LVN to RN Programs San Jose, CA

Practicing as a licensed vocational nurse has its rewards but you may be thinking of taking that next step to become a registered nurse to expand your career opportunities and earning potential. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, RN positions will grow much faster than the average for all professions in the next decade. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for nurses in every sector of the health care industry. Completing an LVN transition program will provide opportunities to work in hospitals and clinics where you can choose a specialty area such as pediatrics, gerontology, or mental health. You might also benefit from higher pay, greater responsibility, and career advancement.

Evergreen Valley College

Evergreen Valley College offers an LVN to RN program that is designed for vocational nurses to complete the requirements to become a registered nurse. Due to COVID-19 regulations, some of the coursework requirements will be completed online. LVN candidates must hold a current California LVN license. They will be required to complete transition courses and pass an admissions assessment before acceptance to the program. The admission exam will cover the fundamentals of nursing which should have been covered in previous coursework. Students will enter in the 2nd or 3rd semester depending on space availability. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX exam for RN Licensure.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 71-74 units

Duration: 12 months

Method of instruction: Hybrid

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, General Microbiology, English Composition, General Psychology

Core courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Basic Medical Surgical Nursing, Maternity Nursing, Advanced Pediatrics and Medical Surgical Nursing, Advanced Medical/Surgical/Geriatric/Mental Health/Leadership and Management Nursing, One of the following courses to meet the Societal/Cultural Pattern: Introduction to Ethnic Studies, Ethnic Film: Reel Studies, African American Culture, Chicana/o Culture, Sociology of the Chicana/o Experience, Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology

Admission criteria:

  • Complete prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.5 or higher – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, General Microbiology, English Composition, General Psychology
  • Submit a completed application online
  • Provide documentation of high school graduation or equivalent
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges where prerequisite courses are completed.
  • Must have current California LVN license at the time of application
  • Take the NURS 10 Fundamentals of Nursing Challenge Exam – must bring LVN license and photo ID on the exam date
  • Complete TEAS and obtain a minimum score of 62%
  • Complete physical form and drug screen
  • Complete and upload background check form

Program Cost:

Enrollment and fees cost $1,366 per semester for the average full-time student completing 14 units per semester for two semesters.  Additional costs for transportation, books, and supplies are not included.

  • Website: https://www.evc.edu/home
  • Address: 3095 Yerba Buena Road, San Jose, CA 95135
  • Phone: (408) 274-7900
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.24%

San Joaquin Delta College

Licensed Vocational Nurses may transfer into the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at San Joaquin Delta College and complete the requirements to practice as a registered nurse in 2 to 3 semesters. Candidates for advanced placement must have a current California LVN license and completed an accredited vocational nursing program. The training will include instruction in the classroom, lab, and at local health care facilities. Practical training, including the clinical rotations, will reinforce the theoretical concepts covered in the classroom. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain a Registered Nurse license in California.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 73.5 units

Duration: 3 semesters

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Core courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Human Development, Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing, Maternal, Newborn and Reproductive Health Nursing, Infancy Through Young Adult Nursing, Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Transition to Nursing Practice, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Medical Microbiology or General Microbiology

Admission criteria:

  • Must be a Delta College student before applying to the nursing program
  • Attend a program orientation before submitting an application to the program
  • Submit a completed application to the nursing program online before the stipulated deadline
  • Submit an official transcript from regionally accredited US colleges or universities directly to SJDC
  • Provide copy of current vocational nursing license with license number
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C on prerequisite coursework – Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology
  • Take the TEAS with a minimum adjusted individual score of 62%
  • Submit a report of a physical exam completed within the past year including evidence of titers for MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Flu vaccine, and 2-step TB
  • Provide a valid state ID and social security number
  • Current CPR certification – CPR for Health Care Provider or CPR for Professional Rescuer
  • Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen

Program Cost:

The registration fee is $46 per unit for California residents. Students must cover the cost for books and supplies.

Gavilan College

The LVN RN program at Gavilan College prepares Licensed Vocational Nurses for practice as a registered nurse. The career ladder program leads to an Associate Degree in Nursing and is only open to persons who have completed a Licensed Vocational Nursing program. LVN graduates may apply if they have not as yet taken the NCLEX-PN. The program is accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing so graduates will be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam to become a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 70 units

Duration: 3 semesters

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology (Lecture and Lab), General Microbiology, Nutrition, The Person in the Life Cycle, Composition, Introduction to Public Speaking, Integrate Algebra, Introduction to Psychology

Core courses – Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Medical-Surgical Nursing II, Medical-Surgical Nursing III, Maternity/Newborn Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing IV, Pediatric Nursing, Intravenous Therapy, Blood Withdrawal, Interactive and Mental Health Nursing, Compensatory Nursing Practice

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed and signed application for admission
  • Must have current California LVN license or eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN
  • Must have Intravenous Therapy and Blood Withdrawal Certificate by the Spring semester of the program
  • Must have current BLS Provider card from the American Heart Association
  • Submit proof of high school graduation, GED, or university/college degree
  • Official transcript of all courses from colleges or universities attended
  • Take and pass the TEAS with a minimum score of 62%
  • Must demonstrate content mastery in maternal/newborn and nursing care of children by scoring a minimum of level 2 in maternal/newborn nursing
  • Obtain health clearance including immunization and flu vaccine
  • Complete a background check conducted by Castle Branch
  • Complete a 10-panel and alcohol drug screen via Castle Branch
  • Complete a physical at a licensed physician or nurse practitioner

Program Cost:

The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for California residents. The costs for books, fees, and supplies are not included.

Mission College

Mission College’s LVN to RN program prepares vocational nurses with the educational preparation required to practice as a registered nurse. The program is approved through the California Board of Registered Nursing. Students will learn the skills required for entry-level practice, use theoretical and clinical skills to care for patient, and work collaboratively with the healthcare team. Students will complete the Role Transition Courses in one semester then the additional courses in two semesters. Classroom sessions run concurrently with clinical experiences. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. The program has a limit on the number of students that can be accepted each year. Applicants must therefore meet the prerequisites for consideration.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72 units

Duration: 3 semesters

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, General Microbiology, English Composition

General education requirements – General Psychology OR Human Psychology, Intermediate Algebra OR Elementary Statistics, Public Speaking

Core courses –  Role Transition LVN to RN, Role Transition Clinical, Community Mental Health Nursing, Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing Theory, Introduction to Clinical Judgment, Intermediate Clinical Practicum, Advanced Maternal-Child Nursing, Advanced Medical-Surgical/Leadership Nursing, Leadership and Ethics, Advanced Clinical Practicum

Admission criteria:

  • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
  • Provide proof of active LVN license
  • Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all college coursework
  • Complete the LVN-to-RN course prerequisites with a minimum grade C – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, English Composition
  • Submit a report of a physical exam documented on the Mission College Health Appraisal form – must indicate that the student is free from communicable disease and able to function in a hospital setting
  • Provide proof of immunity – MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B
  • Must provide evidence of physical and emotional fitness
  • Complete a background investigation including criminal history record search, SSN trace, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, Nationwide Sex Offender Register, and urine drug screening
  • Provide proof of social security number
  • Current CPR certification – CPR for Health Care Provider or CPR for Professional Rescuer

Program Cost:

The registration fee is $46 per unit for California residents. Additional costs for textbooks, supplies, admissions exams, background check, and CPR certification are the students’ responsibility.

  • Website: https://missioncollege.edu/
  • Address: 3000 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95054-1897
  • Phone: (408) 855-5007
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.48%

Ohlone College

The Associate Science in Nursing degree at Ohlone College has an advanced placement option for licensed vocational nurses.  Candidates must have an active California Vocational Nursign license before applying to the program. Through the advanced placement option, VNs can complete the requirements for the AAS degree in just three semesters with the transfer of coursework from an accredited VN program. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam to practice as Registered Nurse. Admission to the program is selective and requires a special application process.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 68 to 70 units (including transfer credits)

Duration: 3 semesters

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Introduction to Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication, Reading and Written Composition, Algebra II or Intermediate Algebra or Math for the Associate Degree, Human Development

Core courses – Foundations of Nursing, Nursing Care of the Medical-Surgical Patient I, Nursing Care of Women and Children, Nursing Care of the Medical Surgical Patient II, Nursing Care of the Medical Surgical Patient III, Nursing Care of the Mental Health Clinical and Advanced Gerontologic Care, Nursing Leadership and Preceptorship

Admission criteria:

  • Submit transcripts indicating completion of prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English, Intermediate Algebra, Nutrition, Development Psychology, and Communication
  • Submit ATI TEAS test results indicating a score of 62% or higher
  • Must have graduated from high school or equivalent
  • Must have a current CA LVN license
  • Must have completed an accredited vocational nursing program
  • Submit a completed application for admission to the school
  • Submit a report of a physical exam completed within the past year
  • Complete a satisfactory background investigation
  • Provide a valid state ID and social security card

Program Cost:

The registration fee is $46 per unit for California residents and $290 per unit for non-residents. Other costs for books, uniforms, and supplies must be covered by the student.

  • Website: https://www.ohlone.edu/
  • Address: 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539
  • Phone: 510-659-6000
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.57%

DeAnza College

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Transition to Registered Nurse (RN) Program offered by DeAnza College lets vocational nurses enter the associate of science in nursing program as advanced placement students. The program includes theory -delivered on campus – and clinical rotations at local health care facilities. Graduates are eligible to take the California State Board Examination for licensing (NCLEX-RN). They will be prepared to provide competent care as a novice RN in various health care settings. The director of the Nursing Program has the final determination on the VN candidate’s eligibility for advanced placement. Admission is dependent on space availability. Applicants with prior clinical experience in an acute setting have the best chances of selection.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 73 units

Duration: 3 quarters

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Career Opportunities in Nursing, Intermediate Algebra for Statistics, Introductory Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Human Nutrition, General Psychology, Developmental Aspects of Psychology, Public Speaking, Advanced Composition and Reading, Cultural Anthropology

Core courses – Gerontology Nursing, Gerontology Nursing Clinical, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Theory, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Clinical, Complex Health Challenges, Complex Health Challenges Clinical, Leadership/Management in Nursing, Leadership/Management Clinical Component, Nursing Concept Integration

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the prerequisite courses with the minimum grade C – Intermediate Algebra for Statistics, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Human Nutrition, General Psychology, Introductory Microbiology
  • Submit a completed nursing program application
  • Must have current California LVN license and IV certification
  • Submit evidence of good health
  • Complete background check and drug testing annually – clinical sites may limit students’ participation based on findings
  • Must have a minimum 75% academic record calculation using the Chancellor’s Formula
  • Take and pass the Admission Assessment Exam with a score of 75% or higher in all subject areas
  • Must have a US Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number allowing employment in the US

Program Cost:

The cost of registration and fees is $1,527 per year. Books and supplies will cost an additional $1,677.

  • Website: https://www.deanza.edu/
  • Address: 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
  • Phone: 408-864-5300
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.55%

Chabot College

Licensed Vocational Nurses who hold an active unencumbered California Vocational Nursing license may apply for advanced placement in the Associate Degree in Nursing offered at Chabot College. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and includes both didactic and practical instruction to prepare students to function as entry-level registered nurses. The program provides a solid foundation for success on the NCLEX-RN exam as well as continued studies to the bachelor of science in nursing degree. Students will learn how to respond to the demands of the fast-changing health care environment, function as part of the health care team, and practice within the legal and ethical framework of the industry.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 83.5 to 88.5 units

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

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

Core courses – LVN to RN Transitions Nursing Theory, LVN-RN Skills Assessment Lab, Prescriptive Clinical Nursing Skills Practice, OB/PEDS (if needed), Mental Health, Adult Health I, IV Therapy (if not IV certified), Adult Health II, Adult Health III, Maternity Nursing Theory, Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology

Admission criteria:

  • Apply for admission to Chabot College before submitting an application to the Nursing Program
  • Attend a mandatory orientation
  • Complete the Science Prerequisites with a minimum grade C – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology
  • Complete the Fixed Courses with a minimum grade C – English Composition, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology, Public Speaking
  • Take and pass the TEAS with an adjusted individual score of 62% or higher
  • Attend a mandatory Nursing Program Information Meeting. Proof of attendance is required
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Submit a copy of LVN license (front and back)
  • Submit a copy of American Heart Association BLS Card
  • Provide a litter of evidence of working in an acute of subacute direct patient care or as an LVN for 500+ hours within the last 18 months
  • Complete NURS 70/7-L with a C or higher on the first attempt
  • Pass the Math for Medication Exam
  • Pass the Kaplan Specialty Exams
  • Submit a background check by social security number
  • Pass NURS 84: Prescriptive Clinical Skills at the beginning of the semester prior to admission
  • Must have a social security card to be able to work in the United States
  • Pass a urine drug screen
  • Must have current immunization titer reports – MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B. Complete TB tests and have current Tdap.

Program Cost:

Completing the program costs approximately $4,000 plus transport costs to the hospitals and other agencies.

 

 

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.