework from the LVN program. The training includes nursing theory, science, and hands-on patient care in local hospital, clinic, nursing home, or home health care. Practice in modern clinical labs on campus will prepare students for the clinical rotations. Graduates will receive an Associate of Science Degree and will be qualified to take the NCLEX for Registered Nursing. LVNs must take the transition courses Nursing 329A and 329B – offered in the Fall semester only.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 32
Duration: 3 semesters

Course Titles
Prerequisite courses – Introduction to Human Anatomy, Introduction to Physiology, Introductory Microbiology or General Microbiology, General Psychology, Life Span Psychology, College Reading and Composition, Nursing 329A and 329B

Core Courses – Nursing Process and Practice in the Care of the Adult Client I, Nursing Process and Practice in the Care of the Adult Client II, Humanities Requirement, Nursing Process and Practice in the Health Care of Women and Families, Nursing Process and Practice in the Care of Children, Nursing Process and Practice in the Care of the Geriatric Client, Oral Communication or Interpersonal Communication, Nursing Process and Practice in the Psycho-Social Adaptation of the Client, Nursing Process and Practice in the Care of the Adult Client III, Leadership and Management Preceptorship, US History or Political Requirement

Admission criteria:

• Apply for admission to Harbor College
• Submit a completed application to the Generic Nursing Program – apply for advanced placement
• Complete the prerequisite and LVN-RN transition courses with a grade C or higher
• Must have a current California license to practice as a Vocational Nurse
• Take and pass the standardized admission test with the required cut score – ATI TEAS with a minimum score of 62% on the first attempt
• Submit two copies of official transcripts – one with the application and the other to LAHC Admissions and Records

Program Cost
Tuition costs $1,854 per year for resident students. Books and supplies cost additional. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://www.lahc.edu/
Address: 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington, CA 90744
Phone: 310-233-4000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%

American Career College

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program has an LVN Option that grants practical nurses 8 units of required Nursing Science coursework for credit. LVNs must meet the ADN prerequisites and course requirements. Theory and practical instruction in the classroom and lab will prepare students with knowledge and skills to provide professional care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. Students will learn how to use informatics to communicate, access, and evaluate patient data and improve patient outcomes. Students must complete 70 quarter credits to graduate from the program and receive an Associate Degree. The program is delivered in a blended format. The program is approved by the California Board of Nursing, so graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline
Quarter Credits: 70
Duration: 6 10-week quarters

Course Titles
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology, College Math, General Microbiology with Lab, English Composition

Core Courses – Pharmacology for Nursing, Beginning Medical/Surgical Nursing Lab/Clinical, Beginning Medical/Surgical Nursing Lab/Clinical, Maternal Child Nursing, Maternal Child Nursing Lab, Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing, Intermediate Medical/Surgical Nursing Lab/Clinical, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing Lab/Clinical, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing II Leadership, Cultural Pluralism, Oral Communication, Professional Communication & Role Transition ADV Seminar

Admission criteria:

• Complete an admissions interview and campus tour
• Submit a completed application for admission to American Career College
• Complete prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology, College Math, General Microbiology with Lab, English Composition
• Must have current IV Certification
• Submit official high school transcripts or GED and official college transcripts
• Must have a current and unencumbered LVN license in California
• Obtain background clearance
• Take and pass the Wonderlic SLE
• Submit two professional reference letters
• Complete an interview with a program faculty member and director
• Take and pass the HESI exam with a passing score of 75% or above
• Complete a physical exam which attests to the applicant’s ability to meet the physical and mental requirements of the profession
• Must obtain a negative TB test
• Provide proof of immunization
• Must have current medical insurance

Program Cost
The program costs $48,730 including tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

Website: https://americancareercollege.edu/
Address: 4021 Rosewood Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone: (323) 668-7555
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 74.63%

Pierce College – Center for the Sciences

Los Angeles Pierce College supports nurses in their pursuit of career goals and facilitates. To this end, they provide a career mobility option for Licensed Vocational Nurses to obtain an Associate in Science Degree Nursing (ADN). The program is accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Admission depends on space availability and the eligibility of applicants – selected by lottery. LVNs will receive advanced placement in the program upon evaluation of their transcripts and work experience and confirmation of their eligibility. The training will include both classroom theory and clinical activities in core nursing courses including hands-on patient care at local health care facilities. Graduates will be eligible to apply for the licensure exam to become a registered nurse in California.

Program Outline
Units: 39
Duration: 2 years

Course Titles
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology, English 101, Microbiology, Psychology 41, Psychology I

Core Courses – Adult Health I, Pharmacology, Geriatric Health, Psychosocial Aspects, Adult Health II, Psychiatric Health, Adult Health III, Maternal/Newborn Care, Adult Health IV, Pediatric Health, History, Trends, Issues

Admission criteria:

• Complete individual counseling and evaluation by the LAPC Counseling Department
• Must have current California vocational nurse licensure in good standing
• Work experience in an acute care setting for one year is recommended
• Submit official transcripts of academic coursework to Department of Nursing at LAPC
• Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better – Anatomy and Physiology, English 101, Microbiology, Psychology 41, Psychology I
• Must meet the college graduation requirement for math and have one year of high school chemistry, Chemistry 51 or equivalent
• Must have an overall GPA of 2.5 for Anatomy, Physiology and Microbiology
• Take and pass the ATI TEAS exam
• Complete all the health requirements
• Must have current professional malpractice insurance
• Must enroll in the National Student Nursing Association
• Must submit to the required background check and drug screen

Program Cost
The program costs $6000 and does not include the cost of supplies, textbooks, and fees.

Website: http://www.piercecollege.edu/
Address: 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91371
Phone: (818) 719-6477
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.67%

Los Angeles Southwest College

Los Angeles Southwest College’s LVN to RN Bridge Program prepares students for practice as a registered nurse. LVNs will start the program at the second semester and complete the requirements for the ADN degree in three semesters. Students who successfully complete the requirements will earn an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing. Graduates will have confidence in theory ability to succeed on the NCLEX-RN exam. They will be prepared for employment as an entry-level registered nurse, use effective written and oral communication, assume responsibility for continuous learning and professional growth, and function as collaborative members of the interdisciplinary health care team.

Program Outline
Units: 28
Duration: 3 semesters

Course Titles
Prerequisite courses – College Reading & Composition, Public Speaking, General Psychology, Life-Span Psychology, Intro to Sociology, Intermediate Algebra, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Intro to Human Anatomy, Intro to Human Physiology, Intro to Microbiology

Core Courses – Medical-Surgical Nursing A, Psychiatric Nursing, Directed Studies, Maternal and Child Health Nursing (Obstetrics), Maternal and Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics). Directed Studies, Medical Surgical Nursing B, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing

General Education Courses – Humanities, American Institution, Kinesiology, Math 125

Admission criteria:

• A U.S. high school diploma or equivalent
• An overall GPA of 2.5 (no less than a grade C) for prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Microbiology
• Be free from communicable diseases, infection, psychosocial disorders
• Complete a physical exam prior to admission
• Demonstrate, by titers, immunity to MMR, varicella, hepatitis B
• Have current Health Care Provider CPR certificate
• Have student liability insurance prior to participation in the clinical component of the course
• Obtain membership in the national and local chapters of the National Student Nurses’ Association
• Have reliable transportation to the clinical sites
• Take the ATI TEAS test to demonstrate math computation proficiency. The Benchmark score for the college is 62%
• Complete criminal background check and drug testing
• Must have a valid LVN licensure in good standing

Program Cost
Tuition costs $46 per unit for California residents and $282 for non-residents. Expenses for books, supplies, malpractice insurance, BLS for Healthcare Provider, and health requirements must be covered by the student.

Website: https://www.lasc.edu/index
Address: 1600 West Imperial Highway, Los Angeles, California 90047
Phone: (323) 241-5461
Email: lascnursing@lasc.edu
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 76.09%

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science offers a 30-unit option for Licensed Vocational Nurses to meet the requirements to take the NCLEX-RN as a non-graduate. Students will be prepared to care for patients as part of the interdisciplinary health care team. The 30-unit option may not confirm eligibility for licensure in states other than California or for admission to a BSN program in California or another state. Nurses who complete the 30-unit option will have no restrictions on their practice in the state.

Program Outline
Units: 30 – not including General Education and Prerequisites
Duration: 3 semesters

Course Titles
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, College English Composition, Life Span Psychology, Sociology

Core Courses – Applied Microbiology, Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, Pharmacology, Medical Surgical, Psych/Mental Health Nursing, Leadership Management (Capstone)

Admission criteria:

• Submit a completed application and non-refundable fee of $50
• Must have an unrestricted LVN license from the CA BVN
• Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade of B or better – English, Sociology, Psychology, Nutrition, Human Anatomy and Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, Statistics, Speech/Communication
• Take and pass the HESI A2 exam with a minimum of 75% overall cumulative
• Submit three letters of recommendation addressing work competence, relationships with work associates, communication and interpersonal skills, leadership skills or potential, and values
• Submit a resume or curriculum vitae
• Attend an interview with a member of faculty
• Must have a clear criminal background check

Program Cost
Tuition costs $478 per unit. Other expenses fees, textbooks, uniforms and shoes, supplies, challenge exams, and general education courses.

Website: https://www.cdrewu.edu/
Address: 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059

Phone: (323) 563-4800
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.87%

Pasadena City College

The LVN to RN (Career Ladder) option at Pasadena City College is open to Licensed Vocational Nurses who want to become a Registered Nurse. The training will cover the additional knowledge and skills required for RN licensure. Experienced faculty will emphasize building nursing theory and the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health in individuals with complex health problems. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Achievement, an Associate in Science Degree, and will be eligible to take the NCLEX-Registered Nurse.

Program Outline
Credits: 72
Duration: 3 semesters

Course Titles
Prerequisite courses – College Reading & Composition, Elementary Statistics, Microbiology, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology

Core Courses – Nursing Role Transition, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Maternal Newborn Nursing Lab, Pediatric Nursing, Pediatric Nursing Lab, Beginning Medical Surgical Nursing, Beginning Medical Surgical Nursing Lab, Beginning Nursing – Seminar, Pharmacology: Process and Problems, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Lab, Intermediate Medical Surgical Nursing, Intermediate Medical Surgical Nursing Lab, Intermediate Nursing – Seminar, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing – Clinical, Advanced Nursing Seminar, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing

Admission criteria:

• Apply for general admission to PCC
• Meet with a counselor before enrolling in the nursing prerequisite courses
• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Must have and maintain current American Heart Association AHA CPR/BLS Card for Healthcare Providers
• Must have Nursing Malpractice Insurance
• Must provide transcripts of previous college coursework
• Take and pass the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
• Submit evidence of health documented by a recent physical exam indicating required immunizations and titers
• Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen
• Must have a current LVN license in California

Program Cost
Tuition costs $3,400 for California residents. Other costs include health screening, uniform, shoes, name badge, stethoscope, ATI package, background check, textbooks, parking, CPR card, RN licensing application, NCLEX exam fee, and Live Scan fingerprinting fee.

Website: https://pasadena.edu/index.php
Address: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: 626-585-7123
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.22%

Mount Saint Mary’s University

Mount Saint Mary’s University offers a non-degree RN option for Licensed Vocational Nurses in California to prepare for state licensure. Students will not receive a degree but will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure in California. Since a degree is not conferred, the graduate may not be eligible to practice as a registered nurse outside of California. The option to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program may also be limited.

Program Outline
Credits: 26
Duration: 3 semesters

Course Titles
Prerequisite courses – College Reading & Composition, Elementary Statistics, Microbiology, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology

Core Courses – Evidence-Based Practice, Integrative Theory/Practice, Palliative Care, Adult Medical Surgical II, Childbearing Families/And Women’s Health, Children and Families, Mental Health, Leadership/Health Policy, Gerontology, Transition to Professional Practice, Community/Public Health, Advanced Health Assessment

Admission criteria:

• Apply for general admission to MSMC
• Must have a current and unencumbered LVN license – provide a photocopy of the license
• Submit notification to the Department of Nursing Admissions Office of intention to enroll in the 30-unit option
• Submit a completed health form indicating required immunizations
• Complete a satisfactory drug screen
• Must have current CPR certification American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider
• Must have current Fire Safety Card
• Must carry student malpractice insurance
• Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
• Complete, challenge or transfer Physiology 4U and Microbiology 4U

Program Cost
Financial aid is available to eligible students.

Website: https://www.msmu.edu/
Address: 12001 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: 310.954.4000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 64.04%