LVN to RN Programs Oakland, CA

Licensed vocational nurses in California may continue their career to registered nursing through the completion of LVN to RN bridge programs or by seeking advanced placement in an Associate Degree in Nursing program through challenge exams. California also offers the option of the 30-unit, non-degree that requires a shorter completion time. Keep in mind that the 30-unit option is not recognized by other states. LVN transition programs as well as advanced placement options have a completion time of 12 months for qualified licensed vocational nurses. They include comprehensive core nursing courses – typically scheduled for the second year of the AAS in Nursing program.

Merritt College

Licensed vocational nurses and other students with prior experience in healthcare may apply to challenge courses within the Associate Degree in Nursing curriculum and secure advanced placement in the program. With advanced placement, LVNs have the option to complete the program in 12 to 18 months. The ADN program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and prepares students for beginning positions in Registered Nursing. Students will learn applied nursing science and social/behavioral sciences in the classroom, in modern simulation lab, and clinical nursing experiences conducted at hospitals and healthcare facilities located in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Students who are successful on the Group A prerequisite courses, Group B general education courses, and Group C major courses will receive an AS degree in Nursing and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for state licensure. All applicants must complete the prerequisite courses before admission to the program.

Program Outline
Units: 91-92 (including transfer credits)
Duration: 2-3 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology Lecture and Lab, Microbiology, Composition and Reading, Intermediate Algebra, Composition and Reading, Introduction to General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Interpersonal Communication Skills, Computer Literacy, Ethnic Studies

Core Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing: Beginning Principles of Health Care, Perinatal Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing: Disruption in Homeostasis, Leadership and Management, Ethics and Law, Calculations of Drug Dosages for Health Professionals, Pharmacology in Nursing, Nutrition and Diet Therapy in Nursing

Admission criteria:

• Submit general admission to Merritt College
• Must have completed an accredited high school or GED equivalent
• Must complete all prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
• Complete English coursework with a 2.5 GPA or above
• Complete science courses with a 2.5 GPA or above
• Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
• Attend a mandatory ADN orientation
• Obtain a minimum score of 80% on the TEAS exam
• Complete a physical exam at a licensed physician or nurse practitioner within 6 months of applying to the program. Physical exam results must demonstrate a negative TB test
• Must have current CPR (Basic Life Support) certification from the American Heart Association – must be current within one year at the time of application

Program Cost:
The enrollment fee for California residents is $46 per semester unit and $265 per semester unit for non-residents. Nursing students will incur additional costs for background check, physical exam, textbooks, CPR certification, drug screen, and entrance exam.

Website: https://www.merritt.edu/
Address: 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA 94619
Phone: (510) 531-4911
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.65%

City College of San Francisco

Licensed vocational nurses holding a current and active license to practice in California may apply to the Associate Degree in Nursing program at City College of San Francisco and commence the program in the second year. They may enter via the Challenge Exam and will have waiver of the Fundamentals of Nursing and Skills courses. Application must be submitted as Advanced Placement status and admission is based on the completion of all administrative prerequisites. The nursing course of study includes instruction in applied nursing science and related life sciences and clinical experiences at local health care facilities. Students will learn how to function as a member of health team in the delivery of holistic care to patients, use the nursing process to formulate a plan of care, prioritize nursing care, apply the principles of effective communication, and promote health education to individual patients, families, and the community at large. Graduates will qualify to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses and entry-level positions of RN in health facilities.

Program Outline
Units: 82-85
Duration: 4 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
General Education Courses – Elements of Public Speaking, Group Communication, Humanities Requirement, Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology, US History and Government Requirement, General Psychology, Ethnic Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies and LGBTQ Studies

Core Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Pharmacology in Nursing Part I, Nursing Skills Lab, Pharmacology in Nursing Part II, Basic Medical Surgical Nursing, Intermediate Nursing Skills, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Psychosocial Nursing, Nursing of Children, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing, Trends and Issues in Nursing

Admission criteria:

• Obtain admission as a degree-seeking student at City College
• Submit all college transcripts (including CCSF) – official in a sealed envelope with the school official seal
• Apply to the CCSF Registered Nursing Program
• Request challenge exam option for advanced placement
• Must have a minimum grade C and an overall GPA of 2.5 in Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and English IA
• Provide a social security number to complete a criminal background check
• Obtain an adjusted individual score of 62% or higher on the TEAS
• Pass a drug screen prior to admittance
• Must have an up-to-date immunization record – MMR, varicella, Hepatitis B, negative TB test, Tdap

Program Cost:

The enrollment fee is $46 per semester unit for California residents and $339 per semester unit for non-residents. Students should expect to cover costs for books, uniforms, supplies, background check, and health screen.

Website: https://www.ccsf.edu/
Address: 1860 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA  94117
Phone: 415-239-3285
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.02%

Chabot College

Licensed vocational nurses can enter into the second year of the Associate in Science in Nursing program at Chabot College – based on the availability of space. LVNs may opt for the AS in Nursing, non-degree, or 30-unit non-degree option. They will acquire knowledge and skills to contribute to the advancement of nursing science and influence changes in a variety of settings in the field of healthcare. Program learning outcomes include the utilization of the nursing process to provide care for clients, families, and significant others, incorporate the knowledge unique to nursing in the delivery of health care in acute, chronic or community health settings, use critical thinking skills in the management of care, and respond to the demands of rapidly changing information technology. LVNs considering this route must have a minimum of 500 hours of work experience. Program graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline
Units: 82-85
Duration: 2 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
General Education Courses – General Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, Fundamentals of Speech Communication or Interpersonal Communication Skills, Critical Reading and Composition, General Psychology, Principles of Sociology,

Core Courses – LVN-RN Transition, Clinical Skills Practice and Assessment Lab, Prescriptive Clinical Nursing Skills Practice, Mental Health Nursing, Adult Health II – Advanced Medical Surgical, Adult Health III – Leadership/Preceptorship, Pathophysiology

Admission criteria:

• Submit an application for admission to Chabot College
• Apply for Special Admission to the Chabot Nursing Program – Advanced Standing Application
• Must validate previous nursing knowledge with assessment exams
• Must have a minimum of 500 hours of work experience in direct patient care – must have been completed in the last 18 months
• Submit official transcripts of all college courses completed
• Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C and a GPA of 2.5 or above
• Attend a mandatory Nursing Program Information Meeting and provide proof of attendance
• Submit a background check by social security number
• Pass a drug screen prior to admittance. A positive result will result in dismissal from the program
• Must have an up-to-date immunization record – MMR, varicella, Hepatitis B, negative TB test, Tdap

Program Cost:
The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for resident students and $292 per unit for non-residents. Other costs include textbooks, uniforms, and admission fees.

Website: http://www.chabotcollege.edu/
Address: 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545
Phone: (510) 723-6600
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%

College of Marin  

Licensed vocational nurses may apply to the Associate Degree in Nursing program at the College of Marin through the advanced placement option. All attempts to challenge must be completed prior to applying for the program. LVN candidates must have completed an accredited LVN program, have a current California license, and submit verifiable work experience completed in the last three years. The program will provide the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level employment as a registered nurse. Students will participate in clinical placements that may be scheduled day or night. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for registered nurses.

Program Outline
Units: 70.5 (including transfer credits)
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
General Education Courses – Intro to Psychology, Communication Skills, Child and Adolescent Psych, Behavioral and/or Social Sciences Requirement, American Institutions, Humanities, Physical Education, Cross Cultural Studies, Communication and Analytical Thinking

Core Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical, Pharmacology I, Clinical Application Laboratory I, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Medical Surgical Nursing I Clinical, Clinical Application Laboratory I, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Medical Surgical Nursing II Clinical, Pharmacology II, Clinical Application Laboratory II, Maternal Child A (OB), Maternal Child A (OB) Clinical, Clinical Application Laboratory II, Mental Health Nursing and Care of the Older Adult, Mental Health Nursing and Care of the Older Adult Clinical, Pharmacology III, Clinical Application Laboratory III, Maternal Child B (Peds), Maternal Child B (Peds) Clinical, Clinical Application Laboratory III, Medical Surgical III, Medical Surgical III Clinical Laboratory, Professional Role Development

Admission criteria:

• Submit an application for admission to the College of Marin
• Submit official transcripts from an accredited vocational nursing program – requested within one year of the date of application
• Provide a copy of a California LVN license
• Provide evidence of current work experience – defined as at least one year of continuous employment in the role of an LVN in the last three years. Evidence must be a written letter from the employer on company letterhead
• Take the TEAS exam and submit score before the application deadline – a minimum score of 62% is required for admission
• Complete a satisfactory criminal background check – must be paid by the student prior to enrollment
• Submit immunization records via the online platform contracted by College of Marin
• Complete the required drug screening – cost to be covered by the student

Program Cost:

The total program cost of $7,360 includes tuition, registration fee, material fees, books, background and drug screening, uniforms, shoes, supplies, health clearance, ATI package, clinical commuting, and fees.

Website: http://www1.marin.edu/
Address: 835 College Ave., Kentfield, CA 94904
Phone: (415) 457-8811
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.24%

Contra Costa College

Licensed practical nurses may apply for advanced placement in the Associate in Science Degree Registered Nursing at Contra Costa College. The clinically based program will help students develop the competencies to function in the role of a registered nurse in various health care settings. LVN candidates must have a current license to practice in California and submit a request for advanced placement. Admission is subject to space availability. Successful candidates will enter into the second year of the program. Graduates will be eligible to take the licensure exam to practice as a registered nurse. They can also complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in one year at Contra Costa College.

Program Outline
Units: 60 (including transfer credits)
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
Prerequisite Courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, English Composition, Drug Dosage Calculations, Pharmacology for Nurses, Sociology/Anthropology, Psychology, Human Communication, Developmental Psychology

Core Courses – Intermediate Medical Surgical and Psychiatric Nursing, Developing Competency in Nursing Practice, Gerontological/ Medical Surgical Nursing, Developing Competency in Nursing Practice

Admission criteria:

• Submit a completed application for admission to Contra Costa College
• Apply for Advanced Placement the Registered Nursing program
• Must have a current license to practice as an LVN in California
• Submit all post-secondary transcripts
• Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in Group A courses and 3.0 or higher in Group B courses
• Take the current TEAS exam – only initial scores will be accepted
• Complete a background check and drug screening
• Must have current CPR certification – American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider

Program Cost:

The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for resident students and $346 per unit for non-residents. Additional costs include textbooks, nursing kit, fees, background check, health screen, immunization, CPR certification, and licensure exam.

Website: https://www.contracosta.edu/
Address: 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo, CA. 94806
Phone: (510) 235-7800
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.50%