LVN to RN Requirements and Training Programs California

The educational preparation to become a licensed vocational nurse is different from that of a registered nurse. A vocational nurse receives less training than a registered nurse. Even so, the VN’s education and experience may be eligible for credit in a registered nursing program, giving LVNs the opportunity to complete the requirements for an RN degree in half the time. The LVN to RN program in California is designed specifically for vocational nurses who hold a current, active, and unencumbered license to bridge to the registered nursing degree. With this option, you can enter the associate degree in nursing program at the third semester (second year) after completing the prerequisite and transitional courses. At the end of the program, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and assume a more advanced role in patient in acute and long-term care facilities.

Education Requirements

There are two options for licensed vocational nurses in California to prepare for practice as a registered nurse. The first is the 30-unit option that is open to persons holding a valid California Vocational Nurse license, who needs a quick option to meet the requirements to take the NCLEX-RN examination as a non-graduate. Students will be prepared to become licensed as a registered nurse in California, but may not be eligible for licensure in states other than California. They may also not qualify for admission to advanced degree programs such as the BSN or MSN. Once taken, this 30-unit option is unchangeable with the Board of Registered Nursing after licensure. Licensure as a Registered Nurse via the 30-unit option has no restrictions on registered nursing practice within California.

The second pathway for licensed vocational nurses is to enroll in a full LVN to RN program to obtain the associate degree in nursing and qualify for licensure as a registered nurse in California as well as other states. The path requires completion of prerequisite courses before applying for entrance into the ADN program. Once admitted, the student will complete role transition courses to prepare for the responsibility of a registered nurse and commence at the third semester for the ADN program. Other courses include core nursing courses and any additional courses to satisfy the courses that are required by the California State Board of Registered Nursing as content required for RN licensure. The LVN to RN graduate will receive an Associate of Science degree in nursing and will be eligible to enroll in advanced nursing programs such as the BSN or MSN. The graduate will also be prepared to take the state licensing examination (NCLEX-RN) that is required for nursing practice in the State of California.

Eligibility Criteria

LVN to RN programs, whether the 30-unit or traditional option, are open only to candidates who hold a current and unencumbered vocational nursing license in California State. Some colleges may require at least 6 months’ experience as a vocational nurse. Prerequisite courses must be completed before admission to the program and role transition courses may be used to determine placement in the program.

General requirements:

• Completion of a student orientation
• Completion of prerequisite courses including nursing prerequisites
• Complete of role transition courses
• A current and unencumbered vocational nursing license
• Current CPR certification for Healthcare Providers.
• Official transcripts from an accredited LVN program

Duration and Cost

LVN to RN programs lowers of cost of acquiring the ADN degree by placing currently licensed vocational nurses into the second or third semester of the registered nursing program. With just two semesters of required study, the program cuts the cost of the ADN degree in half. California residents pay $46 per unit for enrollment. Other expenses include health fee, parking permit, nursing uniforms, CPR courses, physical examinations, lab tests, drug screen, fingerprinting, personal health insurance, and licensing Board applications. Vocational nurses may need to factor a reduction of their working hours to accommodate the rigor of the nursing program. Financial aid is available to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

California RN Licensure Requirements

Licensed vocational nurses must apply for a license or interim permit after complete the LVN to RN bridge program to practice as a registered nurse. They will receive the registered nursing license after successful passage of the NCLEX-RN exam and complete all other state board requirements for licensure.

A criminal history check, livescan fingerprinting, and reporting of all misdemeanor and felony convictions, including driving under the influence are required as part of the licensure process.

Licensure By Examination

To qualify for licensure by exam, a vocational nurse must have graduated from a Board-approved LVN to RN program. The Board highly recommends submit of applications online. The following guidelines must be completed after graduating from the program:

• Register for a BreEZe account
• Select RN Initial Exam Application from the dropdown menu on the BreEZe account homepage
• Attach documents at the end of the application process
• Scan and attach the Request for Accommodation for Disabilities for students who need reasonable accommodation
• Attached a letter of explanation, letter of recommendation, out-of-state discipline documents, or any other rehabilitation information if disclosing previous discipline on another healthcare license
• Graduates of a California Board-approved nursing program will have their transcripts submitted to the Board electronically after graduation. Graduates of programs out-of-state must requests that their transcripts be sent electronically to the Board from a certified third-party electronic transcripts vendor
• Submit the fee of $300 with the application and the $49 fingerprint card fee if out of state. The application fee for out of state candidates is $350 and $750 for international graduates

International Graduates:

Graduates of nursing programs from another country must:

• Request a breakdown of the educational program and official transcripts from the school of nursing.
• Submit a copy of their license that allows them to practice in the country where they were educated.
• Translate all non-English documents through a certified translator.

Guidelines for the Interim Permit

As a first-time examination candidate, you may apply for an Interim Permit to work while awaiting the results of the examination. Interim Permits cannot be issued until all nursing requirements are met, you have been determined eligible for the exam, and the processing of the fingerprint card or live scan has been completed and the Board notified by the results. Interim permits are issued once and are valid for a maximum of six months.

Once issued, you must practice under the direct supervision of a registered nurse who must be present and available on the patient care unit during the time you are rendering professional services. The Interim Permit will expire immediately if you fail the exam. It is not renewable and is in effect to the expiration date or until the results of the exam are released.

You must submit the following to qualify for an Interim Permit:

• The Interim Permit fee of $100
• An Application for Licensure by Examination
• One completed Fingerprint Card (Hard Card) or Live Scan Service Applicant Submission form
• A copy of your license or diploma that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country where you were educated – if you are an international graduate

Licensure By Endorsement

You may qualify for endorsement (reciprocity) into California as an RN if you hold a current and active RN license in another state, US territory, or Canada, have completed an educational program meeting all California requirements, and have the NCLEX-RN or the SBTPE. The Canadian Comprehensive Examination is not acceptable.

If you are applying for licensure via endorsement and have not taken and passed the RN exam in any state, you will not be issued a license via endorsement in California, even if your state does not currently require an examination for licensure. Application for endorsement must be completed online.

Use the following guidelines to apply:

• Register for a BreEZe account
• Select RN Endorsement Application from the dropdown menu on the BreEZe account homepage
• Attached documents at the end of the application process
• Attach a letter of explanation, letter of recommendation, out-of-state discipline documents, or any other rehabilitation information if disclosing previous discipline on another healthcare license
• Submit a completed Verification of License form OR if the board of nursing participates in Nursys visit www.nursys.com to complete a paperless verification online. International graduates must submit license verification from the board of nursing where the exam was taken
• Request transcripts to be sent directly from the school of nursing attended
• Submit the fee of $350 with the application and the $49 fingerprint card fee if out of state. The application fee for out of state candidates is $350 and $750 for international graduates
• International graduates should send Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing Programs form to the school with the Request for Transcript form. Also, provide the Certified English Translation form to a certified translator if the transcript is not in English and submit a copy of the license or diploma that allows them to practice professional nursing in the country where educated

The Board may issue a temporary license to practice nursing for a period of six months, allowing an applicant to work pending issuance of a permanent RN license. The Temporary License will not be issued until the processing of the fingerprint card or live scan has been completed by the DOJ and FBI and the Board has been notified of the results.

To qualify for a Temporary License, the endorsement applicant must submit:

• An application for Licensure by Endorsement including a U.S. Social Security and the request for a Temporary License with the application fee of $350 and the temporary license fee of $100
• One completed Fingerprint Card (Hard Card) or second copy of the Live Scan Service Applicant Submission form
• Verification of License form from the other state(s) or Canada which must be received by the Board via: sealed envelope from State Board of Nursing or a Nursys® Verification Request Application if the applicant is licensed in a state that is a member of the Nursys® verification system as proof of a clear, active, and current RN license.
• Official transcripts which include all completed coursework, the degree awarded and date conferred if educated outside of the U.S.

Renewal Requirements

The first California RN license will be issued for two birthdays, not two years, and will expire the last of the month following your birth date. From that time, it will expire every two years, if renewed on time. The California license number will always remain the same whether active, inactive, or delinquent.

Applicants can renew their licenses online through BreEZe Online Services. It is the RN’s responsibility to keep information current with the Board to receive renewal notices and other valid information.

Under the Business and Professions Code, a nurse may work pending license renewal providing the renewal fee has been submitted on time and all renewal requirements have been completed.

Renewal candidates, not previously fingerprinted by the Board, must furnish a full set of fingerprints to the DOJ for a criminal history record check. The requirement is waived for licensees in an inactive status and those serving in the military outside the United States. All other applicants must disclose any convictions or disciplinary actions by a government agency to the Board.

Continuing Education Requirements for California RNs

Registered nurses must complete 30 hours of continuing education for license renewal. Only courses taken through an approved provider will be accepted. The continuing education requirements will take effect after the first two years following initial licensure.

Contact the Board of Nursing

California State Board of Nursing
Physical Address
Board of Registered Nursing
1747 North Market Boulevard, Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95834

Mailing Address
Board of Registered Nursing
P.O. Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100

Main Phone: (916) 322-3350

California LVN to RN Programs:

Angwin, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Pacific Union College
1 Angwin Avenue
Angwin CA, 94508
(707) 965-7262

Aptos, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Cabrillo College
6500 Soquel Drive
Aptos CA, 95003
(831) 479-6280

Bakersfield, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Bakersfield College
1801 Panorama Drive
Bakersfield CA, 93305
(661) 395-4282

Compton, CA LVN to RN Programs:
El Camino College – Compton Center
1111 Artesia Boulevard
Compton CA, 90221
(310) 900-1600 x2700

Cupertino, CA LVN to RN Programs:
De Anza College
21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Cupertino CA, 95014
(408) 864-5618

Cypress, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Cypress College
9200 Valley View Street
Cypress CA, 90630
(714) 484-7283

El Cajon, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Grossmont College
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon CA, 92020
(619) 644-7301

Eureka, CA LVN to RN Programs:
College of the Redwoods
7351 Tompkins Hill Road
Eureka CA, 95501
(707) 476-4214

Fairfield, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Solano Community College
4000 Suisun Valley Road
Fairfield CA, 94534
(707) 864-7108

Fremont, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Unitek College
4670 Auto Mall Parkway
Fremont CA, 94538
(510) 249-1060

Fresno, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Fresno City College
1101 East University Avenue
Fresno CA, 93741
(559) 244-2604

Gilroy, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Gavilan College
5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard
Gilroy CA, 95020
(408) 848-4883

Glendale, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Glendale Community College
1500 North Verdugo Road
Glendale CA, 91208
(818) 551-5270

Glendora, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Citrus College
1000 West Foothill Boulevard
Glendora CA, 91741
(626) 914-8791

Hayward, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Chabot College
25555 Hesperian Boulevard
Hayward CA, 94545
(510) 723-6896

Huntington Beach, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Golden West College
15744 Goldenwest Street
Huntington Beach CA, 92647
(714) 895-8285

Imperial, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Imperial Valley College
380 East Aten Road
Imperial CA, 92251
(760) 355-6348

Irvin, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Stanbridge University
2041 Business Center Drive, Suite 107
Irvine CA, 92612
(949) 794-9090

Joshua Tree, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Copper Mountain College
6162 Rotary Way, PO Box 1398
Joshua Tree CA, 92252
(760) 366-3791 x5801

Kentfield, CA LVN to RN Programs:
College of Marin
835 College Avenue
Kentfield CA, 94904
(415) 485-9319

Lancaster, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Antelope Valley College
3041 West Avenue K
Lancaster CA, 93536
(661) 722-6300 x6402

Lemoore, CA LVN to RN Programs:
West Hills College Lemoore
555 College Avenue
Lemoore CA, 93245
(559) 925-3490

Long Beach, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Long Beach City College
4901 East Carson Street
Long Beach CA, 90808
(562) 938-4166

Los Angeles, CA LVN to RN Programs:
American Career College
4021 Rosewood Ave.
Los Angeles CA, 90004
(323) 668-7555

Los Angeles City College
855 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles CA, 90029
(323) 953-4000

Los Angeles County College of Nursing & Allied Health
1237 North Mission Road
Los Angeles CA, 90033
(323) 226-4911

Los Angeles Southwest College
1600 West Imperial Highway
Los Angeles CA, 90047
(323) 241-5461

Los Angeles Trade-Tech College
400 West Washington Boulevard
Los Angeles CA, 90015
(213) 763-7175

*Mount Saint Mary’s University – Los Angeles
10 Chester Place, Building 1, 3rd Floor
Los Angeles CA, 90007
(213) 477-2630

Madera, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Reedley College at Madera Community College Center
30277 Avenue #12
Madera CA, 93638
(559) 675-4800

Marysville, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Yuba College
2088 North Beale Road
Marysville CA, 95901
(530) 741-6784

Menifee, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Mt. San Jacinto College, MVC
23237 La Piedra Road
Menifee CA, 92584
(909) 639-5577

Merced, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Merced College
3600 M Street, Box 37
Merced CA, 95348
(209) 384-6123

Mission Viejo, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Saddleback College
28000 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo CA, 92692
(949) 582-4701

Modesto, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Modesto Junior College
435 College Avenue
Modesto CA, 95350
(209) 575-6362

Monterey, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Monterey Peninsula College
980 Fremont Street
Monterey CA, 93940
(831) 646-4258

Moorpark, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Moorpark College
7075 Campus Road
Moorpark CA, 93021
(805) 378-1433

Napa, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Napa Valley College
2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway
Napa CA, 94558
(707) 256-7603

Newark, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Ohlone College
39399 Cherry Street
Newark CA, 94560
(510) 742-2300

Norwalk, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Cerritos College
11110 Alondra Boulevard
Norwalk CA, 90650
(562) 860-2451 x2551

Oakland, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Merritt College
12500 Campus Drive
Oakland CA, 94619
(510) 436-2487

Oceanside, CA LVN to RN Programs:
MiraCosta College
1 Barnard Drive
Oceanside CA, 92056
(760) 795-6651

Orange, CA LVN to RN Programs:
CNI College
702 W. Town & Country Road
Orange CA, 92868
(714) 437-9697

Oroville, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Butte Community College
3536 Butte Campus Drive
Oroville CA, 95965
(530) 879-4338

Palm Desert, CA LVN to RN Programs:
College of the Desert
43-500 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert CA, 92260
(760) 568-3093

Pasadena, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Pasadena City College
3035 East Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena CA, 91107
(626) 585-7324

Pittsburg, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Los Medanos College
2700 East Leland Road
Pittsburg CA, 94565
(925) 473-7756

Porterville, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Porterville College
100 E. College Ave.
Porterville CA, 93257
(559) 791-2321

Rancho Cucamonga, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Chaffey College
5885 Haven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga CA, 91737
(909) 652-6671

Redding, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Shasta College
1400 Market Street, Suite 8204Z
Redding CA, 96001
(530) 339-3606

Riverside, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Riverside City College
4800 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside CA, 92506
(909) 222-8407

Rocklin, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Sierra College
5000 Rocklin Road
Rocklin CA, 95677
(916) 660-8300

Sacramento, CA LVN to RN Programs:
American River College
4700 College Oak Drive
Sacramento CA, 95841
(916) 484-8254

Sacramento City College
3835 Freeport Boulevard
Sacramento CA, 95822
(916) 558-2271

Salinas, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Hartnell College
411 Central Avenue B-219
Salinas CA, 93901
(831) 770-6146

San Bernadino, CA LVN to RN Programs:
San Bernardino Valley College
701 South Mount Vernon Avenue
San Bernardino CA, 92410
(909) 384-4450

San Diego, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Kaplan College
9055 Balboa Avenue
San Diego CA, 92123
(858) 279-4500

San Diego City College
1313 Park Boulevard
San Diego CA, 92101
(619) 388-3441

Southwestern College
8100 Gigantic Street
San Diego CA, 92154
(619) 482-6352

San Francisco, CA LVN to RN Programs:
City College of San Francisco
50 Phelan Avenue, Cloud Hall 340
San Francisco CA, 94112
(415) 239-3218

San Jose, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Evergreen Valley College
3095 Yerba Buena Road
San Jose CA, 95135
(408) 270-6448

San Luis Obispo, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Cuesta College
PO Box 8106
San Luis Obispo CA, 93403
(805) 546-3119

San Marcos, CA LVN to RN Programs:

Palomar College
1140 West Mission Road
San Marcos CA, 92069
(760) 744-1150 x2279

San Mateo, CA LVN to RN Programs:

College of San Mateo
1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard
San Mateo CA, 94402
(650) 574-6218

San Pablo, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Contra Costa College
2600 Mission Bell Drive
San Pablo CA, 94806
(510) 215-4103

Santa Ana, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Santa Ana College
1530 West 17th Street
Santa Ana CA, 92706
(714) 564-6825

Santa Barbara, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Santa Barbara City College
721 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara CA, 93109
(805) 965-0581 x2366

Santa Clara, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Mission College
3000 Mission College Boulevard, MS#19
Santa Clara CA, 95054
(408) 855-5016

Santa Clarita, CA LVN to RN Programs:
College of the Canyons
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road
Santa Clarita CA, 91355
(661) 362-3369

Santa Maria, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Allan Hancock College
800 South College Drive
Santa Maria CA, 93454
(805) 922-6966 x3543

Santa Monica, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica CA, 90405
(310) 434-3453

Santa Rosa, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Santa Rosa Junior College
1501 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa CA, 95401
(707) 527-4527

Stockton, CA LVN to RN Programs:
San Joaquin Delta College
5151 Pacific Avenue
Stockton CA, 95207
(209) 954-5454

Torrance, CA LVN to RN Programs:
El Camino College
16007 Crenshaw Boulevard
Torrance CA, 90506
(310) 900-1600 x2700

Ukiah, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Mendocino College
1000 Hensley Creek Road
Ukiah CA, 95482
(707) 468-3099

Valley Glen, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Los Angeles Valley College
5800 Fulton Avenue
Valley Glen CA, 91401
(818) 947-2559

Ventura, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Ventura College
4667 Telegraph Road
Ventura CA, 93003
(805) 289-6342

Victorville, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Victor Valley College
18422 Bear Valley Road
Victorville CA, 92395
(760) 245-4271

Visalia, CA LVN to RN Programs:
College of the Sequoias
915 South Mooney Boulevard
Visalia CA, 93277
(559) 730-3732

San Joaquin Valley College
8344 West Mineral King
Visalia CA, 93291
(559) 651-2500

Walnut, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Mt. San Antonio College
1100 North Grand Avenue
Walnut CA, 91789
(909) 274-4560

Weimar, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Weimar Institute
20601 West Paoli Lane
Weimar CA, 95736
(530) 422-7999

Whittier, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier CA, 90601
(562) 908-3421

Wilmington, CA LVN to RN Programs:
Los Angeles Harbor College
1111 Figueroa Place
Wilmington CA, 90744
(310) 233-4262

Yreka, CA LVN to RN Programs:
College of the Siskiyous
2001 Campus Drive
Yreka CA, 96097
(530) 841-5929