LVN to RN Programs San Francisco, CA

The projection that licensed vocational nurses will be phased out has been around for decades. The truth is that the shortage of nurses in the healthcare systems will always curtail any plans for the phasing out of vocational nurses. LVNs have a critical role to play in the delivery of care in long-term care facilities. While their role is limited in acute settings such as hospitals, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 22% or LVNs still work in the nations’ hospitals. If the fear of redundancy is getting the best of you or if you’re simply looking to broaden your prospects in nursing, the LVN to RN bridge program can help you prepare for the registered nurse credential. The program is available at community colleges and can be completed in as little as one year.

Merritt College

The LVN to RN Upgrade Program is not currently active at Merritt College. However, LVNs who hold a current and active license in California may apply for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program through the general admission process then inquire about challenging for advanced placement. A positive response to the request is not guaranteed as transfer-ins are available on a space-available basis. The comprehensive program is accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing. It prepares students for entry-level employment as a registered nurse. Graduates will receive an Associate Degree in Nursing and will be eligible to take the NCLEX for registered nurses. New students are admitted once per year.

Program Outline
Units: 81-82
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, Composition and Reading

General education courses – Intermediate Algebra, Composition and Reading or Critical Thinking and Writing, Introduction to General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology or Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology, Interpersonal Communication Skills, Ethics Studies Requirement, Computer Literacy Requirement

Core courses – Fundamentals in 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, Calculation of Drug Dosages for Health Professionals, Pharmacology in Nursing, Nutrition and Diet Therapy in Nursing

Admission criteria:

  • Submit official transcripts electronically from all colleges attended
  • Submit a copy of the catalog course description with the application for all prerequisite courses completed outside of California
  • Submit a completed application electronically only with transcripts
  • Complete Group A prerequsites with a GPA of 2.5 or above
  • Submit TEAS (V6) scores electronically upon acceptance to the program
  • Complete a mandatory ADN orientation
  • Complete Student Health Screening Information during the ADN Orientation documenting a recent physical examination
  • Obtain CPR certification (Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider) from the American Heart Association
  • Undergo a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Show proof of positive titers for Varicella, MMR, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B tests
  • Show evidence of negative TB test

Program Cost:
The approximate program cost of $9,540 includes tuition, textbooks, fees, admission exam, uniforms, and supplies. Students must also budget for CPR certification, drug screen, background check, and health screening.

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 may qualify for admission to the Registered Nursing program offered by City College of San Francisco. LVNs who hold a current and active California license may apply to the program as “Advanced Placement” status. This route requires completion of all the academic and administrative prerequisites, including passage of a Challenge Exam for Nursing Fundamentals. The LVN will complete the required coursework, including the classroom lectures, lab skills sessions, and clinical rotations -starting from the second semester – based in the outcome of a transfer credit evaluation. They will appl for enrollment during the regular enrollment time and follow the same steps for admission as a traditional candidate. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to practice as a registered nurse.

Program Outline
Units: 54 (including transfer units)
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy, Introduction to Human Physiology, Introduction to Microbiology, Intro to Medical Chemistry, University Read & Composition, Probability and Statistics

General education courses – General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology or Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology, Elements of Public Speaking or Group Communication, or Basic Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication or Fundamentals of Oral Communication

Core courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology in Nursing, Nursing Skills Laboratory, Pharmacology in Nursing II, Basic Medical-Surgical Nursing, Nursing Skills Laboratory, Maternal and Newborn Care, Psychosocial Nursing, Nursing of Children, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing, Trends and Issues in Nursing

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a current and active California Vocational Nursing License
  • Take and pass the Challenge Exam for Nursing Fundamentals
  • Complete prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Human Anatomy, Introduction to Human Physiology, Introduction to Microbiology, Intro to Medical Chemistry, University Read & Composition, Probability and Statistics
  • Apply for admission to City College and obtain a Student ID Number
  • Must have current immunization for MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Influenza and negative TB test
  • Complete a physical exam and blood screen within 3 months prior to the first day of admission
  • Complete a criminal background check through CastleBranch by the stated deadline.
  • Submit for urine drug screening via CastleBranch
  • Must have a valid social security number
  • Submit official transcripts of all college courses completed. Must list the final grades of all prerequisites, general education and nursing courses completed
  • Submit Placement Test Waivers for English if the applicant has satisfied the college’s requirements with the SAT or Advanced Placement scores
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS (or equivalent) with an overall composite score of 62%

Program Cost:
Students can expect to incur expenses of approximately $2,500 for two years of the nursing curriculum. The total does not include cost for non-nursing classes. Other costs include books, uniforms, criminal background check, BLS requirement, health care requirements, watch with a second hand, graduation pin, liability insurance, and equipment and supplies.

Website: https://www.ccsf.edu/
Address: 50 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone: 415-239-3000
Fax: (415) 239-3989
Email: nursingdepartment@ccsf.edu
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.02%

College of Marin

Licensed vocational nurses may apply for advanced placement after enrolling in the Registered Nursing program at the College of Marin. Theory and practical instruction meet the guidelines of the State Board of Nursing. Nursing courses follow a specified sequence, so prerequisites must be completed with a passing grade before advancing to the next course in the sequence. Clinical rotations will be conducted at local healthcare facilities and may be scheduled in the evenings, early morning, and weekends. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to assume the role of a registered nurse and provide care to clients across the health care continuum.

Program Outline
Units: 68 (not including transfer credits)
Duration: 4 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English, Chemistry, Introduction to Psychology, Communication Skills, Behavioral/Social Skills

Core courses – Success in RN Program, Fundamentals of Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical Lab, Clinical Application Laboratory I, Clinical Application Laboratory II, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Medical Surgical Nursing I Clinical Lab, Pharmacology I , Medical Surgical Nursing II, Medical Surgical Nursing II Clinical Lab, Clinical Application Laboratory III, Maternal Child Nursing A, Maternal Child Nursing A Clinical Lab, Maternal Child Nursing B, Maternal Child Nursing B Clinical Lab

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
  • Submit proof of completing high school or equivalency – high school transcripts, high school diploma, or GED
  • Establish math and English placement
  • Submit transcripts indicating completion of the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Chemistry, Anatomy, English, Microbiology, Physiology
  • Must have a valid social security number
  • Apply for admission to the nursing program
  • Take the ATI TEAS and achieve a minimum score of 62%
  • Provide copy of LVN license to receive up to 10 extra points in the admission process
  • Complete a satisfactory Criminal Background Check and drug screen
  • Provide record of current immunization – varicella, MMR, influenza, Tdap, TB test, and hepatitis B

Program Cost:
The program cost of $6,495 includes tuition, fees, books, syllabi, background check, drug screening, uniform, shoes, health clearance, supplies, and clinical commuting.

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

College of San Mateo

Current licensed vocational nurses may complete the Registered Nursing program at San Mateo College in just one year. The program will commence at the second year for LVNs entering through this route. It will cover nursing courses – both the theory and practical components. Some of the coursework may be delivered online. Graduates will receive an Associate in Science degree and will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to practice as a registered nurse. Admission for LVNs is based on space availability. Priority will be given to applicants who have recent clinical experience – a current resume is required.

Program Outline
Units: 78.5-79.5 (including transfer credits)
Duration: 1 year (for current LVNs)
Method of instruction: Hybrid

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Intermediate Algebra or Intermediate Algebra I, Intermediate Algebra II, Health Science Chemistry I, General Microbiology, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Composition and Reading, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology, Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication or Small Group Communication

Core courses – Introduction to Nursing, Concepts of Homeostasis in Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Maternity and Reproductive Health Nursing, Nursing Skills Lab II, Psychiatric Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing Skills Lab III, Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing, Leadership/Management in Nursing, Nursing Skills Lab IV, Open Lab for Nursing 211/212, Open Lab for Nursing 221/222, Open Lab for Nursing 231/232, Open Lab for Nursing 241/242

Admission criteria:

  • Must complete all the prerequisites that any third semester ADN student would have completed – Math, English Composition, Health Sciene Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Microbiology, General Psychology, Development Psychology, Public Speaking, and Cultural Anthropology with a grade C or higher
  • Complete the nursing major prerequisites with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Complete and pass the HESI test with a minimum composite score of 70%
  • Complete the Bridge Course N260 before entering the program
  • Take the Reading Placement Test and complete all classes up to College Level reading
  • Must be a high school or college graduate
  • Submit an application to the Nursing Program by the published deadline
  • Submit transcripts of all college courses
  • Must have current CPR (Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider) certification from the American Heart Association
  • Show proof of positive titers for Varicella, MMR, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B tests
  • Show evidence of a negative TB test
  • Complete satisfactory criminal background check and drug screening

Program Cost:
The approximate cost of tuition is $7,000 for LVNs entering the second year.  The cost includes books, uniforms, supplies, and fees. Additional costs for a criminal background check, CPR certification, immunization, and admission exams are not included. The program is eligible for financial aid.

Website: https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/
Address: 1700 W. Hillsdale Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: (650) 574-6161
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.75%

Chabot College

Chabot College’s LVN to RN bridge program helps currently licensed vocational nurses obtain eligibility to take the NCLEX to practice as a registered nurse. LVNs may apply to the traditional nursing program or the RN 30-unit non-degree program. Anyone who holds a current license to practice in California and have at least 500 hours of direct patient care (letter of evidence required) may apply for admission. The full-time schedule will include instruction in the classroom and lab and clinical rotations at community health facilities. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

Program Outline
Units: 80-91 (including transfer credits)
Duration: 1 year
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, General Psychology, Principles of Sociology, Critical Reading and Composition, Fundamentals of Speech Communication

Core courses – Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Nursing Care for Patients and Infectious Disease, Clinical Nutrition, Gerontological Nursing, Fluid and Electrolytes, Maternity Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Pathophysiology, Physical Assessments, Adult Health I, Pharmacology for Professional Nurses, Mental Health Nursing, Intravenous Therapy, Adult Health II, Adult Health III

Admission criteria:

  • Must pass the ATI Test (V6 or V7) with a score of 62% or higher
  • Submit an application for admission to the LVN to RN program through Class-Web
  • Complete the Chabot College equivalent for the science courses – Anatomy and Physiology with lab and microbiology with lab
  • Attend a mandatory orientation
  • Submit a copy of the LVN license (front and back)
  • Submit a copy of American Health Association BLS Card
  • Provide a letter of evidence of work experience in acute or subacute direct patient care as an LVM for 500+ hours within the last 18 months
  • Complete NURS 70/70L with a grade of C or higher
  • Must pass NURS 84 at the beginning of the semester prior to admission in order to practice and take skills exams – the course is valid for 6 months

Program Cost:
The approximate cost of the program is $4,000 which includes enrollment fees, textbooks, uniforms, background check, drug screen, and fees.  Financial aid is available.

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